How does it work?
The Sonosphere operates as an advanced vibroacoustic system, precisely engineered to utilize sound waves and physical vibrations to influence human physiological states. By integrating principles of acoustics, material science, and frequency dynamics, The Sonosphere delivers a customized, full-body sensory experience designed for deep resonance and therapeutic engagement. It represents a unique application of scientific principles to create an unparalleled sensory immersive environment. Most importantly, the Sonosphere is a new technology for aiding in the therapeutic healing process for chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and more. The Sonosphere offers a revolutionary integration of art, science, and sound - and is designed with four key principals of operation:
FOUND VIA Our Research and Client Testimonials:
(Clinical Studies are in process)
Activates Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and repair)
Improves circulation of blood and lymph system
Relieves back and muscle pain
May stimulate new nerve growth (see related studies)
Relieves stress & anxiety (helps lower cortisol and adrenaline)
Sooth & heal depression / PTSD/CPTSD
Increases deeper brainwave states - Theta/Delta
Can trigger the somatic release of emotion
Life-Sized Cymatics
Inducing Vibroacoustic Resonance in the Human Body
Vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) involves the use of audible sound frequencies to generate localized vibrations that are applied directly to the body. While cymatics is a related field that studies the visualization of sound's effects on physical matter, in the context of The Sonosphere, you don't visually "see" patterns from the sound waves. Instead, you feel these precisely engineered vibrations throughout your entire body. Your body, being primarily composed of water, acts as a highly receptive medium for these sonic transmissions.
​
The Sonosphere stands as the only known vibroacoustic therapy device that not only boasts 4,500 watts of haptic power, significantly exceeding other devices, but also features four independent channels of frequency control, allowing for the simultaneous play of four distinct notes in the haptic range (our transducers operate in the range of 25 hz-160 hz).
This advanced system provides a wide range of adjustable parameters for each of the 4 channels, including individual frequency, amplitude, low-frequency oscillation (LFO) rate, and phase differences between the different channels.
The Sonosphere generates low-frequency sound waves (ranging from 20-160 Hz, with a fundamental resonant frequency around 40 Hz) that are transmitted directly into your tissues, organs, and cellular structures via high-power transducers. Critically, sound travels at different speeds through the various layers of the human body, being faster through denser tissues like bone compared to softer tissues like fascia. These variable transmission speeds create a highly complex and dynamic vibrational pattern throughout the body, which translates into an equally intricate and profound haptic (tactile) sensation.
​
When you position yourself within The Sonosphere, you become an integral part of a larger, highly coherent resonating system. This immersive experience induces a state of physiological resonance, where the body's internal systems begin to synchronize with the device's intricate vibrational field. This process is akin to acoustic induction; much like one tuning fork vibrating near another of the same frequency will cause the second fork to resonate in sympathy, your body responds to the targeted frequencies, promoting cellular stimulation, enhancing circulation, and influencing nerve function for optimal well-being.
​
The Sonosphere utilizes these four distinct channels to deliver frequencies, frequently harmonics of 40 Hz. A key aspect of the system's profound haptic feedback is generated by the intervals, or the "space between the notes." For example, a program might involve playing 40 Hz on one channel and 41 Hz on another. The subtle difference between these frequencies creates an emergent beat frequency, often referred to as a heterodyne in this context—a distinct vibrational pulse resulting from the combination of two or more closely spaced audio frequencies. This phenomenon significantly enhances the tactile experience. Additionally, a third channel might feature the third harmonic of 40 Hz (120 Hz), while the fourth channel may introduce another heterodyne or reiterate the fundamental 40 Hz. The consistent use of 40 Hz is foundational to The Sonosphere's design, given the extensive body of vibroacoustic therapy research supporting its benefits, and its alignment with the fundamental resonant frequency of the Sonosphere's structure.
