Explore Sound Design for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep
This is a companion series for all of the work done at The Wayfarer Project for the production of sound experiences for relaxation, meditation, and sleep. In this series, Dr. Lawrence W. Moore shows the techniques that he employs in making his sound experiences so that the listeners can better understand what they are and how they are used. This will aid in communication when listeners leave feedback about the sound experiences. The goal is for the feedback from listeners to aid in producing more effective experiences and a wider variety of experiences that help more individuals. Not everyone responds the same to different techniques that are utilized and knowing these techniques better will help Dr. Moore provide more variety and make some of the techniques more effective for different listeners. Additionally, one who is interested in developing his or her own experiences can benefit from learning how these techniques are employed.
001 The Techniques that I Use In VCV Rack
This series is a companion series for Sound for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep. Here, we will discuss the different techniques and elements that go into making these sound experiences for helping one to relax, meditate with a quieter mind, or sleep better. Many different techniques have been used in the first 7 sessions, ranging from ocean waves, binaural beats, synth ASMR, ambient musical tones, and uplifting harmonics. In this series, audience feedback is great appreciated to help better the sound experiences and to help make them effective for more people.
002 – Making Ocean Waves Sounds in VCV Rack
One of the most soothing sounds in nature is that of ocean waves. Synthesizing ocean waves sounds is not necessarily difficulty, but refining them to the point of sounding natural while controlling their rate to slow the mind is an art form. First performed by the work done at the Monroe Institute founded by Robert A. Monroe, the synthesized sound of ocean waves played an important part of the Gateway Experience recordings. They are also playing a major role in the Sound Experiments for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep series. They help relax and sooth us while conjuring up visions of beautiful places. Additionally, they help us to slow our breathing and keep is regular without being robotic. Finally, they help to lull the active side of our minds into a state of contentment.
003 – Making Binaural Beats in VCV Rack & Effect on Brain Wave Frequencies
In this episode we look at how binaural beating can be used to affect brain wave frequencies to aid in relaxation, meditation, and sleep. In the Sound experiments series that runs parallel to this one, binaural beating is utilized to help produce a delta wave frequency range of brain wave function, that would be conducive for sleep. Dr. Lawrence W. Moore describes the different brain wave frequency ranges, alpha, beta, theta, and delta and demonstrates how he uses VCV Rack to produce binaural beats that create the pulsing effect to the two brain hemispheres to produce the effect.
004 – Making Synthesized Tibetan Singing Bowl Harmonics in VCV Rack
In this episode, we see how Dr. Lawrence W. Moore uses VCV Rack to make synthesized Tibetan singing bowl harmonics in his Sound Experiments for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep. He shows how the module settings are designed to emphasize moving harmonics that have a similar modulation to the Tibetan singing bowls. He also shows how to tune some modules in VCV Rack to A 432 Hz to take advantage of that tuning system. He shows what is coming up in the next sound experiment so that the audience can provide feedback about how the different techniques utilized affect their experience.
005 -Making Synth ASMR Prickles in VCV Rack -Acupuncture for the Mind
One of the more popular techniques for aiding in relaxation, meditation, and sleep is ASMR. There is one form of ASMR that is called Synth ASMR that uses synthesized sounds to stimulate a meridian response. In this episode, we look at how this is done in the Sound Experiments for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep series. In this episode, Dr. Lawrence W. Moore shows his approach to Synth ASMR using some free modules for VCV Rack. This technique has become a regular part of the series alongside the binaural beats, ocean waves, singing bowl harmonics, and ambient melody.
006 – More Approaches to Binaural Beats & Uplifting Harmonics in VCV Rack
While we have covered some approaches to binaural beats (binaural beating) in past episodes, this episode will show a new/old approach to binaural beating that is more true to the work done by Robert A. Monroe in The Gateway Experience recordings. We look at the frequencies of the tones that were used and the beat frequency for achieving an upper delta and lower theta brain wave frequency. We also look at how these frequencies affect the harmonics also used in the Sound Experiments for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep series. The approach is to make the series of harmonics compatible with the frequencies used for binaural beating. Additionally, Dr. Lawrence W. Moore also shows some changes he has made in his synthesized ocean waves as well as synth ASMR prickle sounds. The prickles are becoming more like water bubbles and droplets.
