Why Do Schumann Resonators Work?


Schumann Resonators are little boxes you plug into the wall that produce electromagnetic radiation tuned to 7.83 Hz. This is the frequency that the earth/atmosphere system “rings” at when the Earth is struck by lightning. It is also a common frequency your brain “ticks” at.

When employed in the listening room, many people claim it makes their audio sound better. If this is true, then what is the mechanism of action?

-Is it a matter of the resonator producing a more relaxed mental state?
-Does it help block or alter electromagnetic interference?
-Does it add its own electromagnetic interference to your system that just so happens to be pleasing?

I experimented with one recently and what I noticed is that it seemed to remove some of the high frequency nasties or what some might call “digital glare” (although digital glare can also show up in analog systems). When I made this observation, the resonator was placed right next to my power strip that my CD player, preamp and some other devices are plugged into.

My “proof” of the effect is that I could turn the volume up louder than usual without it sounding “too loud.” The sound levels of the system weren’t any quieter, it’s just that the digital glare was reduced so that I could go louder before thinking “this is too loud,” which usually isn’t a sound level thing per se but the point as which some frequency (often the highs) become irritating.

So who here has experience with these devices? Do you like them? Does anyone know why they work?
128x128mkgus

Showing 4 responses by wlutke

I’m sure puzzled.  Isn’t everything below radio frequency an electromagnetic field, no wave involved?  I can understand a wave modulated at 7.83 Hz but transmitted?  
geoffkait,
"Acoustic waves are on a different spectrum."  
That's the root of my question.  Below radio frequencies is the ultrasonic, sonic and subsonic, none of which can be broadcast without an electromagnetic carrier frequency.  Does that not preclude a subsonic electromagnetic wave?
geoffkait,
I understand.  My point being broadcast electromagnet spectrum vs that which requires a conductor to propagate (DC to sub radio.)   Yes, electromagnetic audio frequencies can be transmitted through wire but there is no wave transmitted, only current through, and a field about, a wire.  How can a 7.83 Hz signal be broadcast into a room without a carrier wave?
geoffkait,
"not all EM waves require a conductor."
The 7.83 Hz one does.
"As for the current and the wave - the current is the wave. Wave hello!"
Sure.  So how does that wire confined "wave" broadcast into the room? hello!?