English
SuomiBrown noise vswhite 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 White static
The short answer
Brown noiseThe deepest colour. Power falls by about 6 dB each time the frequency doubles.
White noiseThe bright colour. Every frequency carries the same power.
In Hush, between 2 and 12 kHz, Deep brown falls 3.4 dB per octave and White static rises 1.6 dB per octave. At 2 kHz White static sits 6.7 dB above Deep brown; at 12 kHz White static sits 18.9 dB above Deep brown.
Band by band
Deep brown stands for brown noise and White static for white noise.
Band by band, in numbers
| Band | Deep brown | White static | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kHz | −14.5 dB | −7.8 dB | +6.7 dB |
| 2.5 kHz | −15.7 dB | −7.2 dB | +8.5 dB |
| 3 kHz | −16.7 dB | −6.6 dB | +10.1 dB |
| 4 kHz | −18.1 dB | −5.7 dB | +12.4 dB |
| 5 kHz | −19.2 dB | −4.8 dB | +14.4 dB |
| 6 kHz | −20.0 dB | −4.2 dB | +15.8 dB |
| 8 kHz | −21.2 dB | −3.5 dB | +17.7 dB |
| 10 kHz | −22.4 dB | −3.8 dB | +18.6 dB |
| 12 kHz | −23.5 dB | −4.6 dB | +18.9 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.
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.
Deep brown 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.
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 white noise?
Brown noise. Between 2 and 12 kHz, Hush's Deep brown falls 3.4 dB per octave and White static rises 1.6 dB per octave.
Is brown 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 brown 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.
