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Violet Noise
Violet noise, also called purple noise, is a thin, airy hiss at the very top of the range, brighter still than blue. Phone speakers reproduce it easily because there is almost no bass to lose. Use it for a high electronic whine if you must; skip it for sleep, and do not turn it up to compete.
Ready to play
Put this under rain or a fire, keep the blend you end up with, and play it through the night with your screen off. The Slo app does that on iOS, Android and Mac.
What violet noise is actually for
It sounds like a thin, airy hiss with no body under it. The only job it is good at is sitting on top of something already bright and annoying: a faint electronic whine, a distant alarm-clock tone, maybe the "s" of speech if white is not enough. It will not cover traffic, dishes, or a neighbor. There is nothing low in it to work with.
Some people find that clean for a minute. Most find it tiring. Both reactions are ordinary. Try it briefly and stop if it feels sharp. The same is true of blue noise and green noise: pick by what the room is doing, not by the name.
Volume, speakers, and a warmer layer
Start lower than you think you need. High hiss can feel light while still wearing you out. Phone speakers, headphones, and hearing all change the top of the range, so violet will not sound the same on two devices. Do not use it to overpower loud equipment. Stop if it feels sharp.
Alone it is stark. Compare it with blue noise and white noise at the same volume, read the complete guide to noise colors, or open the violet and brown noise blend in the free sound mixer to put a floor under the hiss.
Frequently asked questions
What does violet noise sound like?
A thin, airy, high hiss. Brighter than blue, much brighter than white, pink, or brown.
How is violet noise different from blue noise?
Both are bright hisses. Violet is thinner and higher, with even less body. Most people last longer with blue, and longer still with white or pink.
Will a phone speaker play violet noise?
Yes, and that is part of the problem. There is almost no rumble to lose, so a phone plays the sharp part and little else. Keep it quieter than you would on headphones.
Should I use violet noise for sleep?
Most people who use noise overnight prefer pink or brown. That is preference, not a rule. Keep the level low and stop if the hiss feels sharp. It is not a treatment.