Light & Sound Machines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a light and sound machine?

A light and sound mind machine is a specialized computer intended to present flashing lights that can be easily sensed through closed eyelids and binaural audio beats at very specific frequencies. These frequencies change during a programmed session, producing vivid colors and soothing sounds that tend to quiet the mind and relax the person experiencing it.

When you wish to access different states of mind, you can select a pre-set session of scientifically designed sequences of pulsed light and sound frequencies. For example, if you want to slow down and relax deeply or sleep, you simply choose a relaxation/sleep program from the list provided with the machine, sit or lie back with the LED glasses and headphones on, and let the flickering lights and sounds direct your brainwaves and gently lead them into relaxation or sleep.

What are the benefits of using a Light and Sound Machine?

Most people need to learn to relax deeply and let go of the stresses and concerns of their life, even for a brief period like 15 - 30 minutes once or more per day for a while. Often sleep will not provide this kind of release and rest. Light/Sound devices can induce the Theta state in which the mind can shut down and allow the body to rest profoundly. A week or so of daily sessions can create some amazing differences in our ability to handle stress and respond in more creative, less reactive ways. When coupled with tapes/CDs that have properly scripted change messages, mind machine users have found that they think more clearly and positively, feel happier and calm, and have more energy and fewer health problems. You will start to have more times in which you perform optimally, like a well-conditioned athlete in the \\"zone.\\"

How do you operate a Light and Sound Machine?

Find a quiet place to sit or lie down. Select a session that matches your intention, ie: relaxation, learning, energizing, etc. Start the session. Now the most important thing to do... NOTHING! That's right, don't do anything. Don't try to relax or even pay attention. Just let whatever may happen, happen. Let go and let the lights and sounds carry you away. You may drift off and feel like you went to sleep. That's fine. This is not a test. You can't do it wrong.

You may be amazed to find out how productive, efficient, and cheerful you can become doing "nothing". The time you spent doing nothing might be some of the most productive time you spend!

Why should I use a Light Sound Machine?

"I was using the Orion (now Sirius) with a client who reported suffering from depression. I was adjusting the frequency of the lights when the client suddenly yelled out to me to stop at a certain frequency. The client was seeing recognizable imagery! What's more, when I placed the glasses on myself, I saw clear recognizable imagery, too! All I could figure was that the frequency matched some physical brain structure that opened imagery to me (and my client).

What I saw was clear and distinct as though I was looking out the window at an actual scene. The colors were as clear as broad daylight. What's more, the scene changed in a logical order; that is, it proceeded like I was watching a movie. My client, too, saw a moving imagery that was spontaneous. I suspect that the frequency triggered spontaneous imagery related to deeper issues that were metaphorically represented.

Since then, I've experimented with the Galaxy/Orion on a number of clients and several have reported spontaneous imagery at frequencies of 12.3 to 12.8 hz. More imagery was reported at 12.7 hz unison (both lights flashing in unison) than at other frequencies in that range. In one instance, a person reported imagery that invoked strong emotion that we could work with using Rapid Eye Technology (RET), an eye movement and blinking process for relieving stress. Most other clients merely received insight or, in some cases, "gee whiz" information. As a therapist versed in metaphor, I could use their "gee whiz" imagery to draw useful information for the client's sessions.

Not everyone who tries this process sees visions. Of 25 clients I've tried this with, 14 saw visions, 2 saw 'something interesting', and the rest saw lights flashing or unrecognizable patterns. All the clients I tried this with were clients I'd had for some time and had received several sessions.\" - Joseph Bennette, MRET, CHt

Who should not use it?

If you have a seizure disorder or are under a doctor's care, you should definitely consult with your health care provider before trying a Light and Sound mind machine.

Which mind machine is best?

Like any other kind of computer, it depends on what you want to do. If you want simplicity and ease of use, you may prefer the Voyager Galaxy, MindPlace Sirius, or Photosonix Luma10. These machines offer great benefits along with ease of use.

If you want fantastic effects - like a 4th of July fireworks display, then the Voyager Mind's Eye is for you. This is the only machine I know of that leaps from frequency to frequency without ramping. That means it will produce 3 hz then suddenly produce 15 hz. That equates to an explosive display. Of course, you can tone it down if you wish with the intensity controls, but if you want that WOW experience, this is the ultimate.

If you are looking for features, the MindPlace Proteus and Photosonix NovaPro 100 machines have it all. From great programs to computer programming to manual control, you can do just about everything you want with these machines.

If you are looking for interconnection, the Proteus and Voyager Mind's Eye can connect to the ThoughtStream Biofeedback machine, giving you control over the display by using your mind - lower your level of excitement and you slow the light/sound display. Increase your excitement level and you speed the display.

What CDs work well with a Light and Sound Machine?

You can use any audio material you wish, from relaxing music that you enjoy, to tapes or CDs you've created with affirmations, to sophisticated combinations of binaural beats and hypnoperipheral messages. You'll find a quantity of special audio CDs for mind machines at 1derWorks. We also offer hypnotic audio CDs that work well with a mind machine even though they are not specifically created for mind machines.

Can I use a PC to mimic the effects of a Mind Machine?

Yes. You can download free software to create your own sessions to play on a Windows PC using a set of liteframe glasses. Click here to download free software. Just plug a pair of liteframe glasses and headphones into your PC's audio out jack(s) and play your session. We recommend the new Photosonix ColorTrack glasses for the ultimate experience.