# Environments — long form nature recordings > Historic long-form nature sound recordings for ambient use. (iPhone/iPad app by The Numero Group.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/environments/id1294132065 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [The Numero Group](https://appshunter.io/developer/1294132064) - Category: Health & Fitness, Music - Price: $2.99 - Rating: 4.80/5 from 229 App Store ratings · 88 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 579 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2018-02-05 - Data updated: 2026-09-11 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/environments/id1294132065/reviews.md ## What is Environments? Environments is a historic catalog of long form field recordings created for the way you live. Whether you need to work, meditate, sleep, or any other use, Environments is the only ambient sound app based on extended recordings created in the 1960s and 70s on analog tape. Environments began as an unprecedented series of vinyl records, garnering widespread acclaim and selling millions of units. Now Environments steps into the mobile age as an invaluable and unique sonic tool for the way YOU live. • No internet connection required — all recordings are part of the app. • 23 fully remastered long-form analog recordings, most 30 minutes or more. Not short loops, not white noise — Environments live and breathe like nature itself. • Simple, intuitive navigation. Unobtrusive, ad-free look and feel evokes a simpler, better time. • Put your favorite environment on infinite loop, or build your own playlist of favorites. • Blocks distractions, increases focus and mindfulness, reduces stress, helpful with tinnitus and fussy babies. • Sounds include ocean waves, birdsongs and dawn chorus, chimes, "be-in", thunderstorms, gentle rain, heartbeat, wind in trees, wordless choir, summer cornfield, creaky sailboat, country stream, country meadow, blizzard, and many more. • Features informative biography of Environments creator Irv Teibel, along with concise informational screens on individual recordings. • The only app ever shortlisted for the best historic album Grammy award. • A co-creation of Syntonic Research, Inc and the Grammy-nominated reissue label Numero Group. • "It's intuitive, beautifully minimalist, and a perfect evolution of the original work." — Boing Boing • "A remarkably creative way to reintroduce Teibel’s work and ideas… something great and sublime." — The New Yorker • "Enjoy nature exactly the way God intended it, as an App." — Vice • "The music of the future isn't music." — Irv Teibel ## Key features - Long-form analog recordings - No internet connection required - Ad-free experience - Playlist creation - Focus and stress reduction - Historic nature sounds ## What do users think of Environments? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🎵 Authentic analog field recordings with exceptional audio quality - 😴 Highly effective for sleep, meditation, and relaxation - 🎧 Long-form tracks (30+ minutes) without repetitive looping - 📚 Rich historical context about Irv Teibel and the Environments series - 💰 Excellent value at low price point for entire collection - 🎨 Beautiful album artwork and visual design - 🔄 Infinite loop functionality for continuous playback - 📱 Simple, straightforward user interface - 🌍 Diverse collection of 22 unique environmental soundscapes - ⏸️ Ad-free experience with one-time purchase - 🎯 Effective for focus, studying, and creative work **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes on certain iOS versions (iOS 16, older versions) - 📐 UI not optimized for iPad or landscape mode - 🔊 Audio output levels set too high, difficult to play quietly - 🖼️ Cannot zoom in on album cover artwork - 📍 Navigation could be simplified and improved - 🎚️ No speed adjustment controls for original LP playback options - 📦 Large file size takes up significant device storage - 🎵 Mono recordings lack modern stereo separation - ⚙️ Basic app functionality with limited customization options - 🔌 No Chromecast or Google Cast support - ♿ Not compatible with VoiceOver accessibility features **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes immediately after pressing play on iOS 16 - App removed from App Store after purchase, preventing re-download - Dynamic Island spacing issues on iPhone 14 Pro - Infinite loop button doesn't function properly - Audio doesn't resume after phone calls or text notifications - Track display doesn't update when switching between selections - Audio clipping on thunderstorm recordings - Play and Information button touch sensitivity too small - Portrait mode lock interferes with other app orientation settings **Most requested features** - Speed adjustment controls (16 rpm, 33 rpm, 78 rpm options) - Chromecast and Google Cast support - Alarm clock functionality using app sounds - Landscape mode support for iPad - Zoom capability for album cover artwork - Ability to skip forward within tracks - Dedicated track list button for easier navigation - VoiceOver accessibility support - Seamless looping without audio gaps - Volume normalization or in-app volume control - Ability to offload app while keeping data - Higher resolution audio (hi-res audio option) - More tracks or future recordings - Improved UI/UX design and simplification ## Recent user reviews (10 of 88) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/environments/id1294132065/reviews.md ### 5/5 — This is Fantastic! *2025-12-06* Thank you, thank you! Years ago I purchased Slow Ocean and Ultimate Thunderstorm on cassette. I worked graveyard, sleeping during the day wasn’t always easy. I started listening to Ultimate Thunderstorm on auto reverse with headphones and a sleep mask - I have never slept so soundly and awakened so refreshed in my life, even after just 5 or 6 hours. The cassette liner said you’d swear your speakers were dripping, and it’s true! Ultimate Thunderstorm is a city recording, I especially love hearing the distant echo of a car horn, and the splash of car wheels that sounds so near! Unfortunately, one day my tape jammed in the player and that was the end of that. I truly mourned the loss of my deep sleep catalyst! Now you have given me ultimate relaxation again with this app - and it allows continuous play!! To say I am thrilled is an understatement! There is absolutely no equal to Irv Teibel’s masterpieces. A million thanks to The Numero Uno group for partnering with Syntonic Research and making this possible! ### 5/5 — really cool *2025-10-03* I used to have these on cassette. Then I had them when they went to CDs. They originally started on LP records. The fact that you have the entire collection on an app on your phone is amazing to me. Every one of these sounds is amazing. I happen to be obsessed with the intonation one. I’ve been listening to it since I was 18 lol of course that’s not consistently through. :-) ### 5/5 — The Entire Collection! *2025-07-04* I bought several of the Environments LPs as a teen back in the early 1970s, including Ultimate Seashore and Ultimate Thunderstorm. At the time there was nothing else like them. I wanted more, but the local record stores only carried a few. Now, finally, I have the entire set on my iPhone! Good memories… ### 5/5 — Love it *2025-05-21, version 1.7* So glad the navigation issue and layout issue were fixed! ### 5/5 — Real sound and long tracks *2025-02-11* Mono recordings but they sound fantastic especially on a smart speaker. You can only play one track at time. It would be great if you can mix them together. However, you can put the tracks on infinite loop so it will play all night. ### 5/5 — Not loops. Real, classic analog perfection *2024-09-10, version 1.6* This is the Jaguar and Rolls Royce of sound recordings for work, study, meditation, imbibing or gaming. The whole collection was meticulously gathered by A crazy, old audio engineer who thought the future of music was sound, not music. A collection of his recordings (which were actually hit records in the 70s). If you listen to ambient soundscapes and nature sounds on YouTube, etc - you are in for a treat with this high end library. If you have good headphones or higher end ear buds, the richness and living sound can’t be overstated. Like fine wine, this collection gets better with age. A grown up, thinking person’s collection for people with great ears - and great taste. Had it for years, cannot recommend this highly enough. ### 1/5 — App purchased then deleted from App Store *2023-10-28* Purchased last night and now it’s been removed from the App Store so I can’t download. What the hell?! ### 5/5 — Own the 11 records. Still got the app. *2023-08-28* I was fortunate and thrilled to snag all 11 of the original pressings a few months ago. This is a superb series and the record quality would be excellent if recorded today. The fact that these are mid-century field recordings is stunning. At first I was convinced they were foley. In any case, I got the records before I knew they were on streaming as well as their own app, but I wasn’t disappointed. The app is very well developed. I often gift it to friends who enjoy my record versions, though I’ve recorded those to tape by now to mellow the tone on some of them and to enable loop without using my phone. But the app is convenient especially if I’m not home. The remasters are fine, seems that they mostly compressed them to satisfy consumer grade earbuds. The app does not replace the records, but it’s nice to have. ### 3/5 — Needs an update for iPhone 14 Pro *2023-04-01, version 1.6* The spacing is all wrong with the dynamic island on iPhone 14 Pro ### 5/5 — Sonically Superb *2023-03-25* As a childhood listener of the Environments album series, I was pleased to find that the Numero Group had resurrected these recordings in the form of an app. It’s a creative endeavor and also very practical. The nature and loopability of these long form recordings lend themselves well to the format. I’ve used this app a lot over the past few years, putting my baby boy and myself to sleep and naptime and bedtime. He loves to look at the landscapes that accompany each track. Worth every penny and more. ## Frequently asked questions about Environments ### What is Environments? Environments is a mobile application featuring a catalog of long-form nature sound recordings originally created in the 1960s and 70s. These remastered analog recordings are designed to be used for various purposes like work, meditation, sleep, and focus, offering an immersive ambient experience. ### What kind of sounds are included in Environments? The app includes 23 fully remastered long-form analog recordings, many of which are 30 minutes or longer. Sounds range from ocean waves, birdsongs, thunderstorms, and gentle rain to wind in trees, summer cornfields, and even a blizzard, providing a diverse natural soundscape. ### Does Environments require an internet connection? No, Environments does not require an internet connection. All of the recordings are part of the app itself, allowing you to use them offline for uninterrupted listening wherever you are. ### How can Environments help me? Environments can help block distractions, increase focus and mindfulness, and reduce stress. The app is also noted as being helpful with tinnitus and soothing fussy babies, providing a calming and immersive sonic environment. ### Is Environments free to use? Based on the provided information, Environments is a paid application. It does not feature ads or in-app purchases, offering an ad-free and unobtrusive user experience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.7 — 2025-04-16 Improved accessibility features Minor bug fixes ### 1.6 — 2019-10-03 Fixes minor navigation bug ### 1.5 — 2019-08-12 - Environments now features Tintinnabulation low-frequency version, a mind-bending slow motion (16 RPM for vinyl lovers) version of Irv Teibel's pioneering new age musical work - Spruced up info screens with new hype stickers and other elements - Various subtle improvements to presentation and navigation ### 1.4 — 2018-05-31 Restored missing screen from one time app intro ### 1.3 — 2018-05-31 Environments 1.3 is the first major update to an already great sound app. ("Remarkably creative... something great and sublime" says The New Yorker; "intuitive, beautifully minimalist, and a perfect evolution of the original work" says Boing Boing.) This latest edition fixes things you didn't know could be improved -- from imagery to navigation. The result is a flawlessly responsive new version that will make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Persistent controls and perfect looping, revamped info screens with added details and cool new images. We sweated the details to make it look easy. Environments 1.3 is here -- upgrade now and find out why we're so excited about this new version. ## Apps similar to Environments | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Serenifi](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/serenifi/id6471742218) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Hot Yoga Louisville](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hot-yoga-louisville/id1449493729) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Relaxable](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relaxable/id1355420339) | 4.4 (317) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Soundworks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundworks/id1531289483) | 5.0 (72) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [fuzzzel: artisanal white noise](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fuzzzel-artisanal-white-noise/id6596783978) | 4.7 (12) | $3.99 | Health & Fitness | | [Rain Sounds - Calming Ambience](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rain-sounds-calming-ambience/id6447887522) | — | $2.99 | Health & Fitness | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-11.*