007 – Making a Relaxing Rain Sound in VCV Rack
As Dr. Lawrence W. Moore’s efforts in making quality sound experiences for relaxation, meditation, and sleep continue, we now take a look at adding a peaceful and relaxing rain sound that was requested by AmeliaBodilia a little while ago. This video show one how to make a steady rainfall sound that is real axing in VCV Rack. At different points along the way, Moore shows how to vary the sound and go of in different directions to customize the sound. All of the modules used in this video are from the free community library and free VCV fundamental library. In other words, anyone can make this sound without having to buy software.
Making a Rain Sound & Harmonic Modulation of Binaural Beats in VCV Rack
In the previous episode of Sound Design for Relaxation, Meditation,a and Sleep, we looked at how to make a synthesized rain sound in VCV Rack. After the release of Sound Experiment 013, it was necessary to update that design and introduce a new approach tot he binaural beats. This episode shows how Dr. Lawrence W. Moore improved on his relaxing rain sound design to make it sound even more natural and pleasing. He Also shows how he changed his approach to binaural beating back to the A 432 Hz series of tones he used earlier, but with a new waveform for the tone with filtering to bring out some harmonic movement. He also shows how he made the ambient music for Sound Experiments for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep 013.
009 – How to Make Bird Sounds in VCV Rack Using Free Modules
Bird sounds are quite lovely and would be a great addition to the sound Experiments for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep series. In this episode we look at how to make bird sounds using only free modules in VCV Rack. Specifically, we look at making singing bird song. The result is quite realistic. We look at a technique first using the additive oscillator from Van Ties. As the episode progresses, we see how to accomplish the same thing using a standard sine waves, frequency modulation, and a chorus. A random generator also plays an important role int he setup along with a great sounding reverb from SurgeXT. Dr. Lawrence W. Moore guide you through the whole process and shows you what variables can be adjusted to customize your own bird sounds.
010 – How to Make Cricket Sounds in VCV Rack with Free Modules
Cricket sounds are very useful for any sound experience that is deisgned for relaxation, meditation, or sleep. The sound of crickets are one of those sounds of nature that have a natural rhythm to it that employs a slight amount of chaos to create a beautiful variation. In this episode, we look at how to make cricket sounds and how to vary the sounds in an umber of ways so that they can be customized. We try out different waveforms to allow for different variations of brightness, and we look at different ways of using the chorus and the reverb to vary the thickness and perspective. Of course, we look at the essential source and and look at the basic principles for making the cricket sound to begin with. This episode uses only free modules in VCV Rack to synthesize cricket sounds, so that anyone can make this sound!
011 How to Make Bubbling & Running Water Sounds in VCV Rack with Free Modules
The sound of running, flowing, or bubbling water is definitely a very relaxing sound that can be used in relaxation, meditation, and sleep. In this episode , we look at how one can utilize free modules from VCV Rack to make such sounds. Specifically, we will make the sound of a waterfall in a cave flowing into a bubbling pool of water. Along the way, we will look at how one can take the sound design in different directions to customize the sound for one’s own needs. At the heart of it all is the Macro Oscillator 2 from Audible Instruments, along with the VCF from SurgeXT modulated by the random module from VCV.
12 – Making an Even Better Light, Relaxing Rain Sound in VCV Rack for Free
In this episode of Sound Design for Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep, we look at how to make an even better light, steady, relaxing rain sound in VCV Rack. All of the modules used in this episode are free modules. The resulting rain sound is relaxing and light enough to be used for relaxation purposes. The sound design has a few different variable to it that you can customize for your own purposes. These different possibilities are shown int he episode. The heart of the sound generation features the Macro Oscillator 2 from Audible Instruments, the Rnadom module from VCV Rack, and the VCF and Reverb 2 modules from SurgeXT. This rain will be featured in Sound Experiment 014 for Relaxation Meditation and Sleep. Your feedback is welcome!
