Binaural Diaries Field Recording: Recent Episodes
Ollie Hall
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk
The Binaural Diaries is my collection of field recordings, or ‘sound photographs’.
Much of this work is created using a technique called 'binaural recording'. This is a method of recording sound that uses two microphones, arranged with the intent to create a 3-D stereo sound sensation for the listener of actually being in the environment that was captured. Listen using headphones to enjoy this effect.
My current field recording setup comprises of a pair of Sound Professionals SP-TFB-2 binaural microphones and a Sony PCM M-10 recorder.
A field recording made during a train journey from Bruges to Brussels on 4 October 2019 – 17:11.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/train-from-bruges-to-brussels/
The first leg of our journey home from Bruges. It was a popular route, with many fellow passengers spread across the two levels of the train. The three recordings I’ve cross-faded together capture the contrast between lively chat and the low-register rumbling of the train’s movement.
Recorded using Sony PCM-M10 & Luhd PM-01 microphones
A last-minute unplanned recording of fireworks being let off in our neighbourhood using the Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics.
I'd never heard such a cacophony of fireworks let off at such quick succession for so long. It's slightly muffled as a result of recording indoors with the window only slightly open.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/nye-2020-fireworks/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
Photo by Fireworks Photo by Erwan Hesry
Early Morning Birdsong - 3rd May 2020 05:30
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/early-morning-birdsong/
Early morning field recording of birdsong Bristol.
Inspired by International Dawn Chorus Day: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/dawn-chorus-day
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 Clippy Stereo EM172 microphones
Photo by Wojciech Święch on Unsplash
Clap For Our Carers - 2nd April 2020 19:58.
Field recording of our neighbourhood taking part in #clapforourcarers. This was the second such event of the covid-19 UK lockdown.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/clap-for-our-carers/ https://clapforourcarers.co.uk/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 Clippy Stereo EM172 microphones
Photo by Guillermo Latorre on Unsplash
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/alistair-park-woodcarving/
Having talked about doing it for quite some time, I recently visited Alistair Park at his studio at Bower Ashton in Bristol to make field recordings of some of the sounds that his tools make in use.
Alistair has been working with wood for over 20 years, and it was a great pleasure to see him practising his craft and to hear the sounds made by various wood carving techniques that he chose to demonstrate.
It's clear that such craftsmanship relies on an intimate understanding of the associated tools and materials. It goes without saying that the appearance and feel of the wood are key when crafting the raw material into the end result, but I was interested to learn that also the smell of the wood and the sounds made when working it all feed into the creative process.
In this recording Alistair demonstrated the use of a very old drawknife on a piece of larch.
You can learn more about Alistair’s work at his website http://www.carvings-with-stories.co.uk, his blog https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bristolwoodcarver/.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/alistair-park-woodcarving/
Having talked about doing it for quite some time, I recently visited Alistair Park at his studio at Bower Ashton in Bristol to make field recordings of some of the sounds that his tools make in use.
Alistair has been working with wood for over 20 years, and it was a great pleasure to see him practising his craft and to hear the sounds made by various wood carving techniques that he chose to demonstrate.
It's clear that such craftsmanship relies on an intimate understanding of the associated tools and materials. It goes without saying that the appearance and feel of the wood are key when crafting the raw material into the end result, but I was interested to learn that also the smell of the wood and the sounds made when working it all feed into the creative process.
In this recording Alistair uses a gouge to carve a relief portrait of David Bowie into a star-shaped piece of oak.
You can learn more about Alistair’s work at his website http://www.carvings-with-stories.co.uk, his blog https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bristolwoodcarver/.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/alistair-park-woodcarving/
Having talked about doing it for quite some time, I recently visited Alistair Park at his studio at Bower Ashton in Bristol to make field recordings of some of the sounds that his tools make in use.
Alistair has been working with wood for over 20 years, and it was a great pleasure to see him practising his craft and to hear the sounds made by various wood carving techniques that he chose to demonstrate.
It's clear that such craftsmanship relies on an intimate understanding of the associated tools and materials. It goes without saying that the appearance and feel of the wood are key when crafting the raw material into the end result, but I was interested to learn that also the smell of the wood and the sounds made when working it all feed into the creative process.
In this recording Alistair demonstrated the use of a side axe.
