English
SuomiPink noise vswhite noise.
How the two differ, with levels measured band by band in Hush's own sounds.
- 9 bands, 2 to 12 kHz
- Velvet noise and White static
The short answer
Pink noiseThe balanced colour. Every octave carries the same power.
White noiseThe bright colour. Every frequency carries the same power.
In Hush, between 2 and 12 kHz, Velvet noise stays about level and White static rises 1.6 dB per octave. At 2 kHz White static sits 0.8 dB above Velvet noise; at 12 kHz White static sits 5.4 dB above Velvet noise.
Band by band
Velvet noise stands for pink noise and White static for white noise.
Band by band, in numbers
| Band | Velvet noise | White static | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kHz | −8.6 dB | −7.8 dB | +0.8 dB |
| 2.5 kHz | −8.8 dB | −7.2 dB | +1.6 dB |
| 3 kHz | −8.9 dB | −6.6 dB | +2.3 dB |
| 4 kHz | −8.8 dB | −5.7 dB | +3.1 dB |
| 5 kHz | −8.6 dB | −4.8 dB | +3.8 dB |
| 6 kHz | −8.4 dB | −4.2 dB | +4.2 dB |
| 8 kHz | −8.4 dB | −3.5 dB | +4.9 dB |
| 10 kHz | −9.0 dB | −3.8 dB | +5.2 dB |
| 12 kHz | −10.0 dB | −4.6 dB | +5.4 dB |
Levels are per octave band and relative to each sound's own overall level, so the chart shows shape, not loudness. Measured this way, pink noise is level, white noise climbs about 3 dB per octave and brown noise falls about 3 dB per octave.
How they sound
Pink noise sounds even and full, like steady rain or wind in leaves, without the hiss of white noise.
White noise sounds bright and hissy, like an untuned radio or a hard shower.
Which to choose
Neither is better in general. Research does not show that one noise colour works better than another, so comfort is the guide: play each quietly for a few minutes and keep the one you stop noticing.
Velvet noise and White static are both free in Hush, so you can compare them without a subscription.
Related guides
Noise coloursNoise coloursWhat each noise colour means, from brown to violet, which names have no strict definition, and how Hush's own noises measure.
SleepSound for sleepHow to choose a sleep sound you stop noticing, how loud to play it, and whether it should stop once you are asleep.Focus and noiseSound for focusSteady background sound can smooth over sudden noise while you work. Why steady beats eventful, how loud to play it, and using a timer as a work block.
Focus and noiseCovering conversationBackground sound cannot block voices, but it can make them harder to follow. Which sounds cover speech best, measured, and why louder is not the answer.Other comparisons
Questions
Which is deeper, pink noise or white noise?
Pink noise. Between 2 and 12 kHz, Hush's Velvet noise stays about level and White static rises 1.6 dB per octave.
Is pink noise or white noise better for sleep?
There is no general answer. Research does not show that one noise colour works better than another, and what feels comfortable differs from person to person. Try both at a low volume and keep the one you stop noticing.
Is pink noise or white noise better for tinnitus?
Research does not establish that one sound is more effective than another, and evidence for sound therapy is limited. Some people prefer a sound close to the pitch they hear and others a sound well away from it. Have tinnitus medically assessed, and choose what feels comfortable.
