Pop quiz, win a prize. How does a Schumann resonator generate a 7.83 Hz signal in the room given that the antenna size required would be in the order of 25,000 miles? Set of 3 Flying Saucers on Afterburners for Windows to the first correct answer.
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?
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?
199 responses Add your response
Correction, maybe. Acoustic Revive states their Schumann resonators must be at least 1m50cm above the floor for best results and not right next to any electronics. That’s about 60 inches. The height of my USB resonators is 65 inches. Why this height is critical, who knows? Do all Schumann resonators follow that rule? You decide. The Schumann wavelength of 25,000 miles is going to have some difficulty fitting in the room anyway. |
jerrybj Will try Mahgister’s idea of Shungite on a Schumann Resonator. Just have to find that post. >>>>>>Was that Mahgister’s idea or mine? It sure is getting confusing. 😲 Squeeze🔜🔚 the photons! 🤗 |
I so enjoy "chatting" with people who say things blatantly wrong, and when shown they are blatantly wrong, they try to deflect (obviously) from their error as opposed to admitting their mistake. It is not the behaviour of a mature adult. Either way ... Mahgister, I am not a Schumann resonator advocate, but I expect that the accuracy is sufficient to be within the range of the typical resonance. |
Care and feeding of Schumann frequency devices. I am currently using two BLACK USB little finger size devices from Hong Kong, supposedly much more accurate than their BLUE USB device. So like any thinking lemming I bought the BLACK ones. $50 bucks each vs $25 for the BLUE. Height above the floor should be at least 1.5 meter. Who knows why? In this I am like a lemming, following blindly what many have said over the years. This particular USB device needs to be plugged into a 2 amp cellphone wall adaptor using a 2 meter USB cable to achieve proper height. I use a small flexible rubber band to connect the SCHUMANN device to a clip on the wall, thus isolating the device and the cable. I use PPT Graphene contact enhancer on all electrical contacts - two for the USB cable and two for each wall plug. The finger size USB SCHUMANN devices themselves have a shungite plate stuck to either side, each plate has got one of my Flying Saucer copper foils. These shungite plates (I am pretty sure) confine the Schumann signal and prevent it from radiating in two dimensions, thus increasing signal power in the remaining directions. But I’m not married to that theory. A Mini Brilliant Pebbles tops off each wall adaptor. Better safe than sorry. |
The resonance frequency ferries from about 7.65 to over 7.9 Hertz in the course of a day and varies the same way almost everyday but I did some seasonal variation. This is due 2 compression of the ionosphere due the solar winds coupled with where are the Schumann resonance is most excited typically Africa. There are a fair number I've studies that have measured this. They are relatively easily researched. 7.83 is just an average. It is not an exact frequency and is similar to a broken clock in that it is only right twice a day or so. A $0.10 or less Crystal resonator on the other hand is probably accurate over a reasonable temperature range two one one hundredth of a percent or better. |
Thanks Geoffkait I get the point.... I presume that my cheap inexact S.G. works my "room acoustic" tough, nevermind being accurate, because they enhance the effect of the stones associated or connected to them... I said so because the effect is very audible.... I am no scientist and never pretend to explain something, just describing my experience.... My best to you... This lowest-frequency (and highest-intensity) mode of the Schumann resonance occurs at a frequency of approximately 4.11 Hz, but this frequency can vary slightly from a variety of factors, such as solar-induced perturbations to the ionosphere, which compresses the upper wall of the closed cavity.[citation needed] The higher resonance modes are spaced at approximately 6.5 Hz intervals,[citation needed] a characteristic attributed to the atmosphere’s spherical geometry. The peaks exhibit a spectral width of approximately 20% on account of the damping of the respective modes in the dissipative cavity.i think that the incaccuracy of my cheap S.G. are perhaps between these 4 Hz and 8 Hz, and perhaps total accuracy (7.83 Hz) is not the only reason to the room acoustic transformation.... |
Description[edit] This global electromagnetic resonance phenomenon is named after physicist Winfried Otto Schumann who predicted it mathematically in 1952. Schumann resonances occur because the space between the surface of the Earth and the conductive ionosphere acts as a closed waveguide. The limited dimensions of the Earth cause this waveguide to act as a resonant cavity for electromagnetic wavesin the ELF band. The cavity is naturally excited by electric currents in lightning. Schumann resonances are the principal background in the part of the electromagnetic spectrum[2] from 3 Hz through 60 Hz,[3] and appear as distinct peaks at extremely low frequencies (ELF) around 7.83 Hz (fundamental),[4] 14.3, 20.8, 27.3 and 33.8 Hz.