You can learn more about Alistair’s work at his website http://www.carvings-with-stories.co.uk, his blog https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bristolwoodcarver/.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/alistair-park-woodcarving/
Having talked about doing it for quite some time, I recently visited Alistair Park at his studio at Bower Ashton in Bristol to make field recordings of some of the sounds that his tools make in use.
Alistair has been working with wood for over 20 years, and it was a great pleasure to see him practising his craft and to hear the sounds made by various wood carving techniques that he chose to demonstrate.
It's clear that such craftsmanship relies on an intimate understanding of the associated tools and materials. It goes without saying that the appearance and feel of the wood are key when crafting the raw material into the end result, but I was interested to learn that also the smell of the wood and the sounds made when working it all feed into the creative process.
In this recording Alistair split an log of larch using a froe and mallet. Listen out for the 'pop' the log makes as the fibre of the wood splits into two.
You can learn more about Alistair’s work at his website http://www.carvings-with-stories.co.uk, his blog https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bristolwoodcarver/.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/alistair-park-woodcarving/
Having talked about doing it for quite some time, I recently visited Alistair Park at his studio at Bower Ashton in Bristol to make field recordings of some of the sounds that his tools make in use.
Alistair has been working with wood for over 20 years, and it was a great pleasure to see him practising his craft and to hear the sounds made by various wood carving techniques that he chose to demonstrate.
It's clear that such craftsmanship relies on an intimate understanding of the associated tools and materials. It goes without saying that the appearance and feel of the wood are key when crafting the raw material into the end result, but I was interested to learn that also the smell of the wood and the sounds made when working it all feed into the creative process.
In this recording Alistair gave an introduction to who he is and where we were recording, and carved seasoned lime wood using a gouge.
You can learn more about Alistair’s work at his website http://www.carvings-with-stories.co.uk, his blog https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bristolwoodcarver/.
Field recording beneath the M4 Severn Bridge on the Severn Beach side.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/under-the-m4-severn-bridge
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
Sandbanks Ferry 13th August 2018. Field recording of the Sandbanks Ferry, sailing from Shell Bay to Sandbanks in Dorset.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/sandbanks-ferry/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
Sitting in the tent, and listening to the rain while camping at the Big Chill festival 2005.
Recording made of the 'Clock Room' at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, March 2006
Timekeeping Exhibition – Clock Room at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. The room contained a variety of different timepieces from grandfather clocks and pocket-watches to more antiquated mechanisms. Not all of the clocks were producing an audible sound, but I moved slowly around the room to take in different combinations of ticking sounds. You’ll occasionally hear other people passing through the room as well as some of my lumbering footsteps.
In 2002 Land Securities unveiled it’s controversial plans for the redevelopment of Exeter city centre’s Princesshay Shopping precinct.
Four years on, the demolition and archaeological excavation of this area has been completed, and construction is underway. The public have been given the opportunity to oversee part of this construction work by providing a purpose-built viewing platform. The re-development has caused a stir among Exeter resident for whom the change will mark another step in the homogenisation of Devon’s capital, while for others points towards positive economic growth, an increase in the variety of facilities, and enhancement of the city’s reputation.
Field recording of a police helicopter circling over our neighbourhood on 26th July 2017.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/police-helicopter-circling-overhead
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
Image By Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK (Police Helicopter G-POLA) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Binaural field recording of a train journey from Lawrence Hill station in Bristol to Severn Beach taken on 23rd June 2018.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/train-journey-from-bristol-to-severn-beach
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 SP-TFB-2 binaural in-ear mics
As hot air balloons passed over our neighbourhood, the local dog population went into overdrive.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/neighbourhood-dogs-going-berserk/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 Luhd in-ear binaural mics
Recording of the rural ambience in the garden of a holiday gite in southern France. Number 3 in a series.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
Recording of the rural ambience in the garden of a holiday gite in southern France. Number 2 in a series.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
Recording of the rural ambience in the garden of a holiday gite in southern France. Number 1 in a series.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/thunderstorm-france/
Field recording of a thunderstorm from the window of a holiday gite, in Beauville, Haute-Garonne. This is a long 22-minute recording, over which time the storm gets livelier and louder.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 built-in mics
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/revel-market/
Revel Market takes place every Saturday morning in Revel's covered central square and surrounding streets. It was a pleasure to see the great range of food produce on sale and the bustle of locals and tourists alike.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 Sound Professionals SP-TFB2 in-ear binaural mics
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/swimming-pool-ambience/
The sounds of an outdoor swimming pool in the Haute-Garonne region of France. As well as the sounds of swimming, the background ambiance includes the sounds of crickets, bees, cockerels crowing and birdsong.
