Myoelectric Stimulation Silent Subwoofer Which Presents the Deep Bass-Induced Body-Sensory Acoustic Sensation

Abstract

Building on recent advances in multimodal haptic feedback, we propose a portable, low-noise system that integrates electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) with low-frequency vibrotactile cues to deliver a deep bass-induced body-sensory acoustic experience in virtual reality (VR). Prior to the experiment, each of the twenty-four participants underwent a brief calibration to adjust EMS intensity for optimal perceptibility and comfort. During the VR live concert simulation—where participants wore head-mounted displays (HMDs) and headphones—the system demonstrated rhythm and harmony precision comparable to conventional loudspeaker/subwoofer setups, while substantially reducing ambient noise. Moreover, the gradual acclimation of users to EMS indicates that high-fidelity, multimodal stimulation can further enhance immersion and comfort. These results underscore the potential of our approach for both VR concerts and everyday music listening applications.