Earlier this year, I spent some time scouting machine shops for an upcoming Rabbit Ears Audio SFX library. I’ve been interested in recording lots of old machinery for some time. CNC machines and waterjets are cool, but I’ve been wanting to build a collection of large machines that clank, rattle, and occasionally break down. My search led me to a facility that specializes in old steam train repair and fabrication.
One of the first machines I saw immediately blew my mind, a 1910 wheel lathe:
This machine is used to fabricate train wheels and as you can hear it just shakes, rattles, and rolls in the most beautiful way. The audio in this take is from a Sennheiser MKH 60 near the spinning wheel and a Sanken CUB-01 placed near the motor and gears that drive the wheel.
One of the challenges of recording in the shop was the cheap factory lighting that generated a nasty hum, but since I previously scouted out the joint I knew that we had to turn off the lights and set up spotlights. I was lucky enough to have an incredibly generous machinist helping me.
I’ll be releasing REA_004 in early January over at the Rabbit Ears Audio site.
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[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kelly Pieklo and Michael Raphael. Michael Raphael said: New Fieldsepulchra post: Wheel Lathe Fun! http://bit.ly/fy3dty It's also a preview of the next Rabbit Ears Audio SFX Library! #SFX […]
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