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Aquaphone

Atmospheric sound effects library

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True surround

Discrete wide-spaced multi-channel recordings, delivering a wide and natural surround image, perfectly tailored for your cinematic needs.

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Ethereal and haunting sounds

The Aquaphone – a unique instrument

Our Aquaphone sound effects library features sounds from an Aquaphone, also known as the Waterphone. It is an extraordinary musical instrument that was invented by Richard Waters in the 1980s. It comprises two soldered stainless steel trays, which form a resonator bowl, adorned with bronze rods of varying lengths and diameters encircling its rim.

The specific Aquaphone we had the privilege to record is the remarkable “Model Megabass 250 – 600 ccm,” boasting an impressive 72 rods and representing the largest of the three available instruments.

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Recording the aquaphone

To capture the Aquaphone’s unique sounds, we recorded it in three different locations with varying microphone setups. In the studio, we used the amulet / tranceducer (piezo) microphones from tranceaudio attached directly to the resonator bowl of the instrument, which produced fantastic drony bass end. In a stone walled stairway, we used a Sennheiser MS and a Wide Omni Stereo Setup to capture recordings with a completely different character and lush, long reverb tail.

We recorded the Aquaphone in three different locations using varied microphone setups in 2.0 Stereo and 5.0 Surround. In the studio, we utilized amulet/tranceducer (piezo) microphones from tranceaudio, known for their wide frequency range and low self-noise. These microphones were directly attached to the resonator bowl, resulting in captivating recordings with a deep, drony bass. For a contrasting sound, we captured the Aquaphone in a beautiful stone-walled stairway using a Sennheiser MS and Wide Omni Stereo Setup. This location provided a distinct character with its lush, long reverb tail, greatly influencing our performances.

Lush space in the gasometer

We were determined to capture the Aquaphone in surround sound right from the start. After an extensive search, we secured permission to record in the awe-inspiring Gasometer in Herne, Germany. This massive cylinder boasted a mesmerizing reverberation that perfectly matched our vision.

We were determined to capture the Aquaphone in surround sound right from the start. After an extensive search, we secured permission to record in the awe-inspiring Gasometer in Herne, Germany. This massive cylinder boasted a mesmerizing reverberation that perfectly matched our vision.
Utilizing five Sennheiser MKH 8020 (Omni) microphones, we achieved a rich, immersive surround sound with a thick, diffuse, and lush quality. Brace yourself, as these captivating sounds are highly addictive when experienced through a 5.0 listening environment!

More Info

Audio demos

Recording the aquaphone

A glimpse into the enchanting recording journey

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