Field Recording
The Field Recording, leaving the studio to record the world that surrounds us.
BTS – Cantal Countryside
Behind the sound of the Cantal Countryside surround collection.
Surround Sound Recording in Cantal : An Immersive Journey into Nature’s Heart
For this third sound collection recorded in surround 5.0, I decided to set up my microphones in my native Cantal, this time under the summer sun, with a lighter approach than for my previous collection, Winter Scape. Over several weeks, I roamed the Cantal countryside, equipped not only with my surround 5.0 system but also with an ambisonic microphone, the Rode NT-SF1. The goal : to explore the nuances between these two recording methods. (To discover a comparison between these two systems, click here.)
In this rural region, the landscapes are vast and sparsely populated. It’s even said there are more cows than people. Wherever you are, the distant sound of cowbells resonates across the valleys, creating a subtle melody. While nature reigns supreme, signs of human activity are discreet yet present : tractors occasionally cross the fields, bringing mechanical sounds that punctuate the stillness of crickets and grasshoppers that fill the summer soundscape.
A sound palette enriched by different weather conditions
That summer, the heat wasn’t overwhelming, and several thunderstorms swept through the region, offering varied soundscapes. I captured multiple scenes : the calm of mountain meadows, sometimes with cows and sometimes without, the gentle rustle of rain on forest leaves, and other natural textures. Each recording is a fully immersive experience, revealing the richness of these elements and how they interact with Cantal’s unique terrain.
When I began recording, I didn’t have a specific direction in mind for this sound pack. Over time, as I recorded and weather patterns changed, a theme gradually emerged, shaped by the atmospheres I encountered. Once again, the surround 5.0 recording system proved resilient against the elements, capturing an unmatched depth of detail.
Exploring Cantal’s dormant volcanoes and deep valleys, far from civilization, was an unforgettable experience. This project is both a tribute to this land and a sound exploration that I hope to share to convey the power and subtlety of these unique soundscapes.
Find out more about this sound collection
What did your record over the summer ? Share your stories in the comments below !
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