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/carcassonne-june-2018/
A series of field recordings made in Carcassonne, France, combined into a continuous audio journey.
00:00 Admiring the view from the ramparts. 01:30 Inside the Basilique Saint Nazaire. 03:20 Listening to the goats from Le Pont Vieux. 05:24 Pidgeons being fed next to the Aude river.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
A series of field recordings made on the Bristol and Bath Cycle Path near Bitton Station. Bikes and steam trains pass by, sometimes with snippets of conversation, and a backdrop of birdsong and occasional cow mooing.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/log-fire/
Field recording made of a crackling log fire fire on New Year's Day while staying in a cabin at Kingstone Brewery in Monmouthshire 01/01/2018.
The sound of the burning fire had a pleasing low-register rumble that added to the relaxing feeling of a warm fire in winter.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/bigbury/
Field recording made at Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon on 10/06/2017.
The popping sound is from barnacle colonies attached to the rocks on which the microphone was positioned.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/
Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.
It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/
Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.
It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/
Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.
It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/
Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.
It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 Sound Professionals SP-TFB-2 in-ear binaural mics
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/leigh-woods-bristol/
Field recording made in Leigh Woods, Bristol on 21/11/2016.
It was a rainy day, so much of the subject matter is the sound of rain against the leaf mould, the trees, and puddles.
Gear: Sony PCM-M10 Sound Professionals SP-TFB-2 in-ear binaural mics
Field recordings made at Woodhill Bay, Portishead on 14th October 2016. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/woodhill-bay-portishead/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
Field recordings made at Woodhill Bay, Portishead on 14th October 2016. This was my first outing using the Sony PCM-M10, and involved some clambering on the headland rocks to try and get into a good position. The tide was quite far out, and the sea calm.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/woodhill-bay-portishead/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
Field recordings made at Woodhill Bay, Portishead on 14th October 2016. This was my first outing using the Sony PCM-M10, and involved some clambering on the headland rocks to try and get into a good position. The tide was quite far out, and the sea calm.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/woodhill-bay-portishead/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
Field recordings made at Woodhill Bay, Portishead on 14th October 2016. This was my first outing using the Sony PCM-M10, and involved some clambering on the headland rocks to try and get into a good position. The tide was quite far out, and the sea calm.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/woodhill-bay-portishead/
Gear: Sony PCM-M10
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/porto-metro/
Binaural field recordings of the Porto Metro.
Recorded on 17th September 2016.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/porto-metro/
Binaural field recordings of the Porto Metro.
Recorded on 17th September 2016.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/porto-metro/
Binaural field recordings of the Porto Metro.
Recorded on 17th September 2016.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/street-sounds-porto/
Binaural Field Recording of street ambience made in Porto, Portugal, September 2016.
Binaural field recordings of the vintage tram that runs from the Casa do Infante, Porto, to Foz do Douro. Recorded on 13th September 2016.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/travel-metro-journey-barcelona/
We used the Barcelona Metro a lot during our visit in 2006, and I took this recording on our way back from Parc Guell to our 'pension' just off La Rambla. We were riding Linea 3 from Vallcarca to Liceu.
Recorded on 3rd June 2006
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/thunder-storm-recording/
Thunder storm recording in our back garden on 17/11/2006
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/travel-parc-guell-barcelona/
Here's another recordings from a visit to Barcelona in June 2006. Recorded at Parc Guell, this takes in some of the general atmosphere.
Recorded on 18th June 2006
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/travel-parc-guell-barcelona/
Here's another recording from a visit to Barcelona in June 2006. Recorded at Parc Guell, this takes in some of the general atmosphere.
Recorded on 18th June 2006
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/travel-classical-guitarist-at-parc-guell-barcelona/
Recorded on 18th June 2006 in Parc Guell, Barcelona.
