Noise Lab – Exploring White, Pink, and Brown Noise

Noise Lab is an interactive sound exploration tool that helps students understand different types of noise and how filters shape what we hear. Unlike a single musical note, noise contains many frequencies at once. By comparing noise types and adjusting filters, students can hear and see how sound energy is distributed across the frequency spectrum.

Students can explore three types of noise:

• White Noise – Contains equal energy across all frequencies. It sounds bright and “hissy,” like static.
• Pink Noise – Has more energy in lower frequencies. It sounds smoother and more balanced.
• Brown Noise – Has even more low-frequency energy. It sounds deep and rumbling.

The built-in filter allows students to remove high or low frequencies and hear how the sound changes. As they adjust the cutoff frequency, the spectrum display updates in real time to show which frequencies are present.

What students can learn:

• Noise contains many frequencies at the same time
• Different noise types distribute energy differently
• Filters can remove high or low frequencies from a sound
• Frequency balance affects how “bright,” “smooth,” or “deep” a sound feels

Noise Lab connects naturally to lessons on sound waves, vibration, audio engineering, environmental sound, and physical science. It also pairs well with frequency spectrum and waveform activities for deeper investigation.