SPHERICAL SURROUND SOUND
An Ambisonic Dreamworld with a Haptic Twist
The Sonosphere has 2 unique sound systems which we manually blend together in a custom live session:
1.) The Vibroacoustic Therapy [VAT] system- a high-powered, haptic circular, sound bed
2.) The 360 degree Ambisonic Sound System- a spherical surround sound​​
​
The Sonosphere's advanced audio system creates an unparalleled spatial sound experience through its 12.2 spherical (Ambisonics) speaker configuration. Ambisonics is a sophisticated technique for recording, mixing, and playing back full 360-degree sound fields, precisely recreating the directional and environmental nuances of an acoustic space. Unlike traditional stereo or even standard surround sound, Ambisonics aims to capture and reproduce the complete sound field at a single point, which in this case is fixed solely on your- at close range.
​​
Combined with the haptic VAT system, this allows for an incredibly realistic and enveloping auditory environment. Within The Sonosphere, this means sound emanates not just from fixed points, but from all around, above, and below the user, creating a truly immersive "sound sphere." This precise spatial delivery of sound, often tuned to A=432 Hz for its harmonic properties, provides a neurologically engaging auditory experience that works in synergistic conjunction with the physical vibrations.
Furthermore, the system incorporates real-time spatial control, allowing for dynamic manipulation of sound sources, such as 'moving' sounds around the user with panning effects, or changing the mood or tone of the musical landscape for it's interactive and therapeutic aspects in the auditory immersion. We also have customized volume balancing between the two systems as to not cause damage to one's hearing.
A Tapestry of SOUND
We have been curating our special Sonosphere playlist for over 20 years. We choose well-produced, relaxing music that fills the whole frequency range of our speakers from 5-10,000 hz, in a truly deep and dynamic journey through sound. Also in the mix is our own self-produced ambient electronic dreamscape music that is tuned to the harmonics of the 37- 40 hz range. Our custom sessions feature live track selections that we weave together with other live effects for a truly one-of a kind session each time. This is a sound bath like you've never FELT before!
​
The Sonosphere: BUILT LIKE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
The Sonosphere's design extends beyond conventional vibroacoustic devices; it is meticulously crafted with the principles of a fine musical instrument. Just as there's no such thing as a square clarinet or a cuboid flute, acoustic instruments are fundamentally shaped to cultivate and distribute sound efficiently, often relying on cylindrical or conical forms that naturally encourage rich overtone series.
​
Similarly, the four hollow arcs integrated into The Sonosphere's structure are not merely aesthetic elements. These precisely engineered tubular forms serve to amplify and guide resonant frequencies, much like the body of a cello enhances its strings' vibrations. This design actively encourages the generation and optimal distribution of overtone harmonics throughout the entire Sonosphere system, including the platform and the surrounding environment. This acoustic architecture profoundly enhances the resonant qualities that vibrate the human form, ensuring a more comprehensive, nuanced, and harmonically rich therapeutic experience. The Sonosphere, therefore, isn't just a device; it's a living instrument, designed to resonate with you.
TRANCE INDUCING ENVIRONMENT
An Ambisonic Dreamworld with a Haptic Twist
Beyond the direct haptic and auditory stimulation, The Sonosphere meticulously engineers its physical environment to facilitate a shift in cognitive and physiological states. Specific visual and structural elements work in concert with the sound and vibration to create conditions conducive to deep relaxation, altered brainwave patterns, and overall systemic calm.
Harnessing Brainwave Entrainment with Heterodyne Frequencies
Beyond the direct vibroacoustic stimulation, The Sonosphere is designed to influence the brain's activity through the strategic application of heterodyne beat frequencies. When two distinct, closely spaced frequencies are presented simultaneously to the body (e.g., 40 Hz and 44 Hz producing a 4 Hz beat), the brain perceives this difference as a third, low-frequency pulse. This physically feels akin to how a binaural beat sounds – a distinct pulsation or oscillation – but experienced in 3D, throughout your entire body, rather than just perceived auditorily in your ears. This phenomenon is a powerful mechanism for brainwave entrainment, where the brain's electrical activity has the potential to synchronize with the perceived beat frequency. By intentionally weaving these specific interval relationships into our sessions, The Sonosphere aims to guide the brain into desired states.
