What is brown noise?
Brown noise is a type of noise whose energy sits mainly in the low frequencies. It sounds dark and soft – a bit like distant rumbling, a far-off waterfall or the steady hum inside a plane. Unlike white noise, it has none of the sharp, hissy highs.
The name has nothing to do with the colour, by the way. It goes back to the botanist Robert Brown, after whom Brownian motion is named – and that kind of random wandering is exactly what’s in the signal, mathematically speaking.
What do people use brown noise for?
- In open-plan offices, cafés or on the train, so conversations and changing sounds stand out less
- While reading, writing and studying as a calm, constant background
- When silence feels restless, but music pulls too much attention
Steady noise covers irregular sounds. Experts call this masking: a constant sound makes individual disturbances stand out less. That’s why many neurodivergent people describe brown noise as a pleasant carpet of sound that makes it easier to work.
How to use brown noise on Locoustic
- Press the button above. The noise starts right away and loops without an audible seam.
- Keep the volume low – just enough for background sounds to disappear.
- With “Add music” you can layer calm, instrumental tracks without vocals on top.
- With headphones it sounds best and shields you most effectively.
The noise is generated right in your browser. Nothing is downloaded and you don’t need an account.
Brown, pink or white noise?
White noise sounds bright, pink noise more balanced, brown noise the darkest. Which colour suits you best is a matter of taste. Read more – including how it compares to rain and waves – in our journal: Rain, waves, brown noise – what’s the difference?