Filed under: Audio, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Productivity, Freeware
Download coffee (or at least its effect)
by Jason Clarke Jan 20th 2007 at 5:00PM
Okay, there's no doubt this is a quirky download. I'll tell you right now that it's not a software download; this one is a simple sound file. If you're not interested, I suggest you move right on... but if you're interested, check it out. Stefanos Karagos posted about a 20 MB MP3 sound file he created that exploits the brain's Frequency Following Response to give the listener a boost of energy, similar to what you'd experience from drinking a coffee. The instructions for use are quite simple; use stereo headphones, only play it once in a session (don't let it loop), and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
The sound file sounds like a nature tape (birds chirping, etc) mixed with what seems like random noise at a very slowly escalating pitch. I was surprised how much it affected me; a couple of times I found myself actually becoming anxious, before realizing that I was simply being manipulated (by my own doing) by a sound file. Crazy, eh?
If you're skeptical or simply want to learn more about what this is all about, the site contains a very nice description of the theories involved. Also, there is a warning that explains who shouldn't attempt to use this sound file due to the techniques it uses.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Foxglove said 6:54PM on 1-26-2007
Interesting, but remember to read the warnings at the bottom of the post!
"WARNING!
The following people should not use brain entrainment:
> People subject to any forms of seizures or epilepsy
> People using pacemakers
> People suffering from cardiac arrhythmia or other heart disorders
> People taking stimulants, psychoactive drugs, or tranquilizers"
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Grant H said 6:17PM on 1-20-2007
Tried it, it worked. Can't help but think it's the placebo effect though. Either way though right? Good find guys!
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Parker said 6:23PM on 1-20-2007
Pseudoscience at its best! I think I'd rather just drink a cup of coffee.
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Huw said 8:30PM on 1-20-2007
Switch off your sound card's acceleration or it won't work (barring any placebo effect).
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Si said 9:03PM on 1-20-2007
Well I'm currently trying to stay awake for the Ricky Hatton fight which, being held in vegas, is happening in the middle of the night (I'm in the uk btw). I do feel a little more awake after listening to it, although I had this constant feeling that someone close had left a washing machine on.
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