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Author Topic: "music slowing down" phenomenon...  (Read 1419 times)

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mikoss

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"music slowing down" phenomenon...
« on: July 29, 2015, 03:43:02 PM »
Does anyone else feel like their music is playing as if it's a bit slowed down when it's presented through a really good amp? ("really good amp" I guess being something subjectively much better than what you're used to listening on...)

I don't know how else to describe this, but I've noticed it rolling in different tubes, and upgrading gear... particularly different headphone amps. It might be due to hearing "more" into the music... decay and lower level details, but I perceive the "slowing down" on vocals/guitar, things that seem quite easily audible. The song is obviously taking the same amount of time to play, so something else is going on...

I think it's some sort of brain thing, where more information is audible, or it's more easily processed (as opposed to being inaudible, or congested), so the experience seems more drawn out? I dunno... just guessing here and I'm sure this may sound odd. Just wondering if anyone else hears the same thing, and identifies with the perceived slower presentation.

I also don't think it's entirely just due to decay... it may just be a general resolution thing. This also ties into playing music for friends who aren't into gear who comment that it's a different song entirely. I don't know  :)p8
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maverickronin

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2015, 03:46:57 PM »
It sounds more like a mental thing to me.  You're just really getting into the music.
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Arnotts

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2015, 04:09:24 PM »
This is a topic that actually really, really interests me.

Like maverickronin said, when you REALLY get into the music, it can have this kind of effect where moments can feel like they last longer. You can hear much more of each sound because it feels like it lasts longer. This happens when you can really clear your mind and focus solely on the music. The better you are at listening actively, the better you'll be at doing this.

I've mentioned this in another thread before, but try experimenting a little bit. Do some meditation and see how it influences your ability to listen to music. Consume some caffeine and then try it. Ingest some marijuana and try it. Ingest some other psychedelics and then try it, too  :)p8
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aufmerksam

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2015, 04:22:29 PM »
Quote from: mikoss on July 29, 2015, 03:43:02 PM
more information is audible, or it's more easily processed (as opposed to being inaudible, or congested), so the experience seems more drawn out

This is what I have experienced. I have tried to describe it as "fuller," which is a bad word choice, but I understand what you are talking about. I can only guess it is a function of a) less ringing (a function of the driver used) and b) more dynamics being fed (a function of source and amp). It is especially present on tracks I am already familiar with. As I climbed the upgrade ladder, the scarier part has been when my mind stops focusing on the "more", and you are just listening to "everything". It is enough to make a self-respecting headphone enthusiast consider switching to speakers...
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mikoss

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2015, 04:26:01 PM »
Interesting thoughts guys. I started the google machine and found some very interesting research on this topic...

This link mentions how the more information you're processing can lead to your brain perceiving the time slowing down phenomenon...

https://blog.bufferapp.com/the-science-of-time-perception-how-to-make-your-days-longer

Quote...

When we receive lots of new information, it takes our brains a while to process it all. The longer this processing takes, the longer that period of time feels:

When we’re in life-threatening situations, for instance, “we remember the time as longer because we record more of the experience. Life-threatening experiences make us really pay attention, but we don’t gain superhuman powers of perception.”

The same thing happens when we hear enjoyable music, because “greater attention leads to perception of a longer period of time.”

Conversely, if your brain doesn’t have to process lots of new information, time seems to move faster, so the same amount of time will actually feel shorter than it would otherwise. This happens when you take in lots of information that’s familiar, because you’ve processed it before. Your brain doesn’t have to work very hard, so it processes time faster.
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ohhgourami

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2015, 04:44:00 PM »
Always thought it was a mental state thing. Being completely relaxed so you can focus on just the music. For me, taking a shower helps a lot.
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Marvey

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2015, 04:48:22 PM »
Quote from: mikoss on July 29, 2015, 04:26:01 PM
This link mentions how the more information you're processing can lead to your brain perceiving the time slowing down phenomenon...

Yup, when I played Quake 8 hours a day. It's like the Matrix.
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Armaegis

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #7 on: July 29, 2015, 05:19:17 PM »
The imbibement of certain recreational sustances can also alter your time perception. Supposedly this is of benefit to many musicians for their performances as well.
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knerian

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #8 on: July 29, 2015, 05:45:07 PM »
Quote from: Arnotts on July 29, 2015, 04:09:24 PM

I've mentioned this in another thread before, but try experimenting a little bit. Do some meditation and see how it influences your ability to listen to music. Consume some caffeine and then try it. Ingest some marijuana and try it. Ingest some other psychedelics and then try it, too  :)p8

Listening to music is a hedonistic activity to begin with, so...  you know....  all of that you mentioned applies.  Time is totally perception based to begin with anyways, that's how you think you feel like you can experience a lifetime in an instant on psychedelics.
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TMRaven

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Re: "music slowing down" phenomenon...
« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2015, 05:48:02 PM »
It's a mood thing for me.
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