This is a multi-layer session builder. Instead of choosing a single brainwave frequency and mode, you stack several layers — each targeting its own rate with its own entrainment mode — and the audio plays them simultaneously. The idea is that real cognitive states are rarely pure single-band; a focused work state has alpha for the calm and beta for the alertness, a deep meditation state has theta for the inward focus and delta for the restorative depth. By mixing layers you can build sessions that target combinations of states rather than one at a time.
An honest framing up front: stacking entrainment layers is a tradition in the brainwave-audio community, not a clinically established practice. Whether two layers actually produce additive-or-blended cognitive effects (vs. one layer dominating perceptually) is an open question. Treat this as a sound-design tool for sessions you find subjectively useful, not as a precise neuroscience instrument.
The three pre-built templates
- Focus + Calm — 10 Hz alpha (binaural, vol 60) for calm sustained attention, plus 15 Hz low-beta SMR (isochronic, vol 30) for gentle alertness. Useful for sustained reading, light study, code review.
- Deep Meditation — 6 Hz theta (binaural, vol 60) for sustained inward focus, plus 2 Hz delta (monaural, vol 30) for restorative depth. Sit-down practice template.
- Creative Flow — 7.83 Hz Schumann theta (binaural, vol 60) for loose attention, plus 10 Hz alpha (monaural, vol 40) for gentle background calm. The creative-edge combination.
How each entrainment mode behaves in a layer
- Binaural layer — two ear-separated sine tones routed through a stereo channel merger. Requires headphones for the binaural effect to construct; works as ordinary two-tone audio on speakers (you'll hear the upper tone in one ear and lower in the other if you do listen on speakers).
- Isochronic layer — a single carrier tone gated on/off at the layer's pulse rate via a 50% square envelope. Works on speakers.
- Monaural layer — two close tones mixed mono, beating against each other at the layer's pulse rate. Works on speakers. Loses perceptual beating above ~20 Hz (the ear's AM cutoff).
Why the lower default master volume?
Multiple layers stack, and each adds amplitude to the summed mix. Master defaults to 25% (vs the other tools' 30%) to leave headroom for 2–6 simultaneous layers without clipping. Adjust as needed for your session, but err toward quieter when adding more layers.
Carrier choice for mixed sessions
All layers share the same global carrier base. This is on purpose — using different carriers per layer would create dissonant chord-like sounds, since the carriers themselves would beat against each other in unintended ways. A single shared carrier keeps the audio coherent. Pick a comfortable carrier (default 200 Hz is a balanced middle); the per-layer pulse rates are layered on top via each mode's own mechanism.
How is this different from the single-band generators?
The band-specific tools (Alpha, Beta, Theta, Delta, Gamma) and the full-range mode-specific tools (Binaural, Isochronic, Monaural Beats Generators) all play one layer at a time. This tool plays up to 6 layers simultaneously, each with its own rate and mode. Use the single-layer tools for focused single-frequency sessions; use this one for stacked-state sessions or for exploration of which combinations feel right to you.
Does stacking actually produce combined cognitive effects?
Honest answer: it's an open question. The brainwave-entrainment tradition has long used layered approaches under the hypothesis that the brain integrates multiple rhythmic cues. Whether you actually experience a "focus + calm" blend versus one layer dominating perceptually is largely subjective and varies person to person. Some users find layered sessions richer and more useful than single-layer ones; others find them muddy. Experiment — and don't expect layered sessions to be "more effective by N times" — the relationship between audio input and cognitive state is non-additive.
How many layers should I use?
Start with the pre-built templates (which use 2 layers). Two layers is often enough — one primary target plus one supporting layer at lower volume. Three layers can work for more complex sessions (e.g., a base ambient layer + two band-specific cues). Beyond 3–4 layers, the audio usually becomes muddy and individual layers stop being perceptually distinct. The 6-layer cap is there as a hard limit, not a recommendation.
Why do all layers share the same carrier base?
Per-layer carriers would beat against each other in unintended ways. If layer 1 uses 200 Hz carrier and layer 2 uses 350 Hz carrier, you'd hear those two carriers beating at 150 Hz (well outside the entrainment range), creating a dissonant background tone. A shared carrier keeps the audio coherent — all entrainment cues sit on the same harmonic base, just at different rates. If you specifically want multi-carrier exploration, use the Multi-Frequency Mixer in the Wave Generators category instead.
Can I save my custom mix?
Not in this version. The tool is stateless — layers reset on page reload. If you find a combination you like, write down the layer settings (rate, mode, volume for each) so you can reconstruct it. A future iteration may add save/load via URL parameters or local storage; for now, the templates cover the most-requested combinations.
What does the layer-summary chart show?
A horizontal log-frequency axis from 0.5 to 40 Hz with band markers (delta / theta / alpha / beta / gamma). Each active layer appears as a colored marker at its pulse rate, with marker size proportional to layer volume. Muted layers show with dimmed color. It's a quick visual summary of how your session is distributed across the brainwave bands.
Why are isochronic layers fixed at 50% square envelope?
To keep per-layer controls minimal — adding duty-cycle and envelope-shape sliders to every layer would clutter the UI. If you need full pulse-width and envelope control, use the dedicated Isochronic Tone Generator. This tool's isochronic layers use the canonical 50% square envelope, which is the standard isochronic shape and the one most templates assume.
What happens if I add layers while audio is playing?
New layers attach to the running audio mix immediately at their starting parameters (default 10 Hz alpha binaural at vol 60). Removing a layer fades and disconnects it from the mix smoothly. Mode changes within a layer tear down and rebuild just that layer's sub-graph with a brief ~100 ms gap — the rest of the mix keeps playing throughout.
Does mode matter much in a mixed session?
Yes. Binaural layers are perceptually quiet (you hear two clean tones, not the beat); isochronic layers are perceptually loud (clear on/off pulsing); monaural layers sit in between (audible "wah-wah" texture). When stacking layers, mix modes deliberately — e.g., a binaural primary layer for the entrainment cue plus an isochronic supporting layer for an audible rhythmic anchor, rather than two isochronic layers stacked (which can sound chaotic).
Safety reminders?
Avoid brainwave-entrainment audio if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder (consult your doctor first). Don't listen while driving or operating machinery. Keep volume moderate, especially with multiple layers stacked — the summed mix can sound louder than any individual layer. Not a medical treatment, not a cognitive supplement — see a clinician for managed conditions.