I’m excited to announce a major update to the Soundbath app on UsefulWebTools.com. This release brings comprehensive preset management, improved styling, and a host of new features that make creating and enjoying soundbath experiences even better.
What’s New
This update represents a significant evolution of the Soundbath app, transforming it from a simple sound generator into a powerful tool for creating, saving, and replaying personalized meditation experiences.
Comprehensive Preset Management System
The standout feature of this update is the new preset system that lets you save and recall your favorite soundbath configurations. The system includes two types of presets:
Configuration Presets: Save your preferred settings including:
- Sound selection and configuration
- Volume levels
- Duration settings
- Any other customization options
Exact Soundbath Presets: Save the exact generated soundbath for perfect replay, allowing you to recreate the same meditative experience again and again.
All presets are stored in your browser’s local storage, so they’re available whenever you return to the app - no account or login required.
Loop Functionality
One of the most requested features has been added: loop mode. Enable looping to automatically restart your soundbath when it completes, perfect for extended meditation sessions or creating continuous ambient environments.
Enhanced Playback Controls
The app now includes several new controls for better playback management:
- Restart Button: Jump back to the beginning of your soundbath without regenerating
- Improved Timeline Seeking: More responsive and accurate timeline navigation
- Pause/Resume: Full playback control to pause and resume at any point
Improved User Interface
The interface has received a comprehensive styling update with:
- Collapsible Instructions Section: Keep the interface clean by hiding instructions when not needed
- Settings Menu Integration: Access import/export and configuration options through an organized settings menu
- Better Visual Hierarchy: Cleaner layout that makes the most important controls easily accessible
- Mobile-Optimized Design: Improved responsive design for better mobile experience
Import/Export Between Devices
The new settings menu includes import/export functionality, allowing you to:
- Export your presets as JSON files
- Import presets on other devices or browsers
- Share preset configurations with others
- Back up your favorite soundbath settings
Mobile Improvements
Several bug fixes specifically target mobile experience:
- Mobile Autoplay Fixed: Resolved issues with autoplay on mobile browsers
- Touch-Friendly Controls: Improved touch targets for mobile users
- Responsive Layout: Better adaptation to different screen sizes
Technical Highlights
Browser Storage Implementation
The preset system uses modern browser storage APIs to persist data locally:
- Efficient use of localStorage for preset data
- JSON serialization for complex preset structures
- Automatic data validation and error handling
- Graceful degradation if storage is unavailable
State Management
The update includes improved state management for:
- Playback state tracking
- Preset selection and activation
- Loop mode persistence
- Settings synchronization
User Experience Patterns
Several UX patterns were implemented to enhance usability:
- Progressive disclosure with collapsible sections
- Clear visual feedback for active states
- Keyboard shortcuts for common actions
- Accessible controls for screen readers
Use Cases
The enhanced Soundbath app is perfect for:
Meditation Practice: Create and save specific soundbath configurations that work best for your meditation routine. Use loop mode for extended sessions.
Sleep Aid: Design calming soundbaths and set them to loop for continuous ambient sound throughout the night.
Focus Work: Save different presets for different types of work - deep focus, creative work, or background ambience.
Sharing: Export your favorite soundbath configurations to share with friends, meditation groups, or online communities.
Therapy and Wellness: Create consistent sound environments for therapy sessions or wellness practices.
Future Development
This update lays the groundwork for several potential future enhancements:
- Increased set of instruments to use in soundbaths
- Create different ‘palette’ of instruments for different soundbaths (possible now through enabling / disabling)
- Include external audio files for custom soundscapes - e.g. vocal tracks for meditations
- Edit soundscape - delete / move / add individual plays
- Define soundscape sections - e.g. stitch together presets to create a longer soundscape
- Export soundscape as MP3 file as well as WAV
- Import soundscape from URL as well as from file
Try It Now
Experience the new Soundbath app at: https://usefulwebtools.com/web-scripts/soundbath/
The app works entirely in your browser with no installation required. Your presets and settings are stored locally and remain private.
Technical Details
For those interested in the implementation:
- Pure JavaScript: No framework dependencies for fast loading
- Web Audio API: High-quality sound generation and processing
- localStorage API: Persistent preset storage
- Responsive CSS: Mobile-first design approach
- Progressive Enhancement: Core functionality works even with JavaScript disabled for basic playback
Feedback Welcome
I’m always looking to improve the Soundbath app based on user feedback. If you have suggestions, bug reports, or feature requests, please reach out at simon@simonhuggins.com.
The Soundbath app is part of UsefulWebTools.com, a collection of browser-based utilities designed to make digital life a little easier. All tools are free to use and respect your privacy - no tracking, no accounts, no data collection.