[5] In the normal mode descriptions of Schumann resonances, the fundamental modeis a standing wave in the Earth–ionosphere cavity with a wavelength equal to the circumference of the Earth. This lowest-frequency (and highest-intensity) mode of the Schumann resonance occurs at a frequency of approximately 4.11 Hz, but this frequency can vary slightly from a variety of factors, such as solar-induced perturbations to the ionosphere, which compresses the upper wall of the closed cavity.[citation needed] The higher resonance modes are spaced at approximately 6.5 Hz intervals,[citation needed] a characteristic attributed to the atmosphere’s spherical geometry. The peaks exhibit a spectral width of approximately 20% on account of the damping of the respective modes in the dissipative cavity. The 8th partial lies at approximately 60 Hz.[citation needed] >>>>>>Translation: The Schumann resonance is not a range of frequencies, it’s a set of frequencies. The Schumann fundamental is 7.83 Hz and associated harmonic peaks. So, if a device can’t produce the 7.83 Hz fundamental accurately the “peaks” will not be produced accurately either. |
I have little doubt that the frequency exactitude emission of these cheap S.G. are very poor...Like you said we gain what we pay for usually and not more... But my point is that is not perhaps only the exact Schumann frequency "per se" that had an acoustical effect... But perhaps a little more variable range of frequencies than the exact Schumann frequency... My other point is that in my audio grid these cheap engines work more like emission enhancer apparatus for my stones than Schumann frequency generator " per se".... My best to you and to all, like always and forever... |
Isn’t it the Government that never purchases a product from the lowest bidder? For any audio product you can think of there is always someone who will sell it at the lowest possible price. That’s just the way the market works. The caveate is obviously that you usually get what you pay for. Metaphors be with you! |
The Schumann Generator I use are the cheapest ( 13 dollars) and their impact is not placebos effect … But I am sure than if I had less cleaned system, no treated room, no vibrations methods in place, I would have sense very little impact , probably none like many, and perhaps so little effect that I will not be certain if it is placebo or not.... I am sure that costlier one must be more impactful because more precise, but the upgrading acoustic effect is there with the cheapest, …. I had 6 S.G. and I can listen to the differences each couple made if connected or not... They enhance the stones I use on top of them or under them... And my thin and small "golden" plates are magical over them.... The S.G. act like an acoustic room transformer with none negative effect, on the contrary... My best... |
It’s true there are a number of very low frequency electromagnetic waves related to human brain function such as Alpha and Theta waves in the general vicinity of 4-12 Hz. As far as I know the Schumann frequency is the only one that improves the sound but I’m not 100%. The more expensive a Schumann device the more accurate the 7.83 Hz signal, I’m not 100% on that either. Maybe only 90%. On the other hand the ones I’m using are only 50 duckaleros. |
I've never tried a Scumann deice, may try a cheap one to see if they do anything for me. I just noticed the other day that Kemp makes a Scumann Composer unit that isn't just relegated to the 7.83 Hz frequency but also operates on six different frequencies, with dials for each. I'm wondering how much of a difference that can make vs. the 7.83 Hz frequency alone? |
Nothing. The reason audiophile Schumann frequency generators work is because the natural one is too low in amplitude. So no, they wouldn’t cancel. What you should have asked is, if you have two Schumann frequency generators would they cancel each other? Or would they reinforce each other? Do you have to synchronize them? For further study: how does a 25,000 mile wavelength signal fit into a room? Prize for first correct answer. |
I have a few Schumann Resonators. When first used one last year: "I swear I hear a difference. A little more depth? Tried on a bunch of different music. Hard to pinpoint what the difference is." A month later "More authority to the music; a tighter grip. A little more depth as well." Two in the lounge with music. Did notice more authority when I first used them. Has now blended in as the norm. I initially felt a little spaced out. So, I ordered expensive ones from David in Indonesia. The Schumann Chatres SE 4 for US$150 and the Schumann Resonator Chatres Mk3 for US$89. Unfortunately I have not positioned them well in my lounge. |
I even pay less for the S.G., 10 dollars chineese usb one nude bare pcb electronics with no box +a usb cable (Ebay)... They work fine, and you can hear audible effect... It is better to buy 6 S.G. at 60 bucks all in all, to locate them at different spots and height than only one at prohibitive price... The effect distributed at different location is at least equal to the Acoustic Revive pricey one , and is astounding for me, then they work fine...I modified them without fear at this price, but without modification a more atmospherical imaging is immediately noticeable... |
