Magnetic Field Recording

Capture sounds that you can't hear

Field recording is a captivating musical practice that involves the use of portable audio recorders to capture sounds in various natural environments, including beaches, forests, and cities. Audio engineers and producers utilise these recorded sounds as either a foundational element or a creative starting point in their productions. They may choose to either manipulate the raw recordings into entirely new sounds or incorporate the original recordings as they are.

YouTube hosts a plethora of examples, tutorials, and lengthy videos showcasing the mesmerizing natural sounds captured using specialized microphones.

This technique offers a splendid avenue for crafting something truly unique. The degree of uniqueness and beauty achieved directly correlates with the creator's patience and creativity.

But…

…have you ever considered recording sounds that are typically beyond the range of human hearing?

Have you ever delved into the intriguing world of electromagnetic waves? These omnipresent phenomena can serve as a unique and captivating wellspring of inspiration for music creation.

Some of you may recall from your school days that every electronic device, from televisions and refrigerators to ovens and smartphones, generates electromagnetic fields around them. It's worth noting that there are techniques that enable you to audibly experience these magnetic fields.

To embark on this sonic journey, I crafted a remarkably straightforward microphone capable of capturing electromagnetic fields. The best part? It's both easy to build and incredibly cost-effective. All you require is an inductor (I opted for a 22mH one) and some wire to connect it to an audio recorder.

With this device in hand, I embarked on a captivating journey through my house and garage, in pursuit of magnetic fields to record—an experience that left me utterly impressed.

It's astonishing how each electronic device possesses its distinct sonic signature...

One of the most prevalent sounds I encountered resembled a deep sub-bass note, resonating at precisely 50Hz—coincidentally, it's akin to a G0. In Italy, and in many other countries, this frequency corresponds to AC power. When analyzed with a spectrum analyzer, it almost appears as a pure sine wave, adorned with intriguing distortions in the mid frequencies. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities, allowing us to craft drone bass or a rich, brooding low-end.

The tour continued, taking me through the varied soundscapes of microwave ovens, induction hobs, LED lamps, radios, and even electric toothbrushes. Each device unveiled its unique sonic identity and rhythmic patterns. For instance, the clicks of a mechanical keyboard emitted a high-pitched, rhythmic pulse, seemingly synchronized with the LED's frequency.

It felt as though I had opened a portal to another dimension, unveiling a symphony of sounds and glitches generated by the electrical devices inhabiting my home.

I meticulously recorded an array of sounds, sifting through them to extract the most intriguing elements. To some, I applied various effects, transforming them into something altogether different and infinitely more captivating.

Here are some of them:

The majority of these recordings, characterized by their inherent noise and glitches, might seem unremarkable at first. However, they hold a wealth of untapped potential when it comes to crafting unique textures for ambient music.

Take, for instance, the raw sound captured from these electromagnetic fields. When imported into Ableton Live the magic begins. With the right approach, even the most seemingly mundane recordings can evolve into captivating sonic landscapes.

Ableton Live's array of tools and effects opens up a world of possibilities. Applying meticulous looping techniques and judiciously chosen effects, such as reverb, delay, and granular synthesis, can metamorphose these raw sounds into something truly extraordinary. The result is an immersive and ethereal sonic journey that transports listeners to otherworldly realms.

The marriage of technology and creativity breathes new life into the mundane, making the ordinary sound extraordinary.

This remarkable discovery inspired me to curate a sample pack featuring these captivating sounds, which you can explore and get for free at the following link: https://snowmusic.gumroad.com/l/mhhtt

I'd love to hear about the creative endeavours you embark on with these sounds. Please feel free to share your musical creations with me—it would be fantastic to see how others use these unique samples in their work.

If you create something that you like, please let me know, I would be happy to hear your creations…