Speaker guide
Choosing the right speakers so you’re covered for all subliminal listening
Criteria: Stereo and a minimum upper frequency range of 20kHz
Speakers with Stereo Output
Indigo Mindlabs Subliminal require a stereo output for optimum listening. So please understand that Speakers have to be Stereo http://subliminal-talk.com/thread-531.html
I’ll assume unless told otherwise that the speakers need to be in a stereo arrangement, or at least one that is close to a preffered stereo layout. Check the image below for what is considered a standard stereo layout:
Test your stereo output:
Stereo sound test: http://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_stereo.php
Speakers with upper frequency range of at least 20 kHz
The Ultrasonic subliminal requires a speaker that has an upper frequency range of at least 20kHz, you could assume most average quality speakers will meet this requirement, but it’s NOT guaranteed. If you plan to use masked track only you do NOT need to be concerned with this value, it’s only for Ultrasonic subs.
Upper frequency range has to be at LEAST 20kHz http://subliminal-talk.com/thread-1447.html
Test your speakers for Ultrasonic compatibility - Frequency tests:
http://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_fre...ckhigh.php
http://www.subliminal-shop.com/product/speaker-test/ [/b]
Added bonus – Having 2 input sources on the same speaker
My speakers have 2 input sources, 1 uses XLR the other uses stereo jacks. This allows me to play two audio sources at the same time. Why is this important?
This means I can listen to Spotify, Radio, Music, TV, etc. on one input and at the SAME TIME play the ultrasonic subliminal on the second input on the same speaker. Sweet!!
Speakers that should make the grade
I’m not going to go into too much detail about the types of speakers. In general as long as you have stereo most speakers will make the grade or Masked tracks. Ultrasonic you will need to be more picky.
Studio Monitors
Typically used by Audio professional, the bottom line is they should create a flat output that doesn’t emphasize a particular frequency and should cover a wide frequency range. Most come with their own built in amplifier (powered) but some (passive) do require a separate amplifier. Generally more expensive but will ultimately provide exceptional audio quality. They are by no means essential for listening to a subliminal.
Couple of things to watch out for is that high end monitors are sold as a single unit, meaning you will have to buy 2 and each one will require its own plug socket to power it. Also they are more fussy about how and where you place them, you will need to get the spacing between them correct in order to get a decent stereo field.
I use studio monitors when sleeping to listen to subs but I also use them to produce music on my computer, which IS essential.
Computer / desktop speakers
Design to work on desk and smaller spaces, are generally cheap and should be the perfect companion for subliminal use in most cases. Can get some really nice high end ones £200+ and some very low end ones £10 and both should do the job.
One thing to note is that if you get a smaller set of lower price ranges speakers (typically) they may not be suitable from a long distance. As they don’t have high output power to cover the distance you will have to turn the volume up higher to cover the distance, this higher volume will distort the audio (because they are cheap) and render the subliminal useless. Again do your research and try before you buy more money doesn’t always mean better speakers.
VERY IMPORTANT TO CHECK THIS IF USING THE ULTRASONIC
It appears that some European Desktop speakers have to conform to EU law and power consumption. This is incorporated into some speakers by automatically turning off if no signal is produced. This could be a game changer if you are using them for Ultrasonic, as they MAY not detect the signal of a US and shutdown after a while without you knowing.
Check with the manufacturer if they will auto shutdown when no signal is detected. Creative speakers have the auto shutdown feature built into a lot of their speakers so are not suitable for Ultrasonics - LISTED HERE http://support.creative.com/kb/ShowArtic...?sid=12873
Wireless Stereo Speakers
Designed to be used in a wide range of scenarios such as on the go, in various rooms, travelling, etc. Typically connect via Bluetooth but may be Wi-Fi or other standards and can be a real gamble if you’re serious about your subliminal. You’re on your own here, never tried it and probably won’t given that it’s easy for me to use the cable approach.
Some questions you will need to ask before going wireless:
When playing the Ultrasonic will the device switch off due to an undetected signal? Imagine setting up your player before bed, test it and all’s ok, you tuck yourself in for a good night’s sleep. You think you’re getting 8 hours exposure only to find out a month later that it’s been switching itself of after 30 minutes!
Will the Bluetooth or WIFI compression strip out any of the subliminal data? Is there a way to tell if this happens? I don't know, therefor I wouldn't take the risk.
Do you require 2 wireless speakers to create stereo? Most of these units are sold as single MONO units like SONOS, UE BOOM which can then be paired with a second device to create Stereo. Sounds great BUT how hard is this to set up, and will you have to do this every time (i.e. before bed this could become tedious!) and then how easy is it to play from your device? These MONO devices alone will NOT give you full subliminal exposure, they will work at roughly 45% and are not recommended.
How easy is it to play the subliminal track from your device, does the speaker require some proprietary interface to play the subliminal, is this going to be annoying to do, easy to use, will it work with .flac, etc.