mitch2 Is this common for the other on-line units discussed here? Does the $300 Acoustic Revive unit provide a greater area of influence? Could this limited affected area account for some here not noticing the effects of these units? Would I need four units to cover a 20 x 19 room or would one unit near the listening chair be sufficient? >>>>>Uh, noone here has reported he couldn’t hear the effects of the Schumann units. As far as I know there are only two of us who have them. Best strategy for success. Start with one SR device and set it up optimally. Go from there. Your own results are the only ones that matter. The original Acoustic Revive device might have been $300 but the latest version is $700. Ouch! By contrast, my black usb doodads are $50 each. You can go crazy on a budget. 🤪 |
To follow-up from below, how come none of the other vendors I have seen (except for Kelly Research) post anything about the effective area covered by their Schumann resonator products, or is this like fuse directionality.....you just keep moving it further away until it doesn't work any more....or closer until it does? |
So, over on another site they are also discussing Schumann Resonators. One poster suggested a vendor called Kelly Research Technologies that offers two types of units, a "Relax" unit tuned to "Low Alpha Wave (7.83 Hz) Schumann Earth Resonance Frequency" and a "Sleep Tone" unit tuned to "Delta Wave (4.0 Hz)." One comment in their literature was interesting to this discussion; Each unit is design to impact approximately 10 feet (3 meters) in any direction, with greatest effect nearest the unit.Is this common for the other on-line units discussed here? Does the $300 Acoustic Revive unit provide a greater area of influence? Could this limited affected area account for some here not noticing the effects of these units? Would I need four units to cover a 20 x 19 room or would one unit near the listening chair be sufficient? I also noticed the units can be powered by a 9v DC power supply connected by a 5.5 mm barrel connector. I may have finally found a use for my unused HD PLEX power supply. |
A gold star for best question of the week. ⭐️ I’ve always wondered about that myself. I don’t know the answer but I do it anyway. Is that wrong? I also read the SR resonance devices sound better when they are physically isolated. And I do that too, isolate them down to about 1 Hz. Yet I’ve never really done an AB test. Am I just a lost sheep following other lost sheep? 🐑 🐑 🐑 🐑 At the same time it’s relatively easy to see how extremely low seismic vibrations in the range 0-20 Hz almost certainly would have an effect on something that operates at 7.83 Hz. Since everything sounds fabulous I assume I’m on the right choo choo train 🚂 But it does raise the issue of how can physical vibrations affect an electronic signal - I.e., electromagnetic wave. 🤔 |
I dont know and I dont think that the cheap version is accurate at 10 bucks all included in the long run.... But listening to them without mods made an audible effect for the better.... And linking then whith stones and crystals way more so.... Then ? where is the risk? I pay 65 bucks all in all for my 5 S.G. 2 with a power supply...The effect is more amazing than any cable upgrade can produce at any price... Or do some cable change completely the global characteristic of the sound and imaging and timbre? |
Uh, there is such a thing as being overly suspicious. Give us a break, you were never going to invest in Schumann frequency generators anyway. It’s not like some huge decision, for crying out loud. The ones I bought, the super-accurate Black USB doodad from Hong Kong is only 50 bucks. The Blue one is only $25. Cut me some slack, Jack It takes a worried mind to sing a worried song I’m worried now but I won’t be worried long. Faint heart ne’er won fair maiden. 💃 |
As a side note, be suspicious of products that are advertised as patent pending. I worked for a patent law firm and learned that anyone can apply for a patent for anything for a small filing fee. Filing doesn’t in any way imply the product has merit. It literally means someone filled out the form and paid the filing fee. Please know that a high percentage of applications are rejected. If a patent application is denied there is no governing authority that makes someone remove the “patent pending” claim. Also note that the patent process is not typically a long one. So if a product has been touted as having a patent pending for a long period, that is cause for suspicion and probably indicates that the patent was denied. I’m not saying all patent pending claims are bogus. But it doesn’t carry any weight with me. |
mkgus OP if you read my thread : https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/miracles-in-audio-by-luck-by-good-choices-by-design-or-by-twe... You will have a beginning, and privately I can happily gives you more information...Here is not the thread about that... Thanks for your interest... But I can described what you must do to begins with... Put a shungite plate with a chunk of tourmaline on the electrical principal panel of your house or if not possible put that on top of your conditioner... This is the first experiment easy to make at cheap cost with great impact... Choose a 300 grams shungite tile and a 200 grams chunk of black tourmaline or in small pieces... The Shungite +tourmaline will act likes a natural filter for the noise level lowering it somehow...After that we will discuss other experiments with other crystals or stones... My best to you... |