Color Noises – Complete List With Audio Examples

You’ve heard that color noise may help with sleep, focus, or even the tinnitus but not quite sure which sounds to use and what are the benefits?

From white noise to black and every other color in between, it’s easy to get confused.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about color spectrum noises and will give you the most complete list of different types of color noise and explain their therapeutic effects.

Audio examples included!

Key Takeaways

• Color noises refer to different types of sound frequencies categorized by how their energy is distributed across the sound spectrum.
• There are eight color noises: white, pink, brown, blue, violet, grey, green, and black.
• Different types of color noises work best for specific needs, like sleep, focus, anxiety, and so on. Read the post to learn the benefits of each type.
• You can download color noise audio sounds or use some household items to simulate color noise.

What is color noise?

Color noises refer to different types of sound frequencies categorized by how their energy is distributed across the sound spectrum, with examples like white, pink, brown, and blue noise.

These noises are also known as colored noises or spectral noises and are named metaphorically based on their sound properties.

In therapy, color noises are used for relaxation, sleep improvement, and focus enhancement, with each type suited to specific needs.

Related: Learn about other healing frequencies and their benefits.

Here’s an example of white noise, one of the most common color noises:

How many color noises are there?

There are six commonly recognized color noises: white, pink, brown, blue, violet, and grey.

Additionally there’s a black noise, however it is often consists of near silence, with occasional bursts of sound, making it unique in its focus on quietness rather than a specific frequency distribution.

Some sound therapist describe mid-range noise frequencies as green noise that mimics soothing sounds from nature, like waves or wind, making it great for relaxation and sleep.

different color noise types

The diagram below explains different color noises and what they do:

Here’s a complete list of different color noises along with their benefits and sound examples.

White Noise

White noise has equal energy across all frequencies, producing a constant hissing sound.

It is commonly used to mask background noises, improve focus, and promote restful sleep.

Its ability to create a uniform sound environment helps people concentrate and reduce distractions.

Pink Noise

Pink noise contains more energy in lower frequencies, creating a deeper, softer sound that resembles natural elements like rain or wind.

It is effective in promoting sleep, relaxation, and improving concentration by providing a soothing background sound.

Pink noise is often used for sleep therapy and sound masking.

Brown Noise

Brown noise has even more energy concentrated in lower frequencies, producing a deep, rumbling sound similar to thunder.

It is beneficial for relaxation, reducing anxiety, and helping with sleep, as the low-frequency tones can be more calming.

It is commonly used in sleep therapy and relaxation techniques.

Blue Noise

Blue noise emphasizes higher frequencies, producing a sharper, hiss-like sound.

It is often used in sound engineering, audio dithering, and masking high-pitched environmental sounds.

Its sharper frequency profile can help with focus and concentration in noisy environments.

Violet Noise

Violet noise contains the most energy in the highest frequencies, creating a sharp, high-pitched sound.

It is often used to mask high-frequency sounds or to help alleviate tinnitus by covering high-pitched ringing.

Violet noise can also be used in specific therapeutic settings to mask high-frequency environmental noises.

Grey Noise

Grey noise is tailored to human hearing, with frequencies adjusted to be perceived as equally loud across the spectrum.

Its balanced frequency distribution makes it ideal for sound masking and providing a neutral background sound for extended listening.

Grey noise is useful in environments requiring consistent, comfortable background noise.

Black Noise

Black noise is characterized by silence or very low-level sound, with occasional bursts (optionally).

It is often used for deep relaxation, meditation, and auditory rest, as it provides an undisturbed and quiet environment.

Black noise is unique in its focus on creating stillness, rather than masking other sounds.

NEW: Green Noise

Green noise refers to a type of noise sound that mirrors the natural, calming frequencies found in nature, particularly around the middle frequencies where human hearing is most sensitive.

This type of color noise is often described as a “gentle” sound, resembling soft ocean waves, a calm river, or the rustling of leaves.

Green noise is considered soothing and is used for relaxation and stress reduction, as its nature-inspired frequencies provide a peaceful, grounding auditory environment.

More Types of Color Noise: Red, Yellow, Teal, and Orange

In addition to the widely recognized color noises, new conceptual types like red noise, yellow noise, teal noise, and orange noise have emerged.

Each of these noise types offers its unique auditory properties and potential benefits.

Here’s what you need to know about these recent additions to the color noise spectrum:

Red Noise

Red noise emphasizes low frequencies, producing a deep, rumbling sound reminiscent of thunder or distant waterfalls.

It is great for promoting relaxation, improving sleep, and masking background noise. The grounding tones of the red noise can also help alleviate tinnitus and create a calming environment.

Yellow Noise

Yellow noise highlights higher midrange frequencies, offering a bright and stimulating tone.

