Mind Machine Blog

AVS Buyers Guide for Light and Sound Mindmachines

October 19, 2007 – 12:06 pm

Introduction

The very first AVS Buyer’s Guide was written by Michael Hutchison and was published in one of his Megabrain Reports in 1990. This was a time when light and sound, later called AVS became an international media darling. This publicity triggered a “gold rush” of new companies making new AVS devices.

Problems, however, quickly emerged with Michael’s guide, even before he finished writing it. Manufacturers were continually changing features, trying to make their machines better than their competitors. Of course, also there were companies who suddenly went under, while new ones suddenly appeared. Michael never did figure out how to accommodate these dynamics of
sudden change in his Buyer’s Guide.

The next buyer’s guide to come along was called the Mind Machine Buyer’s Guide, published in 1993 in Cambridge Massachussetts. It provided in depth and comprehensive coverage of the most popular machines available. It is interesting to note that the publisher is still selling this publication, yet, it has not been updated since 1993. Not a good investment for anyone.

Good manufacturers make ongoing changes in their product(s) because they listen and respond to their customer’s needs. If you wanted to contrast and compare all the features of the different machines, you would need to revise your list every six months.

Comparing all the different features is actually not very useful anyway in helping the public decide which machine to buy. Comparing features confuses most people. For that reason, this guide focuses rather on the issues which are important to the consuming public.

AVS machines first appeared in 1958 in the research community and were used to induce hypnotic, or suggestible states of mind. They were called brainwave synchronizers.

Commercial units first began to appear in 1984, and in 1987, many competitors showed up on the scene. More than 100 different models have been manufactured since that time in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Australia.

With so many models to choose from, how can one decide for themselves which machine is best to buy? The average consumer will have a difficult time because each manufacturer bills their machine as the best. Each one sounds better than the next, at least on paper. This guide is designed to make selecting a machine easy and simple for you.

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Buying a Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Popular Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Most Important Features to Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Secondary Features of Importance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Unique Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Light Glasses: Choosing the Best Color for You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

So How Do You Pick the Best Color? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Making a Buyer’s Guide Decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Enjoy AVS in 5 Easy Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Medical & Scientific Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Images of AVS Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover

Disclaimer: All information contained in this AVS Buyer’s Guide is copyrighted. No duplication of this guide, in part or in whole, may be made without prior written consent from the authors. Jeff Labno and Michael Landgraf assume no responsibility, whether financially or otherwise, for any misleading or incorrect information contained within this guide. Warning: People who are photosensitive or epileptic, whether knowingly or not, should not use a pulsed light device.

Copyright: Jeff Labno and Michael Landgraf, Granada Hills, CA / November 2002.

Buying a machine

All machines come equipped with everything you will need to get started however some don’t include batteries. Listed below are the main points people consider when purchasing a machine. Included with these main points are valuable guidelines to assist you in buying the best machine for your needs.

Your best source to guide you in buying the correct machine is an AVS dealer who represents several different manufacturers. They generally know how to contrast and compare the many features you will read about in the literature. Beware however, some companies represent an array of machines, but the representatives don’t really know the different machines because they don’t use them. You can tell because they won’t be able to answer your questions.

All machines come with programs designed to help you with sleep, visualizing, memory, focus, meditation, dreams, peak performance and energizing. There are only four brainwaves states (beta - alert/focus, alpha - memory/learning, theta -dream/visualization, and delta - mental clearing/sleep).

All machines contain just a few internal programs to one hundred. Manufacturers name each program to best describe their results. At the same time, sleep programs are sleep programs. They all take you into the delta brainwave zone despite their name. Do not decide on which machine to buy because of the names of programs described in their literature.

Most people actually use about eight to twelve of the available programs. This means that you can use just about any machine for your basic needs. When buying a machine, lots of programs (+30) is better only if you like lots of variety, or love fiddling with technology.

Some machines offer a computer link allowing you to download additional programs from the manufacturer’s web site. Computer links also enable you to customize your own programs. Less than 5% of purchasers ever create their own programs. This means that you will probably only utilize this function if you are a great aficionado of this technology. The biggest need for doing your own programs used to be to change the length of time of a program to shorter or longer. Today’s machines have enough different length programs in the same category, or you can expand or shrink the time setting. Many brands also have a feature allowing you to expand and contract the length of each program.

Light glasses come with all machines. Much too frequently light glasses are made using inexpensive dim lights. The result is when you use these glasses, you see a “flickering effect”. Quality glasses using ultra bright lights produce rich and beautiful colors and patterns. You can always upgrade your light glasses, and now a wide variety of colors are available in ultra bright such as white, red, orange, green and blue.

If you are light sensitive, all machines have a light intensity control so that you can turn down or increase the light intensity. Most people prefer ultra bright light and 85% of customers purchase ultra bright when given a choice.

