Audio and Sound Blog

The BigSoundBank blog explores the world of sound: acoustic discoveries, audio technology, hearing health, culture, and creative projects—a clear, accessible feed for enthusiasts and professionals. You can also send me your information (scientific articles or studies, news, press releases for sound-related events, calls for projects, etc.) so I can share them.

♥ - Joseph SARDIN - Founder of BigSoundBank.com - About - Contact

Last articles - All

The Sound of your Voice at your Fingertips

Explore Pink Trombone, the iconic web vocal synth that lets you sculpt a voice in real time. Learn source–filter basics and unlock new sound-design ideas.... Read more →

The Sound of Rockets, Tamed by Water

How millions of liters of water protect rockets from their own roar at liftoff, and what the Artemis II launch tells us about space acoustics.... Read more →

Aporee, the Map That Lets Places Speak

Aporee is a global sound map where you can listen to real places. I contributed a few recordings from my sound library and share the experience.... Read more →

Crack and Bang: Butler’s Audio Investigation

In Butler, audio forensics used the crack/bang pattern to estimate distance, count shots, and clarify a timeline for an investigation.... Read more →

Attempt at a Definition of “Sound Recording”

What Is a Sound Recording? From Hercule Florence’s Zoophony to the Phonautograph and Messiaen, a Definition Between Trace and Transcription.... Read more →

Hercule Florence and the Birth of Zoophony

Hercule Florence imagined “zoophony”, a way to record animal sounds through writing in the 1830s, anticipating modern bioacoustics.... Read more →

Noise modes: Direct, Use, Induced

How to distinguish direct, use and induced noises in our soundscapes, from the mailbox flap to flag cables rattling in the wind.... Read more →

March 3rd: World Hearing Day

Every March 3rd, the WHO celebrates World Hearing Day. In 2026, the theme puts children at the center of hearing care. Here's what you need to know.... Read more →

When the World Speaks in Human Sound Effects

A global tour of paralinguistic sounds: whistles, snaps, clicks, tuts, sighs. Human “foley” that carries emotion across languages.... Read more →

When a Starling Becomes a Living Hard Drive

A musician converted a bird drawing into sound and taught it to a starling. The bird memorized and reproduced it perfectly, storing 176 KB of data biologically.... Read more →

Bird Song Recognition With AI

Testing Merlin Bird ID and BirdNET: how artificial intelligence is transforming bird identification through sound and making ornithology accessible to everyone.... Read more →

Premonitory Sound Cues to Reduce Motion Sickness in Electric Cars

Discover how predictive sound cues can help reduce motion sickness in EVs by restoring anticipation, improving sensory alignment, and easing nausea during braking and turns.... Read more →

Sleep Hallucinations: Hypnagogic, Hypnopompic and EHS

Hearing a beep, a voice, a doorbell, even a “bang” while drifting off or waking up? Hypnagogic/hypnopompic events and EHS: why it happens, what helps, when to seek care.... Read more →

These Fake AI “making-of” Videos that Fool People

Fake AI “making-of” videos copy the look of real film sets, but their gear and crew details often don’t add up. Learn why these BTS deepfakes erode trust, how they misrepresent technicians, and why content provenance standards like C2PA and Content Credentials matter.... Read more →

A Musical Lollipop at CES 2026

At CES 2026, a lollipop transmits music through bone conduction. It’s weird and environmentally absurd, but the underlying principle is excellent for headphones.... Read more →

Week of Sound 2026: Innovation you can Hear

From January 19 to February 1, 2026, UNESCO’s Week of Sound spotlights “Sound and Innovations” worldwide, linking health, culture, tech and soundscapes.... Read more →

The Bird that “Sings” With its Wings

The club-winged manakin doesn’t sing. It makes a clean, stable note around 1500 Hz by vibrating specialized wing feathers up to 107 times per second.... Read more →

The Lego Smart Play Brick, in Sync with Sound Rhythm

Smart Play is built around a 2x4 SMART Brick that detects tags and minifigures, responds to movement, and generates sound in real time using a synthesis-like approach. The audio output is contextual (object, character, scene) and can even react to the environment thanks to sound capture. The first sets are expected on March 1, 2026, with a Star Wars-focused launch.... Read more →

Forensic Audio: When a Sound Becomes Evidence

Between cleanup, authentication, and voice analysis, forensic audio turns a simple sound recording into evidence in the age of deepfakes.... Read more →