For example, a 4 Hz heterodyne beat is often utilized with the goal of facilitating access to deep Delta brainwave states, which are associated with profound relaxation, restorative sleep, and deep restorative processes. Similarly, a 7 Hz heterodyne beat can encourage the emergence of Theta brainwave states, linked to deep meditation, heightened creativity, and a sense of expanded awareness. These beat frequencies and their harmonics are dynamically changed to shift with each track in the sonic journey of the sound bath. Furthermore, most, if not all, of the accompanying music is composed in the key of E, aligning with our foundational 40 Hz research frequency range, which evidence suggests most benefits human beings. This precise entrainment approach is intended to allow users to relax more rapidly and to reach and sustain deeply restorative or transcendental meditative states with greater ease and consistency.
COSMIC Immersion: Navigating Inner Space
The Sonosphere's design extends its therapeutic reach by meticulously crafting an immersive environment that directly influences cognitive and emotional states. The primary choice of a galaxy or outer space motif for the main environment is highly intentional, leveraging the inherent qualities of vast, dark space. This perceived void and darkness provide an ideal canvas for minimizing external sensory distractions, creating conditions conducive to deeper brainwave entrainment and facilitating rapid entry into parasympathetic states, crucial for profound relaxation and restoration.
However, this is not a purely sensory deprivation experience. Instead, The Sonosphere masterfully balances this quietude with precisely controlled sensory stimulation. Dynamic visual and olfactory elements are seamlessly integrated, including softly shifting colors from changing lights, intricate star laser projections that float and move, and ethereal aurora projectors that collectively forge a unique, personal galaxy. These visual narratives often draw from natural sciences, outer space, and fractal geometry, evoking a collective sense of awe and wonder.
​
This unique sensory environment transcends mere aesthetic appeal. It cultivates an experience akin to being enveloped in the "womb of the universe" or embarking on a futuristic journey within a spaceship flying through space. This sensation of experiencing advanced, visionary technology ignites the imagination and fosters profound states of bliss and positive affect.
From an experiential therapy perspective, this immersive artistic installation significantly aids in inducing a trance-like state, similar to the facilitative process observed in hypnosis, allowing individuals to disengage from daily stressors and access deeper levels of self-awareness and healing. Such a carefully curated sensory landscape is particularly resonant and beneficial for many individuals, including children and adults across the autism spectrum, offering a predictable yet profoundly engaging pathway to calm and focused attention.
WHY THE SPINNING COPPER SPHERE?
The system is designed to facilitate a shift in brainwave states, promoting deep relaxation and potentially aiding in stress reduction. The integrated kinetic (spinning) copper sphere acts as a visual focal point. Its smooth, continuous motion provides a consistent visual stimulus that can occupy the analytical regions of the brain, allowing for a reduction in cognitive activity and a shift towards more receptive brain states (such as alpha or theta waves associated with relaxation and meditation).
This sensory engagement works in conjunction with the auditory and haptic input to create an environment conducive to physiological calm.
The spinning of the lighted sphere around you gives you the feeling of being in a space vehicle- there's a visual and aural illusion of movement and the pulsing lights in sync with the pure tones, creates a trance-inducing environment which helps you unplug from the outer world, and drift deep inside your own consciousness, and body.
Immersive ART THERAPY
Sensory Integration in Therapeutic Experiences
Installation art is one of the most important and provocative developments in the visual arts during the last half century and has become a key focus of artists and of contemporary museums. Art installations represent 'a monumental shift in emphasis from traditional bounded sculptures or two-dimensional images placed before a viewer, installation artworks are instead comprised of site-specific pieces that envelop an individual, often incorporating aspects of the existing environment and designed to bring about complex sensory and emotional experiences' (MOCA, 2002)
The Sonosphere extends its therapeutic reach by integrating elements of an immersive artistic environment, designed to optimize cognitive and emotional engagement. This multi-sensory approach combines precise vibrations and sound with dynamic visual and olfactory stimuli, including changing lights, softly shifting colors, star projections, and a galaxy-themed environment. In certain settings, The Sonosphere also incorporates compelling video projections to further enhance the immersive environment. For example, in 2023, The Sonosphere was presented in Los Angeles as part of the "Alternative" project, where it resided within a 26-foot geodesic dome featuring 360-degree projection videos on the dome ceiling – an experience that was truly spectacular. These video artworks often depict themes of natural science, outer space, fractal geometry, or other universal topics that consistently evoke a collective sense of respect and admiration in human beings, frequently inspiring the raw awe and wonder akin to that of a child.​
This rich sensory landscape is crafted to provide a highly controlled and stimulating, yet non-overwhelming, experience. For many individuals, including children and adults across the autism spectrum, these artistic and immersive qualities are particularly resonant. The predictable yet captivating sensory input offers a unique pathway for engagement, often leading to profound states of calm and focused attention.