All machines come with stereo headphones. The headphones you get are just average. If you want quality headphones, you will have to purchase them separately. One good feature to look for in good headphones is: that they cover the ear so that they block out exterior sounds. The next important feature of quality headphones is that they extend the frequency range of what is
possible to hear into lower ranges and higher ranges both. A good frequency range to look for is about 16 to 22,000 Hertz.

Using quality headphones means that you will enjoy the external music you introduce into your experience to a much higher degree. Quality headphones bring greater richness of sound which generates a greater depth of experience into every session. Quality headphones start from about $150 to well over $10,000. Sennheiser is a great choice due to comfort and overall cost.

The sounds which accompany the internal programs are generally not very interesting. These sounds are strobe pitches, chords, pink sound, binaural beats and dual binaural beats. Most people prefer to introduce their own favorite sounds using a cassette or CD player and mixing the sounds from the preset programs such that they are in the background. You can plug all
machines into your CD or cassette player using the stereo patch cord which comes with your machine.

Using the CDs or cassettes you already know you like and enjoy is the place to start. You can easily introduce your favorite music for energy, escape or meditation. Try using language tapes for learning. Behavioral modification tapes are also great. As long as you like the content of any CD or tape, your session will be a winner.

The most utilized sounds are binaural and dual binaural beats. Beat frequencies are great because you can use your machine as a beat frequency generator. This capability means that you can use your machine for “sound therapy”. In the past, binaural beat generators cost about $450 which exclusively generated binaural beats and dual binaural beats. Buying a machine with this feature means that now you are getting two machines in one.

The best way to create your own personal programs is to plug your machine into an external CD or cassette player and mix your AVS sessions with your favorite CDs and audio cassettes.

Some machines offer two-user capability. This is a great feature because it is nice to share the experience with family, friends and others. When they offer two-user capability in that there are two plugs for light glasses and two plugs for headphones, you are guaranteed the best experience. This means that there is no power degradation by plugging in two users.

You can use splitter or “Y” cords in some machines which have just one plug for light glasses and headphones. You will need two splitter cords: one for light glasses, the other for headphones. There is a degradation of power when this happens, such that the light glasses do not illuminate as brightly as possible (about 85%). Some machines (under 4.5 volts) do not carry enough power to illuminate two light glasses at the same time. Ask your dealer for
details.

The user’s manual for your machine is probably not enough for you to get the most out of using it. There are two publications which are excellent to help beginners understand and utilize your machine. “Mind States / An Introduction to Light & Sound Technology” (ISBN# 0- 9662596-0-2) by Michael Landgraf helps you to get started in using your machine, suggesting how to use the different brainwave states to achieve what you want. Michael also explains how professionals are using this technology, and he also directs you to write a diary of your experiences. “An Insider’s Guide to Light & Sound” by Jeff Labno is a succinct summary of using your machine in the best possible way. Jeff explains how to maximize your experiences, based on his 25 years in this industry.

AVS machines frequently contain a number of “special features” which do not need to be there for the machine to get the basic job done. The diversity of these features is truly amazing; and is an inspiring legacy of the ingenuity of the manufacturers. Understanding these features, however, can be a challenge. Sales brochures contain fancy names along with descriptions that are more poetic than precise. Most consumers end up being confused and frustrated figuring them out.

If you like basics and generally do not fiddle around with technology much, you probably will not even use these features even if you had them. If you are technology-minded and love to fiddle around with gadgetry, you will find many of these features fascinating.

At the same time, these “special features” make AVS interesting, exciting and progressive. AVS technology has always been the number one seller in “mind-technology” because it offers a wide diversity of experiences (programs), is self-contained, simple to use and light to transport.

Popular Special Features Include:

Lights synchronized with music has been a favorite feature of users. The first commercially available machine, the Synchro Energizer, had no preset programs, so machine operators customized each and every program they did synchronizing it with music. Using dials and switches, you could quickly change light frequency, light intensity, choice of sound, sound volume, flickering modes (eyes - synchronous or alternating; ears - synchronous or alternating); all while matching these changes with the music you are playing. The results were fabulous. Operators knew exactly how to evoke the greatest possible visual effects and match these visuals with the music.

Many attempts have been made to mechanically synchronize the lights with music, but machines just cannot replace the human touch. The best quality technology yet developed is called Audiostrobe.

Audiostrobe artistically choreographs the music with light flashes. A few take-offs on Audiostrobe are called PolySync and TurboSonics. AVS machines that feature Audiostrobe capability include: the Orion, Proteus and MindLab Pro by Synetic Systems; the InnerPulse and Nova Pro 100 by Photosonix; and the PR2X by MindGear. Audiostrobe recordings are on special CDs with codes embedded that cause the light frames to flash to the music. The main drawback to Audiostrobe technology is that the CD selection is limited.

