I have a lot of respect for Kelly Howell, aka the brain whisperer.
Not just because she is great at what she does, but because she is one of very few women in the brainwave entrainment space and has held her own in a male-dominated industry.
She consistently produced effective guided meditations for around a decade, and contributed massively to the progression of brainwave music.
Sadly though the catalogue has dated and new releases haven't been forthcoming.
A number of newer stores entered the market with more modern composition and better value. See here.
That said, some of Kelly's old guided meditations are still worth listening to, if that's what you are interested in.
In this review, I'll give you the low-down on what to expect from the Brain Sync store, including how the music works, what's on offer, and pricing.
What is Brain Sync?
Brain Sync programs use specific frequencies (and combinations of) that entrain the brain and impact the body at cellular level. The choice of frequencies selected for each program is based on biofeedback research.
These frequencies are known as binaural beats (all explained here), most commonly in the alpha and theta wave states – because a lot of the Brain Sync audios require the user to be in a calm, relaxed state.
There are a few different styles available from the site.
There are guided meditations, with Kelly's voice guiding you through the practice; subliminal messaging tracks (inaudible to the conscious mind but audible to the subconscious mind), and standard binaural beats audio layered with ambient music.
Kelly has music for all aspects of personal development and healing, from deep meditation and stress management to prosperity and weight loss, and from addiction recovery to depression and PTSD.
One downside to this variety is that a number of the audios use the same backing track, which is usually ambient sounds such as rain. This isn't generally the case with the aforementioned more modern stores I recommend.
The Store
The web store has been modernized somewhat in the past year but the programs themselves, as you can se from the images below, are mostly still dated.
The good news is that there is now an app, which means your purchases can be accessed via the app and further purchases made through it too.
The meditations can still be downloaded instantly from the site, or bought as CDs, something which is becoming increasingly rare on many of the music stores I buy from.
Of course, you can burn a download to CD if you like, but many people still enjoy owning the physical product.
Moreover, many meditation classes still use CD players, as do therapists, which are no doubt two of Brain Sync's key customer groups.
Kelly's Voice & Work
To me, the best Brain Sync downloads are the guided meditations. That's what Kelly is renowned for and why she was once voted the “Best Voice in Guided Meditation” by Mind, Body, Spirit Magazine.
If you want binaural beats music or subliminal messaging check out my other recommendations, but for guided meditations Kelly is a good choice.
Kelly's work has focussed on preventing mental deterioration, and she works on the scientifically proven basis that our brains are actually designed to improve throughout life, but it is our lifestyle and lack of proper training that leads to deterioration.
Brain Sync has been supported by EEG studies conducted at Harvard Body Mind Medical School, and UCLA, which concluded that Kelly's music shifts brain activity into extraordinary body-mind states.
Her music is also used by prestigious hospitals such as the Sloan Kettering and Dana Farber Institutes.
The Benefits of Brain Sync
With so many products to choose from, there are wide ranging benefits. But the idea of Brain Sync is to unlock the capacity of the brain and enable it to operate at a higher capacity – activating what we call a whole functioning brain.
This involves increasing brain power, essentially toning your mental muscles and improving your memory, focus, productivity levels, sleep and much more.
Brain Sync's Subliminal Messaging
Let me elaborate a tad on what to expect from the subliminal messaging tracks from the Brain Sync store, as you may not be familiar with this format.
These messages (suggestions) are embedded within the music, and although you cannot consciously hear the suggestions, your subconscious is receiving the programming as you listen.
The messaging is designed to pass above the normal human hearing threshold and bypass the conscious mind.
Subliminal messaging is effective for changing negative and self-limiting behavioral patterns linked to fear, addiction, obsessive behaviors, etc.
Affirmations play under the music. An example would be: “I easily overcome my cravings”, or, “I deserve to be successful”.
The idea is that with regular listening you reprogram the subconscious mind with new, positive beliefs.
I've written more about subliminal messaging here.
Payment, Pricing & Shipping
Brain Sync meditations cost $9.95 for a 60-minute track. CD's are $14.95 and shipping depends on where you live.
Stateside shipping is $4.35 for 7-10 days delivery.
There's a bunch of deals to be had too: buy 2 CDs get 1 free, and buy 3 downloads get 1 free. That's definitely worth going for, especially if you're ordering CDs.
You can pay via the usual credit cards, but also PayPal and through Amazon Pay (use your Amazon account).
Brain Sync Refund Policy
In a nutshell, CDs are refundable and downloads aren't.
Personally I think Kelly should introduce at least a 3-day download refund window.
I get the whole download fraud thing, but as a store you have to swallow that. I know that Binaural Beats Meditation do have a refund window, as does Ennora, so this is bad practice in my opinion.
Anyway, here's the official wording.
If you are not satisfied with your CD purchase, just return it within 60 days and Brain Sync will gladly exchange it or issue a refund, no questions asked. During this time you can exchange or return your CD. Please include a copy of your Brain Sync receipt. Let us know if you would like a refund or exchange for another program. Please be sure to list the CD title you would like in exchange. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.
Choose wisely. Due to the high level of fraud with downloading music, mp3 downloads are NOT returnable, exchangeable, or refundable.
Brain Sync, In Summary
As you can tell, I am, or was, a fan.
Kelly has been around a long time and 10 years ago I was really into her stuff. But the catalogue could do with updating and introducing some new music. It does seem quite dated compared to offerings available elsewhere.
Here's the pros and cons in summary:
Pros:
- Good guided meditations
- Large catalogue to choose from
- Sells downloads and CDs
- Can use through an app
Cons:
- A number of tracks have very similar backing tracks (compositions)
- Catalogue is aging & many tracks superseded by better offerings elsewhere
- No refund policy on downloads
Tips:
I highly recommend taking the time to listen to the audio sample to make sure you like the background music, as this is essentially what you'll be listening to for 30-60 minutes.
Remember that subliminal audio programs have a cumulative effect, so listen daily if you can and don't expect immediate results. I'd say, with deep-rooted beliefs to start changing, you'll have to wait around a 5-7 days – with daily use – to see small changes that make you stop and think: “Wow, that's different”.
In a nutshell: this is trustworthy store that has been in business for many years. The product is still good, but there is better out there now.
george burns says
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