Brown Noise vs Pink Noise: Understanding the Differences

Brown and pink noise are two types of noise signals that differ primarily in the nature of their frequency distribution. Brown noise, also known as red noiseBrown noise, also known as red noise, is characterized by a power spectral density that decreases at a rate of 6 decibels per octave with increasing frequency. It is characterized by a rolling, rumbling sound that is perceived as soothing by some listeners. Brown noise is named after the British scientist Robert Brown, who first observed the random motion of particles in liquid suspension known as Brownian motion.

On the other hand, pink noise has a power spectral density that decreases at a rate of 3 decibels per octave with increasing frequency, which means that it has equal energy in each octave or logarithmic frequency interval. As a result, pink noise sounds more balanced and smoother to the human ear as compared to brown noise, with a less prominent low-frequency rumble. Pink noise is often used in audio engineering and acoustics for various applications such as testing equipment, measuring the response of audio systems, and simulating the background noise in a busy environment.

In summary, the primary differences between brown noise and pink noise are the rate at which their power spectral density decreases with frequency and the resulting sound quality. To the human ear, brown noise sounds deeper and more rumbling, while pink noise sounds more balanced and even.