ASMR : When Sound Becomes Sensation
ASMR, deep immersion into sound textures. The way to deep relaxation and tranquility.
BTS – Paris Underground
Behind the sound of the Paris Underground surround collection.
Capturing the Soundscapes of the Heart of Paris : A Unique Underground Immersion
The sound collection I present is the continuation of a previous project focused on the Paris Metro. The initial goal was to record the atmosphere of the Parisian subway trains, but I quickly became fascinated by the corridors and stations of the metro, often passed through without a second thought, which offer intriguing soundscapes. The vibrations of the trains speeding over the tracks, the metallic resonances of the subway structures, and the unique acoustics of Parisian stations make it an ideal playground for capturing distinctive sound recordings.
This collection primarily focuses on the sound atmospheres of subway stations and the underground corridors connecting them, creating a particular atmosphere. Whether large or small, each station provides a particularly rich acoustic environment. Every station and passageway resonates differently, creating unique sound textures that transport the listener deep into the heart of the city.
Recording with a Surround 5.0 System to Capture Sound Spatiality
To ensure the best possible sound quality and provide an immersive experience, I used a 5.0 surround system, though with a slightly more compact setup than traditional systems to reduce bulk. The system used is a QUAD, enhanced with a Sennheiser KMH 8050 central microphone, which is more directional to capture finer details of the sound environment.
Recording in such a busy place as the Paris Underground posed logistical challenges. To avoid the crowds and unwanted noises, I opted for early morning time slots, mainly on Sunday mornings between 5:30 am and 10:00 am. During these hours, the metro is just starting to run, and human activity is still relatively low. These moments allowed me to capture atmosphere of the stations and corridors before the rush of passengers began.
Powerful Sounds to Create Evocative Sonic Worlds
Although this collection mainly focuses on the Paris Underground, the recordings can be used for a wide variety of creative projects. The sounds captured, such as metallic resonances, mechanical noises, train vibrations, and deep ventilation sounds, are ideal for creating heavy and intense atmospheres. These sounds have a unique ability to immerse the listener in weighty sonic universes, perfect for sound design in film, video games, or other multimedia projects.
Collecting these sounds required several recording sessions and considerable effort to avoid unwanted distractions. However, the originality of these recordings is what gives them their strength : every sound, every resonance captured speaks to the soul of the Paris Underground, offering raw and authentic material for any creative project requiring mechanical and industrial soundscapes.
Find out more about this sound collection
What’s the darkest sound you’ve ever recorded ? Share your stories in the comments below !
More Posts
Sound Metadata
Metadata, identity of the audio file, essential for management and post-production.
Last Posts
Electromagnetic Field Microphone Equipment
EMF Microphone Equipment, a dive into the source of sound. Quick list of EMF microphones available on the market.
Sound Recording with Electromagnetic Field Microphones
Sound Recording with Electromagnetic Field Microphones.
Hydrophone Equipment
Hydrophones, a dive into the heart of sound. Quick list of hydrophones on the market.