English
SuomiBrown noise vspink noise.
How the two differ, with levels measured band by band in Hush's own sounds.
- 9 bands, 2 to 12 kHz
- Deep brown and Velvet noise
The short answer
Brown noiseThe deepest colour. Power falls by about 6 dB each time the frequency doubles.
Pink noiseThe balanced colour. Every octave carries the same power.
In Hush, between 2 and 12 kHz, Deep brown falls 3.4 dB per octave and Velvet noise stays about level. At 2 kHz Velvet noise sits 5.9 dB above Deep brown; at 12 kHz Velvet noise sits 13.5 dB above Deep brown.
Band by band
Deep brown stands for brown noise and Velvet noise for pink noise.
Band by band, in numbers
| Band | Deep brown | Velvet noise | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kHz | −14.5 dB | −8.6 dB | +5.9 dB |
| 2.5 kHz | −15.7 dB | −8.8 dB | +6.9 dB |
| 3 kHz | −16.7 dB | −8.9 dB | +7.8 dB |
| 4 kHz | −18.1 dB | −8.8 dB | +9.3 dB |
| 5 kHz | −19.2 dB | −8.6 dB | +10.6 dB |
| 6 kHz | −20.0 dB | −8.4 dB | +11.6 dB |
| 8 kHz | −21.2 dB | −8.4 dB | +12.8 dB |
| 10 kHz | −22.4 dB | −9.0 dB | +13.4 dB |
| 12 kHz | −23.5 dB | −10.0 dB | +13.5 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
Brown noise sounds deep and soft, closer to a distant waterfall or heavy surf than to radio static.
Pink noise sounds even and full, like steady rain or wind in leaves, without the hiss of white noise.
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.
Deep brown and Velvet noise 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.
SleepSleep timerHow long a sleep timer should run, whether to fade out or stop, and how Hush's timers work: 1 minute to 12 hours, Add 15 minutes, or until you stop.
SleepCabin soundsWhy the inside of a plane, train or car sounds so deep, with Hush's ten travel sounds measured against brown noise.Other comparisons
Questions
Which is deeper, brown noise or pink noise?
Brown noise. Between 2 and 12 kHz, Hush's Deep brown falls 3.4 dB per octave and Velvet noise stays about level.
Is brown noise or pink 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 brown noise or pink 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.
