Machine sounds library
12 old machines with character
43 recordings
192 kHz / 24 bit WAV files
Descriptive filenames
Embedded Soundminer metadata
2.1 GB Zip / Fast download
Description
The collection consists of 43 stereo recordings of 12 rare, industrial machines used many decades ago in german power plants and industrial sites. It includes the sounds of massive 10KV power switches, a Siemens exciter machine (power generator) built in 1945 and many other vintage machines.
All machine sounds were recorded in isolation without background noise and at high sample rates (192 kHz / 24 bit) with a Sound Devices 633 recorder and the Sennheiser MKH 8040 Microphones in close ORTF, taking full advantage of the extended frequency range (30 – 50000 Hz) of the microphones. Some machines were additionally recorded with a stereo setup of Barcus Berry 4000 series contact mics.
The following 12 machines were recorded, some in multiple takes:
Ash breaker
Ash blower
Coal dispatcher
Siemens exciter machine
Gas turbine model
Motorized throttle-Flap
Oil atomizer
Pneumatic power switch
10KV power switch
Rotation motor
Manual steam machine
Sound examples
Aftertouch Audio (Aliens, The Nature Of Things) –
I own it, it is a super useful library. Had to use some of the sounds for a super loud motor that pumps water from a river for irrigation.
Jon Lipman –
I’ve been loving the Shaping Waves stuff – everything is expertly recorded with the sound designer in mind. The Big Machines library in particular, is an absolute goldmine. If something needs to charge up, power down or shake the walls, these old industrial machines never fail to impress!