Solace [A] is now an official available option on the Q store. The cost is $30, which covers API use and the extra time to prepare Solace-powered titles. [B] needs much more testing before it can be released as an official option.
14 Likes
Apple AirPods Pro.
I prefer the sound from [A] at this point. My main critique with [B] is the seemingly increasing and decreasing of volume throughout the track. I personally prefer the consistency of A’s volume (seems to make for an easier listening experience), as opposed to the fading in and out I experienced listening to B. I have fairly sensitive hearing and this was somewhat bothersome even at extremely low volumes.
This was my experience when listening in all 3 modes.
2 Likes
I hear a 3D type effect. I hear it have an ocean wave like feature. I hear the trickling. The trickling sounds less percussive than the original.
I’m wondering if the undulating effect might be fatiguing because I’m guessing the brain will compulsively want to process it. However, I played Solace A at a very low volume and I got results. So I would wonder if playing Solace B at a very low volume would be more gentle on the ears and brain than the current trickling stream.
Overall, it sounds like a work of art. I think this took a lot of thought, designing, and hours to create.
I think this would be a good option for people to have.
Personally with Solace A, I like the minimalism, but I dislike the percussiveness the drops had.
If I had a choice between the current trickling stream and Solace B, I would be tempted to get Solace B.
Is any one experiencing any slight dizziness or disorientation when listening? I’m noticing a bit.
Used headphones: Audio Technica ATH M20x
2 Likes
AirPods Pro.
Solace A > Solace B > Current Default, regardless of listening mode (transparency, noise cancellation, etc).
Solace A has more consistent volume, and it is not very disruptive. In fact it feels the most invisible of the masks which is why I like it so much. Downside to it was the bird chirp noise.
5 Likes
I listened to it with my Sennheisers.
I think the 3D audio is very impressive and immersive, I easily get taken into that world and can visualize it. It reminds me of those 3d audio experiences on youtube. But it does call much of your attention and as @RVconsultant said, I think the panning of the waves might get a bit dizzying after a long time of listening.
It is hard to critique without knowing the goal of it though. Like if immersing yourself into the audio makes the subliminal processing stronger, then I’d say it is for sure superior to the other masks.
If immersion isn’t that important, I personally like masks that aren’t that distracting, like a simple brown noise kind of sound is great for me because I can listen to it with music and not even notice it, or since my headphones are open back, I can keep playing it while ppl are talking to me and they won’t even know, while you can clearly hear through my headphones with the other masks.
Also, my headphones are weaker in the bass department so it could be just that, but I found the mix was lacking some bass for me, mainly in the waves that pan around.
2 Likes
Outstanding feedback from everyone. Keep it coming, we really appreciate it. Looks like the general consensus is that the immersion is great, but the changes in volume is distracting. I think that’s something we can fix. 
5 Likes
Remember that Solace is meant to be played at low volumes if you’re working or listening to music / watching a video, and a bit higher if you’re meditating. That being said, we’ll look into the “dizzying” effect and how to mitigate it.
Yes, we did EQ out a lot of bass, primarily because the low-end causes much of the ear fatigue you experience when listening for long periods of time. The overarching goal of Solace is to enhance the listening experience – if you have to listen for a few hours, it doesn’t drive you mad in the process.
3 Likes
Ah that’s a good point about the ear fatigue, I didn’t consider that when thinking about the bass.
And yes I just tried it at a lower volume around 15% and it was much less distracting. I play the original mask at like 2-4% volume in comparison, any higher is overwhelming. Meditation with the new solace though would be a huge improvement over the regular mask.
2 Likes
08-25-21 @ 12:15 AM EST;
I used my Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones, and so far I think I like it more than the original (A) version. I did experience a bit of the “dizzying” feeling that has been mentioned, so that’s something that should be looked at further. Personally, I still prefer the original river trickling sound for the masked track, as well as the ultrasonic track, and those should still be included in all future products as well as any upgrades of current products.
2 Likes
1 Like
Next test is ready, everyone – this one addresses the “dizzying” side effect that some are experiencing (hopefully), as well as balancing out the volume, since we’ll eventually have to normalize volume between legacy and Solace. That being said, this one is much louder than the other, so when you test, please set your volume between 30% and 50%
For those testing for the first time, please look at the instructions on this post, then proceed to test the file. If you’re providing feedback for v1 of Solace [B], please state that in your response.
Solace [B - Immersive]: https://solacetest.s3.amazonaws.com/Solace+(B)+Test+v2.mp3
1 Like
Solace B (EDIT: V2) kicks ass. On Beats Flex. Smoother. Steady. Not distracting. Very pleasant. I could easily “lose track of” this mask it I were doing programming work while listening. My fav Solace mask yet.
1 Like
Which version is this in reference to? Solace [B] v1 or v2?
Oops. V2. Sorry. I’ll edit
1 Like
Bv2 is definitely louder, I also noticed the wave in the first few seconds of Bv1 isn’t as pronounced in Bv2, and the loud gush of wave in general isn’t as prominent. To my ears Bv2 seems more pleasant and the waves more uniform with the volume.
I compensated the volume for Bv1 to be around equal to Bv2 in my testing, both if which is around 30 percent if equal. Both are comfortable for me, and I didn’t find any dizzying effect on Bayerdynamic 770 pro 80 Ohms Bv1 in my limited test and with this one headphone.
I’m not too good with sounds but to my ears, Bv1 seems to have a more spacial effect and peaks and valleys compared to Bv2, perhaps that’s where the dizzying effect comes from.
Both are good, I’m sensitive to loud sounds but Bv2 seems more uniformed and I’m leaning towards Bv2 as well if it’s as efficient and effective even when ran at low volumes.
I usually run my subs around 8-10 percent of the volume of Bv2.
2 Likes
Did you listen to Solace at the same volume settings you listen to Legacy? (I don’t mean the actual volume). Thanks.
Yes, around the same low volume (not percentage) then increased a bit if in a loud environment.
1 Like
Solace B v2 is more consistent and easier to listen to. i still dislike the ocean waves sounds, i wish it was just the sound of trickling water like in Solace A.
is it possible to make the “subliminalclub.com” copywrite in the audio repeat every 40 seconds or so? it kinda hard to be fully attentive when it plays so often
This won’t be in the final, but it’s required now. You have no idea how many new “sub producers” are popping up and stealing our stuff. We’re gearing up to send the legal team after one that’s trying to copy our title names.
8 Likes
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”
Oscar Wilde
1 Like