01 / THE BRAIN AND THE SENSORS
ON THE SCALP. AT THE SOURCE.
Muse sits against the scalp, outside the skull. AF7 and AF8 record at the forehead; TP9 and TP10 sit behind the ears. An FPz reference supports these four EEG channels. Scroll to follow the contact points around the head.
The band senses tiny voltage differences. It does not send electrical stimulation into the brain. The reference head and approximate band fit make the contact positions easier to understand.
Explore all Muse contact positions
WHERE MUSE RECORDS / ON THE SCALP
AF7 + AF8 / FOREHEADTwo front EEG contacts record voltage differences relative to the reference. They do not isolate the PFC.
TP9 + TP10 / BEHIND THE EARSTwo side contacts add channels from these scalp positions. A contact name is not a map of one brain lobe.
FPz / REFERENCEThe front midline reference supports the EEG measurement. It is not a separate mental-state reading.
ATHENA ALSO ADDS OPTICAL fNIRSMuse S Athena adds a separate light-based signal related to blood oxygenation over the prefrontal area. It is an indirect optical measurement, distinct from the four EEG channels and their frequency bands. Muse 2 and S Gen 2 do not have this fNIRS sensor.
Approximate positions follow the Muse 2, S Gen 2 and S Athena specifications. This is a scalp diagram, separate from the exposed brain illustration, and not a fitting guide. Follow your model’s instructions.