Music Modulation is yet another adaptation of sound/light strobe technology. Low musical pitches cause the lights to strobe in theta, and medium musical pitches cause the lights to strobe in alpha (DAVID -Paradise XL and XL +).

Color Pulse produces a light strobe to low musical pitches (Synetic Systems -Orion). MicroPulse employs a built-in microphone. Low pitch sounds in the environment trigger a light pulse. Sparkle Feature means that the length (duty cycle) of the light flashes randomly change. This feature creates very interesting visuals (MindGear -ZenMaster). A randomly flashing duty cycle is also available in PhotoSonix InnerPulse.

Machine manufacturers traditionally use a 50% duty cycle in their programs. When light frequencies slow down, however, faster duty cycles (shorter light pulses) are more comfortable for the eyes. When light frequencies speed up, faster duty cycles make the internal light show more interesting. When the speed of the light flashes is too fast (24 + c/s incandescent light / 30c/s + LEDs), the extraordinary visuals precipitated by the flickering lights no longer occurs. By shortening the length of the light flashes (duty cycle) as the light strobe frequency increases, the visuals created by the brain continue to remain interesting and dynamic.

A new development in the InnerPulse is light sine wave patterns versus square waves. The flashing lights typically strobe quickly on, then off. Sine waves however gradually increase in intensity to full illumination, then gradually off. This is more soothing on the eye, plus it produces more fluid visuals. It is also gentler on the eye in the slow frequencies such as while in delta for sleep. On - off can be uncomfortable. This feature is definitely a huge plus.

Light frames or glasses have been referred to in many ways over the years. One of the first terms used was goggles because welding goggles were used by one manufacturer. Other manufacturers have used ski goggles and sunglasses to mount the lights.

Omniscreen light glasses are glasses which have a milk-white plastic filter over the lights which diffuses the light such that the light going into the eye is diffused. Tranquilite (Paradise machines) involves the Omniscreen light glasses. The glasses stay illuminated so the milk white lenses stay illuminated. This is used for eyes-open meditation. It induces a visual state of mind.

The most common light glasses are made from “sunglasses.” They have four LEDs on each eye. The comfort of these is adequate, however some people do complain. You can now buy eyes-open light glasses for use to do work while using light and sound. This ultra focuses your attention to what you are doing.

Most Important Features to Customers

Price Programs Carrying Power AC Audio Beat
Case Adapter Strobe Frequencies

Orion 129.95 23 Yes 3AA Can Buy Yes No

Proteus 199.95 50 Yes 3AA No Yes Binaural +
Dual Binaural

Muse 179.95 30 No 4AA Can Buy No Binaural +
Sharp Dual Binaural

Inner- 199.95 64 No 4AA Yes Yes Binaural +
Pulse Dual Binaural
Dual Monaural

Nova Pro 399.95 100 Yes Internal Yes Yes Binaural +
100 Battery Dual Binaural+
Dual Monaural

PR-2X 269.95 50 Yes Yes No Binaural +
Dual Binaural

XCELR8R 349.95 50 Yes Yes No Binaural +
Dual Binaural

Paradise 335.95 18 Yes Yes No No
Jr

Paradise 435.95 30 Yes Yes No No

Paradise 495.95 30 Yes Yes No Binaural
XL

Paradise 629.95 Yes Yes No Binaural
XL+

MC2 Pro 230.95 4 Yes 2AAA No No No

Secondary Features of Importance

Programmable Hz Session Sounds Computer Manual
Sessions Range Time Link Mode
Adjust

Orion 0 .1 - 40 No No Yes
micro Hz

Proteus 150 .1 - 50 No No Yes
micro Hz

Muse 25 1-42 Hz No 6 Yes Yes
Sharp

InnerPulse 25 .25-42 Hz Yes 8 Yes Yes

Nova Pro 100 .25-42 Yes 8 Yes Yes
100 micro Hz

PR-2X 25 .1-40 Yes 4 No Yes
micro Hz

XCELR8R 25 .1-40 Yes 4 Yes Yes
micro Hz

Paradise Jr 0 1-25 Hz No 2 No Yes

Paradise 9 1-25 Hz No 2 No Yes

Paradise XL 24 1-25 Hz No 5 Yes Yes

Paradise XL+ 24 1-25 Hz No 5 Yes Yes

MC2 Pro 0 Unknown No 1 No No

Unique Features

Orion Great price, extremely easy to use, ColorPulse, MicroPulse

Proteus Produces very colorful light show with red/green glasses, software
has waveform design (sine, square, triangle, sawtooth)

Muse Sharp Great first time machine with lots of features

InnerPulse Same features as Nova Pro 100 plus breath pulse programs, random brainwave
programs, random duty cycle, and independent left/right brightness

