Brain Tap: the headphones that improve your well-being

Hello gadget-o-naut!

It sounds like science fiction, but in this post I am going to talk to you about these avant-garde headphones, with which you can improve your relaxation, rest, concentration, productivity… In short, the headphones with which you will improve your well-being.

You want to know more about Brain Tap?

NOTE: You can read this article in Spanish here. Puedes leer este artículo en español aquí.

What is Brain Tap?

At first glance, Brain Tap headphones look like just that, headphones. And yes, they are, but their function is not to allow you to listen to music to entertain your brain, but what you will listen to will be training sessions to reach deep meditative states without the years of practice and discipline that this would entail.

A little histrory about Brain Tap

Brain Tap’s creator, Patrick K. Porter (Ph.D.), began his journey into the science of calming the brain at age 12 when his father taught him and his eight siblings a method of relaxation. Porter soon recorded the first visualization of him on a tape recorder and used it to transform himself from a self-proclaimed «struggling student and historical troublemaker» into a «three-sport athletic captain, as well as an honor roll student.»

Today, Dr. Porter and his team of scientists and mindfulness experts are leading the way in brainwave training technology. With a library of over 400 guided audio programs (all featuring the voice of Dr. Porter) and creative visualization processes, BrainTap enables users to relax, reset, and revitalize while achieving peak brain performance.

Does Brain Tap have a scientific basis?

Unlike meditation apps, Brain Tap’s neuroalgorithm produces brainwave training without active user effort. Each Brain Tap session is coded differently to ensure maximum neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections), resulting in a flexible and resilient brain.

The science behind Brain Tap is based on four key elements that allow sessions to induce brainwave training.

Those four elements are:

Binaural Beats

When two different tones, separated in frequency by only a few Hertz, are introduced, one into each ear, the brain perceives a unique third tone. Binaural beats work by creating this «ghost» frequency, which the brain then mimics. For example, if we play a 220 Hz tone in the left ear and a 226.5 Hz tone in the right ear, your brain perceives the difference between the two, which is a subtle 6.5 Hz beat frequency, the same frequency associated with deep meditative states. Your brain naturally follows this frequency and you experience this deeply relaxed state.

It should be noted that these binaural beats only have an effect if headphones are used and one tone is clearly heard in one ear and another in the other; if we play a track without headphones, the two tones will be heard by both ears and the third tone that our brain has to “hear” will not be produced and, therefore, will not produce any training effect.

As a neuroscientist, I find this topic of Binaural Beats fascinating, so I am preparing another post dedicated to them, in case you are more curious.
Guided Visualization

In general, the visual imagery process involves the individual setting aside a period of relaxation, during which they contemplate mental images that represent a desired outcome or goal. Visualization has been studied for decades and has been shown to have the power to affect mental states, improve physical and athletic performance, and even heal the body. And when combined with the other BrainTap elements, these effects are enhanced and optimized.
10-cycle Holographic Music

Another guided meditation aid is 10-cycle holographic music, which is a sonic technology that produces a 360-degree sound environment.

In this sonic environment, visualizations become more real to the mind, helping the user to fully harness the power of visualizations by creating a more receptive learning state.

I would translate it as surround sound that helps you disconnect from the outside world and thus you concentrate and connect better with your inner experience.
Isochronous Tones

Isochronous tones are sound pulses of equal intensity separated by an interval of silence. They turn on and off quickly, but the speed depends on the desired brain frequency. The discrete nature of isochronous tones makes them particularly easy for the brain to follow.

For me, it would be comparable to listening to a person clapping: if the rhythm is irregular and random you will feel disturbed, if the rhythm is regular and slow you will feel relaxed or if the rhythm is regular but faster you may feel tempted to start dancing . Do you remember when a person clapped his hands to the We will rock you song, without saying a word? In the end, the whole class understood the pattern and a general synchronization took place. The same goes for neurons.

But in addition to the auditory effects, thanks to the built-in viewer, we can also add visual effects, since it is known that pulsating light, in the correct pattern and intensity, can produce levels of deep relaxation that affect serotonin and endorphin levels.

It is for all this that, rather than saying that they are headphones, I would say that they are headphones to train your brain.

What are its benefits?

RELAX – RESTART – REVITALIZE YOURSELF

Improves intuition and mental clarity, allowing you to experience higher states of consciousness where you will attract and manifest your desires
Improves sleep, leaving you feeling more rested, rejuvenated and full of energy
Reduces stress, worry and irritability, supporting emotional stability and mental harmony
It can decrease negative self-talk and self-defeating impulses, thus improving mindset and might even help you overcome bad habits

Adverse effects and contraindications

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FLASHING LIGHTS – In very rare cases, people have experienced blackouts or seizures, even if they have never had one before, when exposed to flashing lights or light patterns that occur while playing video games, watching videos, or using lighting systems strobes like the Brain Tap headset. If you have ever experienced seizures or blackouts or have a family history of seizures or blackouts, you should consult your doctor before using this device.

