Psychoacoustic Playground

Explore 6 mind-bending auditory illusions powered by the Web Audio API. From phantom imaging to infinite tones—discover how your brain processes sound.

6
Illusions
Possibilities
100%
Real-Time
1

Haas Effect

Create phantom sound sources by delaying one channel 0–30ms. Your brain localizes the sound to the earlier arrival, creating the illusion of stereo imaging.

5–20ms creates lateralization; >30ms becomes echo
Combine with delay for phantom center effects
2

Stereo Width

Manipulate the perceived width of the stereo field. From collapsed mono to expansive wide stereo—control the spatial dimension of sound.

0 = mono, 1 = maximum stereo spread
3

Distance Perception

Simulate depth using volume, frequency absorption, and room reflections. Far sounds are quieter, muffled, and reverberant.

Room reflections push sound further away
High frequencies are absorbed by air over distance
Inverse square law: distance doubles, volume drops 6dB
4

Warmth

Add analog character through harmonic saturation and frequency tilt. Recreate the "warmth" of vintage gear digitally.

Adds even-order harmonics for pleasing distortion
Negative = darker/warmer, Positive = brighter/cooler
Synthesized Illusions
5

Shepard Tone

An auditory illusion of a tone that seems to continuously ascend or descend in pitch, yet never gets higher or lower. Like an audio barber pole.

Controls how fast the illusion cycles
6

Binaural Beats

When two slightly different frequencies play in each ear, your brain perceives a third "phantom" beat. Used for relaxation and focus. 🎧 Headphones required!

The difference between left/right creates the perceived beat
Base frequency for both ears