Nova Pro 100 Separate left/right hemisphere stimulation, 2 octaves lower pitches

PR-2X Lifetime warranty

XCELR8R Lifetime warranty

Paradise Jr Omniscreen glasses

Paradise Omniscreen glasses

Paradise XL Omniscreen glasses, digital heartbeat, separate left/right
hemisphere stimulation

Paradise XL+ Omniscreen glasses, digital heartbeat, internal CES,
separate left/right hemisphere stimulation

MC2 Pro Ocean sound, internal voice recorder

MC2 Study Ocean and brook sounds, detailed manual showing
its use for learning

Light Glasses: Choosing the Best Color For You

Once upon a time, when you bought an AVS machine, you got whatever light glasses that came with the unit provided by the manufacturer. No choices were offered. Well things have changed. Now you can choose between a variety of styles and colors. What brought about this change was an improvement in light technology from Japan. New LED (light emitting diode) technology made it possible to manufacture bright light LEDs in a variety of colors. These new light colors were bright and created extremely rich colors and patterns with your eyes closed, not the ‘flickering effect’ of the previous much dimmer LEDs.

Many styles of glasses have also been used such as welding goggles, sunglasses, skiingmasks, and even swim goggles. When you finished a session, you had indentation lines on your face we affectionately called ‘goggle marks’. The most sophisticated glasses I’ve seen were from Japan. They used liquid-crystal ‘television-style’ glasses featuring green light. Quality glasses generally use four lights per eye.

The new light technology caused a revolution in light and sound technology because manufacturers began to offer more color choices. Not just that, but now styles of glasses have changed. The standard versions have been for use with eyes closed. Now you can get PV Stim which you see through for use with eyes open, and finally HemiStim where you control the flash speed on the left side of each eye separately from the flash speed of the lights on the right side of each eye for hemispheric specialization. The OmniScreen light glasses have been around a long time where a milk-white plastic filter diffuses the light spreading it out over the eye. The OmniScreens also have hemispheric specific capability.

So with many styles and colors to choose from, how do you decide which ones are best for you? Personally, I have all of them, however when budget and portability are an issue, there are ways to make better choices.

Color does not affect everyone the same way. The clothes people wear for example are a good insight. While most people wear white and blue the majority of the time, other colors are worn to make you feel special and different. Some people wear certain colors a lot such as blue, while others cannot stand this color. Individual psychology is the explanation for this.

So, how do you pick the correct color?

Here are a few pointers:

When offered a variety of color choices, the public overwhelmingly chooses white light; over 80%. White has no psychological color association, so it is the best overall choice for most. Also, you see lots of lucid colors and patterns using white light.

Barbara Brown in her book on biofeedback in 1974 pointed out that the use of strobe red light on ‘extremely right brain people (artistic)’ did not entrain them very well, but instead caused anxiety. Red light worked just fine on ‘extremely left brain people (logical)’.

The warmer colors (red, orange, yellow) are stimulating (excitatory), whereas the cooler colors (green, blue, violet) are calming (inhibitory).

The color blue has been observed to be very effective to quickly induce sleep in most people.

Bi-color light combining red with blue LEDs enhances one’s ability to visualize and see more clearly with their imagination. Jacob Liberman noted that this combination appears to ‘reset’ the biological clock.

Bi-color light combining red with green LEDs creates the most magical color combinations of any other choice. A great choice for artists.

When it comes down to the programs contained inside your machine, they are based on the four brainwave states such as delta (sleep/clearing), theta (dream/visualizing), alpha (memory/learning), and beta (energy/focusing). All machines contain programs to induce all four brainwave states, the program names merely reflect different styles of doing programs.

Using just about any color of light will deliver the benefits of the program. Specific colors however will get you there faster and deeper. For example using blue with sleep programs is very efficient. Using red for energy programs is another good example.

A simpler model to follow might be: for delta use blue; for theta use green; for alpha use yellow; and for beta use orange or red. For some, color choice comes down to why they purchased the machine in the first place. Maybe it is to help them sleep (blue), for others for focus (red), others for learning (yellow), and others for meditation (green).

As far as style of glasses using PV Stim allows you to do programs with your eyes open. This enables you to use light and sound technology while engaging in activities such as reading, writing, editing copy, studying, creating project, doing art, playing music…in other words, light and sound technology is no longer limited to eyes closed meditative states or internal activities. Adjusting the machine frequencies manually instead of using preset programs works very well with the PV Stim glasses.

You can also use your PV Stim glasses with your eyes closed. Note however that the LEDs on these models are not facing your eyes, but instead they are facing each other. This means that they will not be as bright as the standard models.

Finally, the HemiStim or OmniScreen Field Independent glasses allows for hemispheric specificity. Special technology is required to use these glasses which currently exists only in the DAVID Paradise XL, Paradise XL+and, Nova Pro 100, and InnerPulse.