It’s particularly useful for enhancing focus and alertness, making it ideal for work or study. While still calming, yellow noise offers a balance between engagement and relaxation.

Teal Noise

Teal noise combines midrange warmth with high-frequency clarity, evoking a tranquil, aquatic-inspired sound.

This type of color noise is perfect for mindfulness, relaxation, and masking background noise in a way that feels natural and soothing. Use it to promote focus and creativity.

Orange Noise

Orange noise provides a warm and balanced sound, emphasizing lower-mid to midrange frequencies

Orange noises are excellent for reducing stress, enhancing emotional comfort, and promoting relaxation. The mellow tones create a grounding and peaceful auditory experience, perfect for meditation or quiet moments.

do i need to buy a color noise machine?

No, you don’t necessarily need to buy a noise machine to listen to color noises.

You can easily access various color noise sounds through apps, websites, or streaming platforms, including our site.

Browse all available color noise downloads.

Can I generate color noise sounds at home?

You don’t have to look far if you want to try color noise.

Many common household items and appliances can generate sounds similar to color noise.

Here are a few examples:

Fans or Air Conditioners

These produce a consistent sound similar to white or pink noise, which can help mask background noise and aid in sleep.

Vacuum Cleaners

The steady hum of a vacuum cleaner mimics low-frequency noises, similar to brown noise.

Hair Dryers

Hair dryers emit a continuous sound that resembles white or pink noise, which some people find soothing.

Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers

These devices produce a low, steady sound, which can resemble pink or brown noise, depending on their operation.

Dishwashers or Washing Machines

The rhythmic sounds from these machines can mimic a form of low-frequency noise, providing a soothing background.

Running Water

The sound of water running in a sink or shower can produce natural white or pink noise.

How wellness professionals can use color noises?

Sleep Therapy

White, pink, and brown noise are commonly used in sleep clinics or wellness centers to help clients improve sleep quality. These noises can mask disruptive sounds and create a calming environment conducive to rest.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Pink and brown noise are often played during meditation, massage, or relaxation sessions to promote calmness and reduce anxiety. Their natural, deep tones help clients enter a state of relaxation more easily.

Focus and Concentration

White and blue noise can be used in wellness environments that promote productivity and mindfulness. These noises can help individuals stay focused by masking distracting background sounds.

Sound Therapy for Tinnitus

Violet noise, which emphasizes high frequencies, is used by audiologists and wellness professionals to alleviate symptoms of tinnitus by masking high-pitched ringing in the ears.

Guided Meditation and Mindfulness

Grey or black noise (silence with occasional sound bursts) can be used to create a minimal auditory environment for deep meditation, mindfulness, or breathwork practices, helping clients focus inward.

Related: How to make money on YouTube with meditation videos

Looking for color noise sounds to use in professional or business projects?

Or stream healing frequencies directly to your clients.

Finally, let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions we get from our clients.

Got a question? Ask in our relaxation community forum.

10 most frequently asked questions about color and spectrum noises

What is the difference between white noise and pink noise?

White noise has equal energy across all frequencies, while pink noise has more energy in lower frequencies, producing a deeper sound.

Which color noise is best for sleep?

Pink and brown noise are often recommended for sleep due to their calming, natural sound profiles. Green noise is also good for sleep. Its soothing, midrange frequencies resemble natural sounds, like flowing water or gentle wind, and help to create a calm environment that promote relaxation and sleep.

Can listening to color noise for long periods damage my hearing?

At safe volumes, color noise is generally not harmful, but prolonged exposure to high volumes can lead to hearing damage.

How does brown noise help with relaxation compared to other noise colors?

Brown noise has deeper, bass-heavy frequencies, which can create a more soothing and grounding atmosphere for relaxation.

Is one type of color noise better for focus or concentration?

White noise and blue noise are commonly used for focus as they effectively mask distracting sounds across different frequencies.

Can color noise help with tinnitus, and if so, which type is most effective?

Violet noise, with its emphasis on high frequencies, is often used to help alleviate tinnitus by masking high-pitched ringing.

What are the health risks or advisories related to using color noises?

Listening at high volumes for long periods can pose hearing risks, especially for infants or those with sensitive hearing.

How do the various color noises (white, pink, brown, etc.) sound different from each other?

They vary in frequency distribution: white noise sounds like a consistent hiss, pink noise is deeper, brown noise is rumbling, and blue or violet noise is sharper.

Can I use color noise for babies, and if so, which type is safest?

Pink or brown noise at low volumes is often considered safest for babies, as it mimics natural sounds and is less harsh than white noise.

Which color noise is best for masking background noise in a noisy environment?

White noise is commonly used to mask background sounds across all frequencies, making it ideal for noisy environments.

Did we miss any color spectral noises?

Feel free to let us know by posting a comment!

Questions?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Post a comment