Sheltering from the rain. Norfolk 20150612 2158 http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/rain-outside-yurt-norfolk/
Rain & Birdsong - Ranworth Broad, Norfolk 2015
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/ranworth-broad-norfolk/
Rain & Birdsong - Ranworth Broad, Norfolk 2015
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/ranworth-broad-norfolk/
Rain & Birdsong - Ranworth Broad, Norfolk 2015
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/ranworth-broad-norfolk/
Rain & Birdsong - Ranworth Broad, Norfolk 2015
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/ranworth-broad-norfolk/
The 3D printers at the 3D Printed House Exhibition, Amsterdam.
http://3dprintcanalhouse.com/
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/11/3d-printed-house-exhibition-amsterdam/
The 3D printers at the 3D Printed House Exhibition, Amsterdam.
http://3dprintcanalhouse.com/
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/11/3d-printed-house-exhibition-amsterdam/
The 3D printers at the 3D Printed House Exhibition, Amsterdam.
http://3dprintcanalhouse.com/
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/11/3d-printed-house-exhibition-amsterdam/
The Champ Sonique sound art installation by Mo Becha in Amsterdam. http://www.anythingispossible.nl/projects/champ-sonique http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/champ-sonique-sound-installation-amsterdam/
The Champ Sonique sound art installation by Mo Becha in Amsterdam. http://www.anythingispossible.nl/projects/champ-sonique http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/champ-sonique-sound-installation-amsterdam/
On the northern bank of the Ij, Amsterdam. A variety of boats passing by. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/11/amsterdam-sitting-by-the-ij/
Binaural recording of sounds aboard a houseboat in Amsterdam. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-houseboat/
Binaural recording of sounds aboard a houseboat in Amsterdam. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-houseboat/
On the northern bank of the Ij, Amsterdam. A variety of boats passing by. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/11/amsterdam-sitting-by-the-ij/
The sounds of busy Amsterdam streets. Cyclists, trams, boats and cars. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-city-street-sounds/
The sounds of busy Amsterdam streets. Cyclists, trams, boats and cars. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-city-street-sounds/
The sounds of busy Amsterdam streets. Cyclists, trams, boats and cars. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-city-street-sounds/
The sounds of busy Amsterdam streets. Cyclists, trams, boats and cars. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-city-street-sounds/
The sounds of busy Amsterdam streets. Cyclists, trams, boats and cars. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-city-street-sounds/
The sounds of busy Amsterdam streets. Cyclists, trams, boats and cars. http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/2014/10/amsterdam-city-street-sounds/
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-izakaya-at-myoden-station/
A field recording made in an Izakaya at Myoden Station in Chiba, Tokyo on 28th March 2009
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-izakaya-at-myoden-station/
A field recording made in an Izakaya at Myoden Station in Chiba, Tokyo on 28th March 2009
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-asakusa-pt-3/
A binaural field recording made at the Sensō-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan on 19th March 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-buddhist-chanting-at-chion-in-temple/
A field recording made while listening to Buddhist chanting at Chion-in temple in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto on 25th March 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-asakusa-pt-3/
A binaural field recording made at the Sensō-ji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan on 19th March 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-ueno-park-bells-of-time/
A binaural field recording made in Ueno Park, Tokyo, while listening to the 'Bell of Time' on 16th March 2009.
A binaural field recording made inside an amusement arcade situated within the Venus Fort shopping complex in Odaiba, Tokyo on 20th March 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-strolling-around-outside-kyoto-station/
A binaural field recording made while walking around the entrance area of Kyoto Station, Japan on 27th March 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-asakusa-pt-2/
A binaural field recording recorded in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan on 19th March 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/japan-asakusa-pt-1/
A binaural field recording recorded in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan on 19th March 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/blog
Walking over the M5 flyover on Tithebarn Lane Exeter, Devon. A binaural field recording recorded taken on 4th August 2009.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/outdoor-swimming-pool/
A sunny afternoon at the University of Exeter outdoor swimming pool. There are some hilarious little snippets of conversation to be heard amongst the splashing of divers.
http://binauraldiaries.co.uk/outdoor-swimming-pool/
A sunny afternoon at the University of Exeter outdoor swimming pool. There are some hilarious little snippets of conversation to be heard amongst the splashing of divers.