This special technology allows you to tone-down the left brain to favor right brain activity. This would be useful for doing art, music, decorating or other creative things. Conversely, you can tone-down the right brain and favor the left brain. This is good for logical tasks such as writing checks, computer work, studying scientific manuals…

Last but not least, you can use these different color light glasses for color therapy. Instead of wearing the glasses, you can point them at your skin for healing, over a glass of water for ‘photon water’, or put them on a table and stare at the strobe light for emotional release.

Some good books on using color are: “Let There Be Light” by Darius Dinshah, “Light: Medicine of the Future” by Jacob Liberman, and “Light Years Ahead” by a compendium of healthcare practitioners.

Which ever colors and styles of glasses you choose, or however you choose to use them, have fun and enjoy a new world of technology with your avs machine.

Making a Buyer’s Guide Decision . . .

You have just finished reading the AVS Buyer’s Guide. Now its time to make the big decision. You have certain considerations to measure, and not only about which unit to purchase, but the promise to yourself to use your unit on a regular basis.

So how do you choose an avs instrument? It is a question many new customers ask me, and I have found the following considerations helpful in determining which unit best meets your individual needs:

Most light and sound machines are of excellent quality, irrespective of price. They all come with a one year warranty. If all you are looking for in an avs instrument is achieving a calmer, more relaxed state or improving your ability to focus, then a small low-cost model is all you need.

If you are considering a low-end unit, then later, purchasing a more advanced model, spend a little more up front and save in the long run. Consider the Proteus, as this unit’s software program is periodically updated and available off the Web, so your unit will always be current.

If you want the best avs instrument on the market, buy the Nova Pro 100. If price is a factor, buy the NP 100’s little brother, the Muse#.

Whichever avs instrument you decide to purchase, at some point promise yourself you’ll get Truwhite (white LEDs) glasses to go with it. If there is one accessory you should treat yourself to, Truwhites are it. When given a choice, over 80% of all customers choose Truwhites over all other colors.

Be careful of expensive machines which promise a lot on paper, but do not deliver in actual services; consult with an experienced dealer if you have any questions.

And remember:

Regardless of price, most avs instruments contain built-in sessions that already target all four general brainwave states. Don’t bother with the fancy titles many sessions go by as you check the unit’s session list, look for the frequencies targeted in the session. Session names can get confusing, knowing which frequency the session achieves alleviates that problem.

If your hearing is very good, way better than what is considered average, or the quality of sound delivery is an important consideration for you, give the Photosonix models special attention. The NP 100 in particular has two lower octaves of pitches, which are incredibly useful for beat frequencies.

Probably the biggest noticeable difference between high-end and low-end systems is the quality of headphones. If you purchase a low-end unit, consider using better headphones than what come with the unit. For audiophiles, consider buying high-end
headphones.

By now you should know which avs instrument is best for you. So you buy it, and then ask yourself now what?

The very first thing you do . . .

Read the owner’s manual that comes with your unit!

Chances are that you still ‘won’t get it’ after finishing, but its important to complete step one before tackling step two: your personal review and walk-through. Spread out everything that came with your avs instrument in front of you. Have your owners manual turned to page one. Now repeat step one. Read, install the batteries, hook up the components, test the light intensity while the glasses are on the table before you, volume control, play with the buttons. Do not fear, it is difficult to scramble, confuse or totally destroy the inner-workings of an avs instrument just by pressing the buttons. If you happen to be one of those adventurous souls that do achieve such a feat, I have personally found that taking the batteries out, waiting a couple of minutes, then replacing them oftentimes works. If it doesn’t, then here’s reason #1 for buying your system from an experienced dealer!

If all this appears foolish and repetitive for just wanting to run a simple avs session, please consider: How much do you actually know about avs? How much did you spend on your avs system? How serious are you about maximizing your avs session experiences? All things considered, spending just 30-60 minutes familiarizing yourself with your new system is minimum effort, little to expect, yet very rewarding: having the confidence in knowing you are ‘doing it right’.

Or for those of you who have yet to purchase a system, this is how you do it:

Enjoy AVS in 5 Easy Steps!

Step 1: Install the batteries. This is not a difficult task (although sometimes the little plastic battery cover can be a royal pain to slide off). Some manufacturers are considerate and include batteries or an AC adapter, some aren’t. Most avs instruments use AA batteries, so buy an 8-pack. Have some for your unit and your CD or tape player. When installing, just make sure the “+” end of the battery lines up with the “+” end of the battery compartment and you’ll be set. Expect each set of batteries to last for several sessions. For those with an internal battery, they usually arrive fully charged. Internal batteries should last a good five hours before recharging, which can be done overnight with what should be included in your avs system: an AC adapter.

