Beatings, 2005 (adapted for performance 2010)

An experiment in brain-wave entrainment, using Max/MSP to output a combination of visual and aural stimuli oscillating at a frequency dependent on user input. The audio portion of the patch utilizes two detuned sine waves, one at each end of the stereo field, to produce the sensation of binaural beats. In effect, the differing frequencies of the sine waves cause the brain to hear 'beating' at a rate that is equal to this difference between the frequencies. The visual component of the piece consists of an alternating pattern of black and white frames, the rate of which is equal to the beat frequency of the sine waves. To interact with the piece, the user taps the F and J keys on the keyboard, changing the frequency of the system, including (theoretically) their brainwaves.