SynapSeq

Text-Driven Audio Sequencer for Brainwave Entrainment

Build repeatable brainwave sessions and ambient listening experiences from plain-text score files. Define presets, timing, and sound layers, then render, preview, or play the result.

Get Started

How SynapSeq is Different

SynapSeq is not a DAW and not a meditation app. It is a deterministic sequencing engine for structured listening sessions.

Sessions, Not Static Tracks

Instead of editing waveforms directly, SynapSeq lets you describe presets and timeline periods in text, producing sessions that evolve predictably over time instead of static looping tracks.

Text-Based by Design

SynapSeq uses a small, human-readable text format (.spsq) so sessions can be versioned with Git, reviewed like code, shared openly, and extended without binary project files.

Deterministic & Reproducible

Same sequence, same result. SynapSeq is designed for repeatable rendering, validation, and predictable playback across research, production, and personal workflows.

CLI First, Workflow Ready

Render WAV or MP3, generate HTML previews, play directly through ffplay, validate sessions before export, and pull reusable content from the Hub without leaving your workflow.

How It Works?

Browse curated Hub .spsq sessions created for relaxation, focus, meditation, sleep, and other listening goals. Preview them here, then install the CLI when you are ready to author your own.

Loaded reel loading...

Loading Hub session bank...

01 Listening Room

Settle In

Choose a quiet place, settle your posture, and let the room go still before you press play.

02 Stereo Chain

Use Good Headphones

Use clear stereo headphones and keep the volume comfortable, balanced, and easy to stay with.

03 Hold Pattern

Let the Session Breathe

Stay with the session for a few minutes and let the pattern unfold before you decide what it is doing.

Get SynapSeq

Choose your platform and start building text-driven audio sessions

Windows

Recommended: Windows Package Manager

winget update

winget install synapseq

Don't know what winget is? Click here

macOS / Linux

Recommended: Homebrew

brew tap synapseq-foundation/synapseq

brew install synapseq

Don't have Homebrew installed? Get it here

Manual Download

Download v4.0.2 for your platform

Choose a package

Download Selected

Select a platform package to enable the manual download button.

View SHA256 Checksums All Releases

Next Steps

Follow these two post-install steps first. After that, use the optional commands below as a quick reference for everyday SynapSeq tasks.

Required Setup

Install ffmpeg first

SynapSeq relies on ffmpeg for playback and MP3 export workflows. Install it once on your platform before moving on.

Windows Use Winget to install ffmpeg with a single command.

winget install ffmpeg

Linux / macOS Use Homebrew to install ffmpeg in one step.

brew install ffmpeg

Windows Only

Enable Explorer actions for .spsq files

After ffmpeg is installed, run this once to add SynapSeq actions to the Explorer context menu and make daily file handling much easier.

synapseq -install-file-association

This unlocks right-click shortcuts in Explorer so preview, playback, and related actions feel more native on Windows.

Optional But Useful Commands

These commands are not part of the required setup. Keep them nearby as a practical reference while you learn the workflow.

Start with a template

synapseq -new meditation

synapseq -new focus

Available starter types: meditation, focus, sleep, relaxation, and example.

Linux or macOS Open the manual in your terminal when you need the full syntax reference.

synapseq -manual | less

Windows PowerShell Open the manual in your terminal when you need the full syntax reference.

synapseq -manual | more

Generate WAV Render the default WAV output straight from your sequence.

synapseq file.spsq

Running synapseq file.spsq writes file.wav to the same folder.

Export MP3 Render an MP3 directly from your sequence.

synapseq -mp3 file.spsq

Running synapseq -mp3 file.spsq writes file.mp3 to the same folder.

Instead of exporting

No Export Needed Play directly in real time Use this when you want to listen immediately instead of generating a WAV or MP3 file first.

synapseq -play file.spsq

Requires ffmpeg and ffplay in your environment and does not create an output file.

Press and Community

SynapSeq is starting to show up across free software, Linux, and developer communities. This section highlights external coverage and notable write-ups.

Press Mention Português (Brasil)

SynapSeq - programa para estimular as ondas cerebrais

Viva o Linux featured SynapSeq for the Brazilian free software and Linux community, covering installation, the CLI workflow, first steps with .spsq files, and practical playback and export examples.

Viva o Linux March 29, 2026 Brazilian free software and Linux portal

Read article

More mentions from blogs, portals, and developer communities can be added here over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about SynapSeq

About SynapSeq

SynapSeq is a text-driven audio sequencer for building repeatable brainwave sessions and ambient listening experiences from plain-text score files. It is a CLI-first tool that lets you define structure, timing, and sound layers in a small domain-specific language and then render, preview, validate, or play the result in a reproducible way.