Step 2: Connect everything. The headphones and lightframes each have their own plugs. All you need to do is connect each component to their respective plug. You’ll know right away if you have them backwards as you will hear a rather loud clicking noise with absolutely no audio frequency entrainment value whatsoever bellowing from the headphones when you turn on the power. Just switch them, and don’t worry, you didn’t ‘harm’ anything. And do not forget the stereo patch cord. This connects between the auxiliary plug of your unit to the headphone jack of your CD or tape player. Music, spoken word, classroom notes you’ve recorded onto tape, they all can be played in combination with an avs session. They all can be a factor in maximizing your session experiences.

Step 3: Turn on the power. You feel confident, determined to continue, because you are stressed and you really need a break. Press that button!

Step 4: Select a session. The big decision! In the beginning, keep it simple. What do you feel like? That’s all you need to ask.

Are you stressed, need to relax? Do an alpha session. They are sessions with frequencies in the 8-12Hz range and reflect a state that can be described as being relaxed, yet focused.

Are you really stressed? Need to relax big-time? Theta should help. Those are the sessions with frequencies in the 3-7Hz range. I do not advise first time avs users to select a theta session as attaining that state has been known to open doors on issues that could be of the variety the user is not prepared for. Try choosing a longer alpha session instead.

Sleep deprived? A delta session could be your answer. These are sessions in the 0.5-2Hz frequency range. If you plan on sleeping with your head at an odd angle, use the headphones and lightframes. But if you want comfort and a delta/sleep session, then buy yourself a pair of inexpensive computer speakers ($15). Connect them to the headphone plug on your avs unit and set the volume at a low level (much like the volume of a ceiling fan or hum of a fluorescent light). Try this without the lightframes.

Do you feel just the opposite? Are you in need of being alert, energized? Go with beta. These sessions can range from 13-+30Hz.

Please note that these descriptions are in ‘generic’ terms for the sake of first time users. Everyone is affected differently by auditory and visual stimulation. If a particular session targeting a state you wish to achieve is found to be lacking, try the next session listed under that brainwave category. Find and use the sessions you enjoy. For an in-depth description of how others use their avs systems and for what purposes, download the ebook “Mind States / An Introduction to Light & Sound Technology” by Michael Landgraf. It is available for $11 at: www.avsjournal.com.

Step 5: Press play. You have made your decision. You’ve set the audio and light intensity levels just right, at a comfortable setting. No need to blast the stimulation as ‘loudest and brightest’ does not make it ‘best’. You have given yourself the gift of relaxation. You understand how to use your avs system. Now it is time to enjoy it.

(Optional) Keeping a journal. Subtle changes can occur when using avs on a routine basis. Oftentimes the user is unaware of them actually happening. Its more like realizing things have changed after the fact. Write down which session you played, the time of day, length of session, and ask yourself things you can assign numbers to. Examples would be: Stress level before session/stress level after; energy level, before and after; and before/after ability to focus. Have 1 = lousy and 10 = excellent. Ask yourself how you feel mentally, emotionally and physically after as compared to before the session. Were you focused or did you drift during a session? What colors did you see during the session? Do you feel more or less centered after the session? Make a list and take a few moments after each session to record your thoughts. By maintaining a daily record, you benefit by having the ability to review what you have previously written and are able to compare those feelings with what is happening to you now. Be aware of your personal growth, keep a journal.

To contact the authors:

(Tel.) 818 / 831-7931 / (Fax) 818 / 831-1960 / www.Mindmachines.com

Medical and Scientific Research

We have listed medical research papers concerning the effect of strobe light, strobe sound, and combining strobe light with strobe sound. Many more studies exist, this is just a sampling. Here are some search words you may find useful: photopic driving, scotopic, beat frequencies, clicks, M.A.S.S. (multiple afferent sensory stimulation), VER (visual evoked response), VEP (visual evoked potential), evoked potentials, acoustic stimulation, photic stimulation, brain wave synchronizer, and audio visual stimulation.

Medical Studies:

Adrian, E.D., and Matthews, B.H.C. The Berger Rhythm: Potential Changes from the Occipital in Man. Brian, Vol. 57, 1934, 335-384.

Anderson, C.M., Torres, F. Photic Driving in the Early Premature Infant. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1984 Oct; 58(4): 302-307.

Anderson, D.J. The Treatment of Migraine with Variable Frequency Photo-Stimulation. Headache, 1989: 154-155.

Aponchenko, V., Kevanishvilli, Z. Click Polarity Inversion Effects Upon the Human Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential. Audiol. 1981 10(3): 141-147.

Armington, J.C., Corwin, T.R., and Marsetta, R. Simultaneously Recorded Retinal and Cortical Responses to Patterned Stimuli. J. Opt. Soc. Amer., (1971), 61: 1512-1514.

Arnold, L.E., Clark, D.L., Jakim, S., Sachs, L.A., and Smithies, C. Vestibular and Visual Rotational Stimulation as Treatment for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1985 Feb; 39(2): 84-91.