Choosing the right speakers so you’re covered for all subliminal listening
Criteria: Stereo and a minimum upper frequency range of 20kHz
Speakers with Stereo Output
Indigo Mindlabs Subliminal require a stereo output for optimum listening. So please understand that Speakers have to be Stereo http://subliminal-talk.com/thread-531.html
I’ll assume unless told otherwise that the speakers need to be in a stereo arrangement, or at least one that is close to a preffered stereo layout. Check the image below for what is considered a standard stereo layout:
Test your stereo output:
Stereo sound test: http://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_stereo.php
Speakers with upper frequency range of at least 20 kHz
The Ultrasonic subliminal requires a speaker that has an upper frequency range of at least 20kHz, you could assume most average quality speakers will meet this requirement, but it’s NOT guaranteed. If you plan to use masked track only you do NOT need to be concerned with this value, it’s only for Ultrasonic subs.
Upper frequency range has to be at LEAST 20kHz http://subliminal-talk.com/thread-1447.html
Test your speakers for Ultrasonic compatibility - Frequency tests:
http://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_fre...ckhigh.php
http://www.subliminal-shop.com/product/speaker-test/ [/b]
Added bonus – Having 2 input sources on the same speaker
My speakers have 2 input sources, 1 uses XLR the other uses stereo jacks. This allows me to play two audio sources at the same time. Why is this important?
This means I can listen to Spotify, Radio, Music, TV, etc. on one input and at the SAME TIME play the ultrasonic subliminal on the second input on the same speaker. Sweet!!
Speakers that should make the grade
I’m not going to go into too much detail about the types of speakers. In general as long as you have stereo most speakers will make the grade or Masked tracks. Ultrasonic you will need to be more picky.
Studio Monitors
Typically used by Audio professional, the bottom line is they should create a flat output that doesn’t emphasize a particular frequency and should cover a wide frequency range. Most come with their own built in amplifier (powered) but some (passive) do require a separate amplifier. Generally more expensive but will ultimately provide exceptional audio quality. They are by no means essential for listening to a subliminal.
Couple of things to watch out for is that high end monitors are sold as a single unit, meaning you will have to buy 2 and each one will require its own plug socket to power it. Also they are more fussy about how and where you place them, you will need to get the spacing between them correct in order to get a decent stereo field.
I use studio monitors when sleeping to listen to subs but I also use them to produce music on my computer, which IS essential.
Computer / desktop speakers
Design to work on desk and smaller spaces, are generally cheap and should be the perfect companion for subliminal use in most cases. Can get some really nice high end ones £200+ and some very low end ones £10 and both should do the job.
One thing to note is that if you get a smaller set of lower price ranges speakers (typically) they may not be suitable from a long distance. As they don’t have high output power to cover the distance you will have to turn the volume up higher to cover the distance, this higher volume will distort the audio (because they are cheap) and render the subliminal useless. Again do your research and try before you buy more money doesn’t always mean better speakers.
VERY IMPORTANT TO CHECK THIS IF USING THE ULTRASONIC
It appears that some European Desktop speakers have to conform to EU law and power consumption. This is incorporated into some speakers by automatically turning off if no signal is produced. This could be a game changer if you are using them for Ultrasonic, as they MAY not detect the signal of a US and shutdown after a while without you knowing.
Check with the manufacturer if they will auto shutdown when no signal is detected. Creative speakers have the auto shutdown feature built into a lot of their speakers so are not suitable for Ultrasonics - LISTED HERE http://support.creative.com/kb/ShowArtic...?sid=12873
Wireless Stereo Speakers
Designed to be used in a wide range of scenarios such as on the go, in various rooms, travelling, etc. Typically connect via Bluetooth but may be Wi-Fi or other standards and can be a real gamble if you’re serious about your subliminal. You’re on your own here, never tried it and probably won’t given that it’s easy for me to use the cable approach.
Some questions you will need to ask before going wireless:
When playing the Ultrasonic will the device switch off due to an undetected signal? Imagine setting up your player before bed, test it and all’s ok, you tuck yourself in for a good night’s sleep. You think you’re getting 8 hours exposure only to find out a month later that it’s been switching itself of after 30 minutes!
Will the Bluetooth or WIFI compression strip out any of the subliminal data? Is there a way to tell if this happens? I don't know, therefor I wouldn't take the risk.
Do you require 2 wireless speakers to create stereo? Most of these units are sold as single MONO units like SONOS, UE BOOM which can then be paired with a second device to create Stereo. Sounds great BUT how hard is this to set up, and will you have to do this every time (i.e. before bed this could become tedious!) and then how easy is it to play from your device? These MONO devices alone will NOT give you full subliminal exposure, they will work at roughly 45% and are not recommended.
How easy is it to play the subliminal track from your device, does the speaker require some proprietary interface to play the subliminal, is this going to be annoying to do, easy to use, will it work with .flac, etc.