Also, stop using the Brain Tap headphones and consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during use:

Seizures
Eye or muscle spasms
Loss of consciousness
Involuntary movements
Disorientation

Adults should control the use of this device in children.

Use contraindicated if you present:

Hearing impairment, hearing loss
Sensitivity to light, photophobia
Brain injury
Pathologies that can be triggered or worsened by auditory and/or visual stimuli (epilepsy, migraines…)
Mental and/or cognitive disabilities
If you are taking any medication, it is recommended to consult an expert before using this device.
Do not use under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol

What does the box include?

Brain Tap Headphones (LED-equipped headphones and attached LED-equipped visor)
Standard USB charger
Audio cable
User’s manual
Transport case
Founder’s Choice Program found in the Brain Tap Pro app

How does it work?

To play a session on your Brain Tap headphones, you will need to follow these steps:

Turn on your Brain Tap earpiece with the ON/OFF switch on the top of the right earpiece. The ON/OFF switch only turns on the Brain Tap headset, it will not start the audio session.
Connect via Bluetooth. You don’t need to use the black stereo cable when pairing with Bluetooth.
Within the Brain Tap app, select the audio session you want to play.
Put the headphones on your head and get into a comfortable position.
Download the desired audio session and press play. You may need to adjust the sound volume or light intensity to desired levels.
Lower the viewfinder, close your eyes, relax and enjoy the session. *Sessions are not available in Streaming
When the session ends, remove your headphones and unplug the audio cable, if applicable. Power off the device and store it in the provided case.

Features and tips for use

They can be used both connected to the device and wirelessly, via Bluetooth connection.
The lights inside the viewer will not be visible until a session is started.
To avoid visor damage, do not stretch the headset beyond the width of your head. Take off the earpiece in a forward motion with both hands, one on each earpiece. DO NOT use the visor to remove the headphones. Do not try to turn the visor more than 90 degrees.
To clean, lightly spray a standard medical-grade disinfectant cleaner on a clean, lint-free cloth and gently wipe the device. DO NOT spray cleaners directly on the device, including the headset and headset. DO NOT use window cleaners, household cleaners, sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean the device.
As a Brain Tap customer, you are allowed up to 5 audio sessions per day, per device. You must listen to at least 25% of the audio session for it to count towards your daily maximum. Devices are limited to two per customer. That is, if you have 2 smart devices (phone and tablet) loaded with the BrainTap Pro app, you can listen up to 5 times per day per device, for a total of 10 sessions per day.
Battery/charge indicator:
🔶 AMBER: Indicates that the battery is low and requires charging BEFORE being used again. If the device’s battery is too low, it may not turn on the lights.
🔴 RED: Indicates that the headphones are plugged in and charging properly.
💚 GREEN: Indicates the device is fully charged and ready to go.
The device will work normally while charging, but if it is used while charging, it will take longer to recharge.
On a full charge, you should get 15 to 20 audio sessions of playback time between charges. This varies depending on whether Bluetooth is being used, the intensity level of the viewfinder light, and the duration of the session.
Battery saving function: the headset will turn off automatically after 60 minutes on, even if you are using it (such long sessions are not necessary; if you are going to do two sessions with two different users, turn it off and turn it on again between the two uses). In addition, the headset will automatically turn off after 15 minutes of power on but inactivity.
Replaceable Battery: Your Brain Tap headset has a replaceable battery and must be provided by the manufacturer, as the use of unauthorized batteries will void your warranty.
Warranty and return policy:
- The Brain Tap Headset Bluetooth model has a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. The original Brain Tap Headset model has a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty. All other products or equipment come with a 30-day manufacturer’s warranty, unless otherwise noted. Please refer to your user manual for the full warranty policy.
- Satisfaction guaranteed. Brain Tap headphone purchases on the official website come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. All returns must have proof of purchase and a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number or the return will not be accepted. The return period begins the day you received your order. All returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee. It takes approximately 10-14 days to process a return.

Subscriptions

To use the device you will need to subscribe to one of its individual packages (which includes between 20-30 sessions) or to the complete «Wellness Collection».

You can manage your subscriptions on the web (add or cancel) or in the app (cancel only).

NOTE: the sessions that contain voice-overs are in English.

SLEEP RX

EXAMPLES OF SESSIONS:

Sleep soundly and wake up recharged
Sleep at any time
Deep Delta Training Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Sleep soundly and wake up recharged
Plan a restful night’s sleep
Make peace with your body for deep, restful sleep
Sleep soundly and let go of unwanted fears forever
Go with the flow day and night
Super Charged Fat Burning While You Sleep
Calm rain drifting
Theta training sessions of 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes
6 whole tone programs

Retrain your brain to relax, restore your body’s natural sleep pattern, and wake up rested, revitalized, and refreshed.