Arsian, E., Michelini, S., Prosser, S. The Auditory Brainstem Response to Binaural Delayed Stimuli in Man. Audiol. 1981 10(3): 151-155.

Ashford, B. To Flash or Not to Flash: The Use of Intermittent Photic Stimulation During Hypnotic Induction, a Preliminary Report, Australian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Vol. 10 (1982), 3-11.

Barber, C. Inherent Characteristics of Visual Stimulus Systems and Their Effect on the Visual Evoked Potential. Physiol. Meas. 1981 May 2 (2): 135-146.

Barrow, J.S. Rhythmic Activity Induced by Photic Stimulation in Relation to Intrinsic Alpha Activity of the Brain in Man. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol., 1960, 12: 317-326.

Bridgewater, G., Clifford, S., and Marcynski, T. Alpha Activity: The Influence of Unpatterned Light Input and Auditory Feedback. Life Sciences, 1975, 16; 729-737.

Brockopp, G.W. Review of Research on Multi-Modal Sensory Stimulation with Clinical Implications and Research Proposals. Unpublished manuscript, 1984.

Broverman, D.M., Kaliber, E., Kun, K.J., Vogel, W. EEG Response to Photic Stimulation as a Function of Cognitive Style. Electroenceph. And Clin. Neurophysiology, Vol. 27 (1969), 186-190.

Campbell, K.B., Picton, T.W., Stapells, D.R. Auditory Evoked Potentials from the Human Cochlea and Brainstem. Journal of Otolaryngol. And Suppl. 1981 Aug. 10(9 Suppl): 1-41.

Chatrian, G.E., Lazarte, J.A., and Petersen, M.C. Responses to Clicks from the Human Brain: Some Depth Electrographic Observations. 1959, Rochester State Hospital, Rochester, MN.

Ciganek, L. L‘influence de la Frequence de la Stimulation Photique sur le Potentiel Evoque Chez I’homme. Rev. Neurol., 1958, 99: 198-201.

Ciganek, L. The EEG Response (Evoked Potential) to Light Stimulus in Man. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol., 1961, 13: 165-172.

Connolly, J.F. Stability of Pathway-Hemispheric Differences in the Auditory Event-Related Potential (ERP) to Monaural Stimulation. Psychophysiology, 1985 Jan. 22(1): 87-95.

Cox, R., and Shealy, N. Pain Reduction and Relastion with Brain-Wave Synchronization (Photo-Stimulation). Forest Inst. Of Prof. Psych. 1990:9.

Dinner, D., Lesser, R., Lueders, H. Visual Potentials Evoked by Light Emitting Diodes Mounted in Goggles. Cleveland Clin. Quarterly, Vol. 52, No. 2, 1985: 223-238.

Donker, D.N.J., Njio, L., Storm Van Leeuwen, W. and Wienke, G. 1978 Interhemispheric Relationships of Responses to Sine Wave Modulated Light in Normal Subjects and Sine Wave Modulated Light in Normal Subjects and Patients. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol., 44, 479-489.

Dum, N., Schmidt, U., von Wedel, H. Scalp Distribution of the Auditory Evoked Brainstem Potentials in the Guinea Pig During Monaural and Binaural Stimulation. Hear-Res. 1981 Nov. 5 (2-3): 271-284.

Eason, R.G., Oden, D., and White, C.T. Visually Evoked Cortical Potentials and Reaction Time in Relation to Site of Retinal Stimulation. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol., 1967, 22: 313-324.

Gilula, M.F. Protocol for 1981 Synchro-Energizer Study: Multiple Afferent Sensory Stimulation (MASS) as a Tool for Investigating Clinical Neurological Problems and Pure Noetic Research Methodology. Unpublished Manuscript, 1980.

Graham II, L.E., Howard, C.E., and Wycoff, S.J. A Comparison of Methods for Reducing Stress Among Dental Students (using the Synchro-Energizer). Journal of Dental Education. Vol. 50, no. 9, 1986.

Inouye, T., Matsumoto, K., Sumitsuji, N. EEG Changes Induced by Light Stimuli Modulated with the Subject’s Alpha Rhythm. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1980, 49: 135-142.

Iwahara, S., Noguchi, S., Oishi, H., Yang, K.M. Frequency Specific and Non-Specific Effects of Flickering Light Upon Electrical Activity in Human Occiput. Japanese Psychological Research, Vol. 16 (1974), 1-7.

Iwahara, S., Kiyoshi, and Yaguchi. Temporal Sequence of Frequency Specific and Non-Specific Effects of Flickering Lights Upon the Occipital Electrical Activity in Man. Brain Research, Vol. 107 (1976), 27-38.

