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Complete darkness + music = audio nirvana?

post #1 of 37
10/9/10 at 8:11pm
Thread Starter 

I don't know how many people feel this way, but ever since I was a child, I've discovered that the most "magical" way to listen to music is in complete darkness, regardless if you're using speakers or headphones. As humans, we rely so much on our vision that it dominates our senses, so listening to music with your vision engaged will "dilute" your hearing because your brain is still processing visual information. This is why many people close their eyes when they need to concentrate on listening.

 

So how many of you prefer to listen to music in total darkness?

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post #2 of 37
10/9/10 at 9:38pm

YES. I thought I was the only person who did this. It is a complete mystery to me why someone would buy flashy audio and computer gear that distracts the mind from what's really important, music. I went so far as to remove the leds from my computer and my amp just so I can have darkness. However, I think it stems from my childhood. As a kid my parents were very overbearing and judgmental. Do this, go there, sit up straight. So I eventually got a hold of some "unapproved" music from the internet, and some closed headphones and would stay up late listening to music in the dark so that they couldn't hear what I was listening to. In fact, now that I think about it, that was probably the first rebellious thing I did growing up.

 

I also like to lay down in my bed when doing serious listening, since I don't have to worry about posture or anything distracting me from what's most important, the music. If I can't lie down I always sit cross-legged and up against a wall. I think this also stems from my nights as a child.


Edited by BobSaysHi - 10/9/10 at 9:46pm
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post #3 of 37
10/9/10 at 9:52pm

I don't know about any body else but I am just too antsy to stay still in the dakr and listen to music unless it's night and I'm about to go to bed. But I do get my headphones very often and just either admire nature or just completely space out and get wired in. I just wish I had more time to do this, because 80% of my listening time is going mobile, or having one ear out to listen to somebody talk to me (I HATE HATE HATE!!!!! that!)

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post #4 of 37
10/9/10 at 11:25pm
Same here. Assuming the cat leaves me in peace, of course.
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post #5 of 37
10/10/10 at 3:19am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BobSaysHi View PostI think it stems from my childhood. As a kid my parents were very overbearing and judgmental. Do this, go there, sit up straight. So I eventually got a hold of some "unapproved" music from the internet, and some closed headphones and would stay up late listening to music in the dark so that they couldn't hear what I was listening to.


Reading that sentence really threw me off for a moment. The word 'childhood" and "internet" just do not go together in my brain. Then I remembered that the internet has been pretty popular since around 1997 or so, which means there's a whole generation of people who are now adults that actually did grow up with the internet, and couldn't remember a time when the world didn't have the internet as we know it today.

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post #6 of 37
10/10/10 at 9:36am

Yeah, I'm 16. I actually find it funny that I have to explain that to people on forums.

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post #7 of 37
10/10/10 at 10:46am

I just close my eyes. As long as there aren't any glaringly bright lights in the room it seems to work equally well for me.

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post #8 of 37
10/10/10 at 1:56pm

I listen to music a lot in complete darkness.. its just annoying that my family thinks im nuts doing that -_- 

 

 

But yeah. 100% dark and just the music... pure magic!

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post #9 of 37
10/12/10 at 8:48am

Mainly I would imagine not using your eyes would improve soundstage the most because you're not distracted your real surroundings..

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post #10 of 37
10/12/10 at 8:59am

I can't do this. If I try, I'll just fall asleep. I need some light to keep myself alert.

 

I've certainly done it before and it is nice for the first 15-20 minutes until I fall asleep!

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post #11 of 37
10/12/10 at 6:02pm

I used to listen in the dark, but my roommates find it a bit creepy when I do it now...

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post #12 of 37
10/12/10 at 8:16pm

It is really amazing what taking a sense away will do for your other senses. I love listening in the dark


Edited by NapalmK - 10/12/10 at 9:06pm
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post #13 of 37
10/12/10 at 8:33pm

I believe that when you're in total darkness (or close your eyes real good), the brain-power portion that was used to process visual info is now transferred to the other senses, hence boosting a bit your hearing processing.

I feel the same, close my eyes and I forget the headphones. That's my wild guess, in need of a scientist...

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post #14 of 37
10/12/10 at 9:00pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3602 View Post

I believe that when you're in total darkness (or close your eyes real good), the brain-power portion that was used to process visual info is now transferred to the other senses, hence boosting a bit your hearing processing.

I feel the same, close my eyes and I forget the headphones. That's my wild guess, in need of a scientist...

You've pretty much got it.

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post #15 of 37
10/13/10 at 9:50am

I do it quite a lot.

Turning the lights off, lean back and enjoy some beautiful music.

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