How to listen to ZP subs?

Questions and Comments
#1

So, I’ve read and read on here, and ended up overloading myself with too much info lol.

Basically, I have a few questions concerning effective ways to listen to ZP subs, along with a question on microloops.

I want to check if I’m doing things correctly, and what other options there are:

  1. I currently listen to the Sub using a MacBook Pro. I
    just play the ultrasonic (non-masked) file on VLC media player, using an app on my iphone (sonic tools) to check that the volume in the 20kHz frequency band doesn’t go above 20db.
    I check this whilst holding the phone next to my ear, with the mic part pointed towards my laptop, since the db level will go up the closer I get to the laptop speakers, so I’m trying to replicate what my ear is actually receiving, if that makes sense!

Firstly, is that all correct? I’m an audiophile and occasionally get mild tinnitus, so the thought of damaging my ears is quite terrifying to me!

  1. I would like some clarification on how to use the masked audio (and whether it’s better or worse)
    I’m not really clear about how the masked audio works, in terms of, is the volume of the ultrasonic matched to that of the masking noise?
    And if so, does this mean that I can just listen to whatever volume of masked noise feels alright to me (obviously not blaring out, but at e.g. normal music listening volumes, and my ears won’t be at risk of being damaged by the ultrasonic?

  2. and if this is the case, does that answer change at all depending on whether I’m listening on my MacBook speakers, or via earphones (In-Ear Monitors or IEMs, to be precise)?

  3. I am frankly baffled by microloops. I have purchased Paragon and Emperor and thus far have just listened once to each (with a rest day in between them), and when I did, I listened to the entire 15 minute track for each one.
    Now I keep seeing people talking about and recommending various lengths of microloops.
    I didn’t notice any negative effects from the 15 min sessions. I think I felt more healthy and well the day after my first Paragon listen, and nothing at all today, following a 15 min session of Emperor last night.

If I don’t feel anything bad, no recon, is it safe to just carry on with the 15 min sessions?
I don’t know how the tech works - and I appreciate the founders are not going to want to discuss proprietary details on here. But with no knowledge, I struggle to comprehend how a 10 second exposure to a 15 minute file can help (not saying it can’t; just that I don’t understand how!) :slight_smile:

Like unless the entire audio content is somehow compressed into a 10 second soundburst that is then repeated throughout the 15 minute run time, surely you’ll be losing content by microlooping?

Anyway, these are the main things I’m confused about right now, and anyone’s help and advice would be very much appreciated, thanks! :slight_smile:

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#2

One benefit of microlooping is to not get hit by the whole 15 minute loop. Since more exposure usually results in more reconcillation aka negative feelings, less exposure leads to less negative side effects and seeing results faster even if you are only exposed to part of the script.

The idea is to increase the length of the microloop over time (increasing by 30 seconds each time for example) until you are running the full 15 minute loop without any harsh recon.

That’s one way of looking at it. There are many other explanations of this and like you said, since this is proprietary tech, we can’t know the full picture but get an idea of what’s going on from personal experience of trying microloops out.

If you want to do the full 15 minutes loops, that’s fine too. But these days Saint recommends microloops a lot especially for dense titles or if one is facing too much recon.

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#3
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#4

Thanks! I actually read this exact article a few minutes before writing my post here, but when it talked about 4 stages, I thought it was just referring to multi-stage titles such as Quantum Limitless, where they have 4 separate audio files that you listen to in order.
Now things are starting to make a bit more sense, thank you :smiley:

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#5

Wondering if anyone could address this question? It got overlooked, understandably, amongst my other ones! :slight_smile:

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#6

Masked is actually probably the simplest listening option. Only 2 considerations/ instructions.

  1. Headphones work best to ensure the highest quality acoustics.

  2. If you can hear the masking sounds, then you’re receiving the subliminal content.

Voila.

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#7

Only thing to add:

The mask has the water sound and bird chirping.
You should be able to hear the bird chirping as well as the water trickling.

Listening to full volume can lead to recon. Some users described the feeling as if the subliminal was shouted into their subconscious.

But you’ll develop a feeling for that over time. I have days when I barely can hear the chirping and rare days when I push the volume to its max. But this will come with more experience.

#8

Since you’re an audiophile, wired headphones are an ideal match for masked subliminals—they ensure clean and precise playback. Use a wired connection with an external DAC to bypass the internal audio pipeline on Android or Apple devices. For Android, go with USB Audio Player Pro, Neutron, or HiBy Music Player; on iOS, Neutron or HiBy are great options. Enable bit-perfect playback in the player settings, disable sound enhancements, choose neutral EQ profiles, and keep the volume below 50% for safe and comfortable listening. This setup ensures that subliminal messages and their embedded frequencies remain intact and effective.

#9

Thank you! I appreciate the comprehensive advice!
However, I personally don’t use such devices to listen to music or Subs, or at least only infrequently.

I don’t know if - or how much - of an audiophile you are yourself?
There’s kind of levels of seriousness in this hobby, haha. Like how deep down the rabbit hole one is willing to go? I suppose I’d be at medium deepness? :stuck_out_tongue:

I have a Sony (and an iBasso) DAP - that’s a Digital Audio Player, for those unfamiliar with the hobby.
Basically like a hi-resolution Hi-Fi equivalent of an iPod.

I’ve loaded up my Sub files onto there (being VERY careful to only upload the masked version!).

I’m listening to them on wired earphones. Personally, I feel these offer better performance than most headphones due to a more immersive feeling (as long as the earphones are high quality), but in audiophile circles, there’s always some who prefer headphones to earphones and vice versa, so it’s down to personal preference :slight_smile:

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#10

Appreciate the advice! Actually, I did notice that last night :slight_smile:

I guess one advantage of being an audiophile - and one who also reviews earphones and other gear on a semi-regular/semi-pro basis - is that I’m used to critical listening and tend to notice all the tiny details even during casual listening, whilst still just relaxing and enjoying the music.
It’s a balance that’s taken a while to develop; not so focused on identifying details, sound quality and so on that I can’t just enjoy the music!

So listening to the Sub, I just closed my eyes, focused on breathing and either clearing my mind or just thinking lightly about topics and memories related to the theme of the Sub. Not sure if that’s the right way to go about it, but it seemed to feel appropriate at the time :slight_smile: