Using Dark Noise with Bell for Custom Ambience

Create the perfect meditation atmosphere by combining Bell with Dark Noise’s extensive sound library

While Bell includes beautiful ambient sounds, you can create an even richer meditation environment by combining Bell with Dark Noise, a popular ambient sound app.

At a Glance

  1. Enable audio mixing in Bell’s settings
  2. Create a new Shortcut in the Shortcuts app
  3. Add and configure the Dark Noise – Play Noise action
  4. Add and configure the Bell – Start Meditation Session action
  5. Finalize and add the Shortcut to your Home Screen

Why Use Dark Noise with Bell?

Dark Noise offers an extensive library of high-quality ambient sounds that can complement Bell’s meditation timer:

  • More sound variety: 50+ ambient sounds vs. Bell’s curated collection
  • Custom mixes: Combine multiple sounds (rain + thunderstorm + wind)
  • Advanced controls: Fine-tune volume levels for each sound
  • Longer loops: Seamless audio that won’t repeat noticeably during long sessions

Step 1 – Enable Audio Mixing in Bell

Before you can combine apps, enable Audio Mixing inside Bell’s settings. This allows Bell to play alongside other audio apps such as Dark Noise, Music, or YouTube.
Screenshot: Bell settings with Audio Mixing toggled on

Step 2 – Create a New Shortcut

Open the Shortcuts app and tap + to create a new Shortcut.

Screenshot: New Shortcut creation screen in Shortcuts app

Step 3 – Add and Configure Dark Noise

  1. Scroll to Dark Noise in the app list, or search for Dark Noise play noise in the search field.
  2. Choose your sound; we’ll go with Creek in this example.
  3. Set the duration:
    • Leave blank → Dark Noise continues playing even after meditation ends (great for sleep).
    • Set duration → Ends neatly with your meditation session.

Screenshots: Adding and configuring Dark Noise Play Noise action Screenshots: Adding and configuring Dark Noise Play Noise action Screenshots: Adding and configuring Dark Noise Play Noise action

Step 4 – Add and Configure Bell

  1. Scroll to Bell in the app list, or search for Bell start meditation in the search field.
  2. Configure session details:
    • Duration
    • Lead-in time
    • Interval chimes
    • Ending sound
  3. Set Ambience to None (or choose another Bell sound to layer on top of Dark Noise).

Screenshots: Adding and configuring Bell Start Meditation Session action Screenshots: Adding and configuring Bell Start Meditation Session action Screenshots: Adding and configuring Bell Start Meditation Session action

Step 5 – Finalize and Add to Home Screen

  • Rename your Shortcut Choose a meaningful name like Morning Meditation.
    Alt text Alt text
  • Choose an icon for your Shortcut Something inspiring (e.g., rising sun, calming color).
    Screenshots: Renaming, choosing icon, and adding Shortcut to Home Screen Screenshots: Renaming, choosing icon, and adding Shortcut to Home Screen Screenshots: Renaming, choosing icon, and adding Shortcut to Home Screen Screenshots: Renaming, choosing icon, and adding Shortcut to Home Screen
  • Add your Shortcut to your Homescreen For quick one-tap access. You can shorten the name if needed (e.g., Morning).
    Alt text Alt text

Download an example Shortcut here: Morning Meditation Shortcut

Try these pre-built mixes to match your meditation style:

Focus Meditation

  • Dark Noise: Light rain + distant thunder
  • Bell: Silent background, interval chimes every 5 minutes

Sleep Meditation

  • Dark Noise: Pink noise + gentle rain
  • Bell: 20–30 min timer, no ending chime

Walking Meditation

  • Dark Noise: Forest sounds + bird songs
  • Bell: Interval chimes every 3 minutes for mindful steps

Breathing Exercises

  • Dark Noise: Ocean waves
  • Bell: 10-min timer

Tips

  • You only need to set this up once—after that, starting a meditation session is one tap away.
  • Experiment with different sound combinations to find what feels most calming or energizing.
  • If you meditate daily, consider creating multiple Shortcuts (Morning, Evening, Sleep) with different soundscapes.

With Bell and Dark Noise working together, you can create a meditation experience that’s both structured and deeply immersive.

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