Shannon's Journal Discussion Thread, Vol. 5

[fab10]

Hybrid includes ultrasonic.  That is not a wise thing to do on earbuds.  Especially on earbuds.  The volume from the speaker does not equate.  it is much higher, relatively, through earbuds.  It can potentially also damage your hearing to listen to ultrasonic that loud through earbuds.

I was a bit surprised by this.

Would it be possible for you to briefly sum up the suggested format and volume level for iphone speaker and earbuds for OF?

I am quite sure that I have read conflicting information about using hybrid with earphones or earbuds:
a) Do not do it
b) It can be done as long the volume of the audible (masked) track is well within comfortable range, or one click lower.

A final word on this would be great Shannon. Thanks.

When using ultrasonic or hybrid, it is not recommended that you use it on headphones because it can cause damage if the ultrasonic portion is too loud.  Earbuds put the speaker physically inside your ear.  That means the relative volume will be even higher than it was with headphones, at the same volume setting.  

What I want to clarify is that when I say to use it on your phone at 13/15, I mean that it should be played through the phone's speaker at that volume.  It will very likely be too loud through headphones, and especially through earbuds, at that very same volume.  Even more especially if it is ultrasonic, or includes ultrasonic.

You can use ultrasonic or hybrid through headphones or earbuds, but it isn't a good idea.  If you do, you have to adjust the volume to be appropriate to the proximity of the speaker to your ear by calibrating with an audible source.  You also have to pay close attention to whether the volume causes you tinnitus, and either lower it or switch tracks if it does.

That is the final word.

Apologize if this has been my question below has been clarified in another thread, but I couldn't find it anywhere.

Is one format stronger/more effective than another?

As far as I understand from the post below, you can use:
a) Ultrasonic or hybrid on 13/15 on your phone speaker. I guess this also depends on how far the speaker is away from your head, or: 
b) Masked on (medium volume) with earbuds/headphones.

One factor you might also want to consider is that ultrasonic is more flexible and easier to use, it’s much easier to talk on the phone and watch TV with ultrasonic for example. And you do not have to explain to anyone why on earth you are listening to trickling water. For me personally it’s also the best format to use at night, it does not bother my sleep, unlike the audible formats.