You can install SynapSeq easily using Winget (Windows), Homebrew (macOS/Linux), or by downloading a precompiled binary.

The latest precompiled binaries for Windows, macOS, or Linux can be found in the Download section.

SynapSeq sequences are now accessed directly from the CLI through the built-in Hub commands. Start by refreshing the local Hub index, then list or search for available sequences:

synapseq -hub-update

synapseq -hub-list

synapseq -hub-search focus

When you find a sequence you want, inspect its metadata with -hub-info, download it with -hub-download, or render it directly with -hub-get.

Write your session in a .spsq file using the documented syntax, then render it with:

synapseq my-sequence.spsq output.wav

You can also validate syntax with -test, generate an HTML timeline with -preview, or play directly with -play when ffplay is available:

synapseq -preview my-sequence.spsq

synapseq -play my-sequence.spsq

See the How It Works section for syntax and a live preview.

SynapSeq can render WAV output, export MP3 when ffmpeg is available, generate HTML previews, and play sessions directly through ffplay. It is designed for both file-based rendering and workflow-oriented previewing.

At the moment, there are no plans to develop an official Graphical User Interface (GUI) for SynapSeq. The community is free to create GUIs that use SynapSeq as their engine.

Audio Methods

Binaural beats occur when two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear. The brain perceives a third "beat" at the difference frequency, which can help entrain brainwaves to a desired state. Headphones are required for binaural beats to work.

Monaural beats are created by mixing two frequencies together before playback. The resulting beat is physically present in the audio and can be perceived without headphones, though headphones may enhance the effect.

Isochronic tones are single tones that pulse on and off at regular intervals. This rhythmic stimulation can entrain brainwaves and is effective with or without headphones.

Binaural beats: Best for deep meditation, relaxation, and creativity.
Monaural beats: Good for general entrainment, can be used without headphones.
Isochronic tones: Effective for alertness, focus, and can be used with speakers.

Binaural beats: Yes, headphones are required.
Monaural beats: Optional, but recommended for best results.
Isochronic tones: Not required.

Delta (0.5–4 Hz): Deep sleep, healing
Theta (4–8 Hz): Meditation, creativity
Alpha (8–13 Hz): Relaxed alertness, learning
Beta (13–30 Hz): Focus, active thinking
Gamma (30+ Hz): Peak concentration

For most people, entrainment-oriented audio is considered safe when used responsibly. However, some individuals (such as those with epilepsy, heart conditions, or neurological disorders) should consult a medical professional before using SynapSeq sessions or related audio methods.

General tips:

Do not use while driving or operating machinery.
Stop immediately if you feel discomfort, dizziness, or unusual sensations.
Use moderate volume and avoid excessive session lengths.
SynapSeq sessions are not a substitute for medical treatment.

Entrainment effects and perceptual responses vary from person to person. Several factors can affect your experience:

Equipment & Technical Issues:

Headphones required for binaural beats (decent quality)
Use appropriate frequencies for your goal
Avoid low-quality formats (use high-bitrate MP3 or keep WAV)
Check amplitude and volume settings

Tips for better results:

Experiment with different methods (binaural, monaural, isochronic)
Try different frequencies and durations
Combine with meditation or relaxation techniques
Be patient and approach with an open mind

No. There is no scientific evidence that SynapSeq or entrainment audio can reproduce or simulate the effects of drugs, medications, or psychoactive substances. The software can help structure sessions for relaxation, focus, meditation, sleep, and ambient listening, but it does not induce drug-like states.

Scientific research on entrainment-related audio has produced mixed results. Some studies suggest benefits for relaxation, focus, meditation, and sleep, but effects are generally modest and vary from person to person. There is no broad scientific consensus that these methods produce strong or universal outcomes.

Usage & Licensing

Yes. SynapSeq can be integrated in two main ways: either as a standalone CLI tool or as a native Go library. SynapSeq is licensed under GPL v2.

You may freely use the CLI or Go library in any project, but if you modify or distribute the SynapSeq source code itself, your changes must also be released under GPL v2.

Yes, you can sell audio tracks generated with SynapSeq. However, you are responsible for ensuring that your sequence files and any background sounds used do not infringe on third-party copyrights.

SynapSeq can generate MP3 output when ffmpeg is installed and available. WAV remains the best choice for archival quality, while MP3 is useful for distribution and lightweight sharing.

Note: MP3 is a lossy format that reduces audio quality due to compression. For archival purposes or maximum fidelity, consider keeping WAV files alongside MP3 versions. Use high bitrate (at least 320 kbps) for best results.