​
From a therapeutic perspective, engaging the imagination and providing a stimulating yet harmonious environment can facilitate a significant shift in an individual's emotional and psychological state. This active sensory immersion is designed to encourage a positive affective response, contributing to a sense of well-being, reduced anxiety, and a state conducive to therapeutic benefits. By providing a uniquely engaging and positive experiential space, The Sonosphere aims to cultivate profound states of internal harmony and a subjective sense of contentment.
Note: The video on the right is from our Los Angeles residency at Alternity LA in 2023 where we presented The Sonosphere with 360 degree video projections in a geodesic dome.
SONOSPHERE LORE: Visions FoRGED IN FICTION
Beyond its scientific foundation and therapeutic purpose, the very aesthetic and structural elements of The Sonosphere are deeply imbued with a wealth of influences drawn from iconic science fiction films and literature. For Louisa Firethorne, the founder and inventor of The Sonosphere, visionary narratives of future technologies, cosmic journeys, and deep human-machine interfaces from various sci-fi masterpieces directly inspired the artistic and architectural design of The Sonosphere's body, lighting design, and finish work. These fictional realms provided a powerful wellspring of imagination, guiding the creation of an apparatus designed not only to heal but to evoke wonder and transport the individual into an experience resonant with humanity's grandest speculative visions.
The overall look and feel of the Sonosphere was inspired by decades of sci-fi books and movies, but especially the Disney movie, 'Flight of the Navigator' from the 80's. In it, David the protagonist is whisked away in a chrome UFO by a sentient space ship he calls 'Max'. Max requires a navigator and David finds himself on an amazing adventure through outer space, being the pilot of an alien space ship which is 100% shiny silver chrome on the inside and outside. This design aesthetic is deeply integrated into the art installation experience.
The Sonosphere's design, with its unique spherical form, has often drawn comparisons to the advanced spacecraft depicted in the film Contact, an adaptation of the book by revered scientist and science communicator Carl Sagan.
This resonance with Sagan's vision is particularly noteworthy as the foundational concepts for The Sonosphere's spherical design were conceived independently, predating the movie's release. This remarkable synchronicity has continually inspired the creators, underscoring the universal appeal of groundbreaking exploration and the great sense of awe that scientific discovery and cosmic imagination can evoke. The enduring admiration for Sagan's work and the parallel visual inspiration serve as a testament to The Sonosphere's capacity to transport the human mind, and inspire.
The visionary narratives of Star Trek significantly shaped the conceptualization of The Sonosphere, particularly its advanced technological aspirations. The series' depictions of sophisticated medical diagnostics and restorative systems, alongside its highly intuitive AI computers designed to optimize solutions, served as powerful archetypes for integrated therapeutic technology. Beyond these functional inspirations, the overarching Star Trek concept of bending space and time to transcend physical limitations and access distant realities offers a strong parallel.
While The Sonosphere operates within the known laws of physics, it is engineered to function as a unique portal to the present moment, facilitating an exceptional state of focused presence and internal coherence. As more individuals engage with its harmonizing fields, there is an emergent sense that this collective immersion amplifies its capacity to anchor participants more deeply into that immediate, transformative now, fostering a shared journey into deep states of awareness.
References:
For more information on the scientific exploration of the effects of immersive art installations, please read this peer reviewed study: Capturing Aesthetic Experiences With Installation Art: An Empirical Assessment of Emotion, Evaluations, and Mobile Eye Tracking in Olafur Eliasson’s “Baroque, Baroque!”