Jacobsen, F.M., and Rowenthal, N.E. Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Use of Synchro-Energizer Full Spectrum Light and Sound as an Antidepressant. 1986 Directions in Psychiatry.

Jones, L.A., Komsuoglu, S.S., Harding, G.F. Visual and Auditory Evoked Potentials in a Case of Marchiafava Bignami Disease. Clin. Electroenceph. 1981, 12(2): 72-78.

Katayama, K., Kawahara, T., Nogawa, T., Ohshio, T., Tabata, Y. Changes in Amplitude of EEG Induced by a Photic Stimulus. Journal of Electroenceph. And Clin. Neurophysiol. Vol. 40, 1976. Pp. 78-88.

Kinney, J.A.S., and McKay, C.L., Mensch, A., and Luria, S.M. The Visual Evoked Cortical Response as a Measure of Stress in Naval Environments: Methodology and Analysis (1) Slow Flash Rates. Naval Submarine Medical Center, Groton, CT., NSMRL Rep. No. 669.

Lane, J.D., Kasian, S.J., Marsh, G.R., and Owens, J.E. Binaural Auditory Beats Affect Vigilance Performance and Mood. Depts. Of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 1997.

Lang, A.H., Nyrke, T. Spectral Analysis of Visual Potentials Evoked by Sine Wave Modulated Light in Migraine. Clinical Neurophysiology 1982 Apr. 53(4): 436-442.

Loizzo, A., San Martini, P., Venturini, R., Zapponi, G.A. Interaction Between Intermittent Photic Stimulation and Auditory Stimulation on the Human EEG. Europsychobiology, Vol. 5 (1979), 201-206.

Mezan, L., Remond, A., et Pozo Olano, S. Potentials Evoques Visuels et Frequence de Stimulation. Rev. Neurol., 1967, 117:212-214.

Neher, A. Auditory Driving Observed with Scalp Electrodes in Normal Subjects. Journal of Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. Vol. 40 (1976), 77-88.

Neher, A. Auditory Driving Observed with Scalp Electrodes in Normal Subjects. Journal of Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1961, Vol 13, 499-451.

Oster, G. Auditory Beats in the Brain. Scientific American, 1973, 229, 94.

Peacock, S.M. Regional Frequency Sensitivity of the EEG to Photic Stimulation as Shown by Epoch Averaging Electroencephalography. Clinical Neurophysiology, Vol. 34 (1973), 71-76.

Perry Jr., N.W., and Childers, D.B. The Human Visual Evoked Response. Thomas, Springfield, IL 1969, p. 187.

Petrenko, E.T. Effect of Flashes on Spectral Composition of Brain Potentials and Biomechanical Efficiency of Equilibrium. Human Physiology. Vol. 8 (1982), 64-68.

Raninen, A., Rovamo, J. Critical Flicker Frequency and M-scaling of Stimulus Size and Retinal Illuminance Vision Res. 1984; 24(10): 1127-1131.

Regan, D. Some Characteristics of Average Steady-State and Transient Responses Evoked by Modulated Light. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol., Vol. 20 (1966), 238-248.

Rogers, L.J., Walter, D.O. Methods for Finding Single Generators, with Application to Auditory Driving of the Human EEG by Complex Stimuli. Journal of Neuroscience and Method. 1981, Oct. 4(3): 257-265.

Sato, K., Kitajima, H., Mimura, K., Hirota, N., Tagawa, Y., and Ochi, N. Cerebral Visual Evoked Potentials in Relation to EEG. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1971, 30: 123-138.

Smith, J.C., Marsh, J.T., and Brown, W.S. Far-Field Recorded Frequency Following Responses: Evidence for the Locus of Brainstem Sources. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1975, 39, 465.

Smith, J.C., Marsh, J.T., Greenberg, S., and Brown, W.S., Human Auditory Frequency Following Responses to a Missing Fundamental. Science, 1978, 201, 639.

Solomon, G.D. Slow Wave Photic Stimulation in the Treatment of Headache-A Preliminary Report. Headache, 1985: 444-447.

Speilmann, R. The Averaged Electrical Response to Diffuse and to Patterned Light in the Human. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1965, 19: 560-569.

Starr, A., Wrege, K.S. Binaural Interaction in Human Auditory Brainstem Evoked Potentials. Neurol. 1981, 38(9): 572-580.

Takahashi, T., and Tsukahara, Y. Influence of Red Light and Pattern on Photic Driving. Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 1979, 127: 45-52.

Meditation. Electroenceph. Townsend, R. A Device for Generation and Presentation
Clin. Neurophysiol. 1975 Vol. 39: 519-522.of Modulated Light Stimuli. Electroenceph. Clin. Neurophysiol. 1973 34: 97-99.

Verrillo, R.T. Psychophysics Vibrotactile Stimulation. Acoustics Society of America. 1985 Jan.; 77(1): 225-232.