Why Music Promotion now Requires a Multiplatform Strategy

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Silence, the Sound That Makes so Much Noise

BigSoundBank silence generator: create a true digital silence WAV (zero samples) in mono/stereo, any duration, 44.1/48 kHz, 16/24-bit. Preview & download.... Read more →

The Most Powerful Sound Ever Documented, in 1883

In 1883, the Krakatoa eruption produced the most powerful sound ever documented. How was it measured, and at what human cost?... Read more →

Audio Feedback in Movies Shreds my Ears

Why does every movie microphone start with a piercing feedback squeal? A look at this sound-editing tic and its more realistic alternatives.... Read more →

Shall we Create a “Starry-ears / Heart-ears” Emoji?

Reflection on the idea of a new emoji — ears with stars or hearts — to symbolize wonder, attentive listening, or passion for sound in digital communication.... Read more →

A Christmas Countdown to Listen To

24 days, 24 seasonal sounds: discover the sonic advent calendar and dive into the Christmas spirit through listening.... Read more →

Absorbrella: Outdoor Acoustic Comfort

Discover how Absorbrella by Isinac revolutionizes acoustic comfort in outdoor spaces with scientifically measured sound absorption and innovative textile design.... Read more →

When Sound Becomes a Problem in the World of Hypercars

A humorous take on the unexpected acoustic challenges in million-dollar hypercars—from lawsuits over engine noise to speakerless luxury audio systems.... Read more →

California: Ads no Louder than the Program

California’s SB 576 bans streaming ads louder than the program. Enforcement starts July 1, 2026.... Read more →

How Nature Sounds Lower Blood Pressure

How nature sounds can lower blood pressure: the science, the best sound profiles, and practical listening tips for daily relaxation.... Read more →

The Worst Volume Controls

In 2017, Reddit launched an absurd contest: imagine the worst volume control. A lively account and audio UX lessons for everyone.... Read more →

Belgrade, a Silence Cut in Two

A clear narrative of the March 15 Belgrade episode and a guide to sonic weapons: facts, controversies, law, and risks.... Read more →

Understanding the Sonic Boom

Clear explanation of the sonic boom during supersonic flight: how it forms and how it's perceived.... Read more →

Sound Tourism and Other Acoustic Curiosities

Discover remarkable places where sound is the attraction—from singing dunes to architectural echoes—via the dossier “Sound tourism and other curiosities”.... Read more →

Portsmouth Sinfonia : Wrong Notes Into a Sound Aesthetic

How the Portsmouth Sinfonia made approximation an aesthetic of sound—mixing experimentation, humor, and psychoacoustic phenomena.... Read more →

Shure DCA901: a Microphone with Modular Directivity

The Shure DCA901 offers a unique modular directivity, allowing its pickup lobes to be remotely oriented for broadcast and immersive audio.... Read more →

Acoustic Rainbow: Passive Spatial Decomposition of Sound

A passive device redirects the different frequencies of white noise into distinct directions, creating an “acoustic rainbow.” Discovery, principles, applications.... Read more →

Sharawadji Effect: the Unpredictable Beauty of Sound

Discover the Sharawadji Effect, an inexplicable sonic beauty born from unpredictable soundscapes and perceptual chaos.... Read more →

Ingenuity's Sound: Deeper than on Earth?

Perseverance rover recorded the sound of the Ingenuity drone on Mars. But why does it sound deeper than it would on Earth? Here's a scientific breakdown.... Read more →

Ultrasound to Prevent Battery Fires

Presentation of an ultrasonic breakthrough to detect early internal faults in lithium-ion batteries, offering a reliable solution to the growing risk of thermal runaway.... Read more →

A Sound System to Keep Deer Away from Railway Tracks in Japan

In Japan, an innovative sound system combining deer snorts and dog barks helps reduce collisions between trains and wild animals.... Read more →

That Weird Dictaphone in the New Superman

At minute 20 of the new Superman movie, I spotted a strange dictaphone labeled “LordTech.” Never heard of it. I searched everywhere… and finally asked ChatGPT. Here’s what I found.... Read more →

Congenital Amusia

Congenital amusia, also known as tone deafness, is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder marked by difficulty in perceiving pitch, melody, and rhythm. This article explores its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, cognitive impacts, and the latest research in rehabilitation.... Read more →

The World Record for Silence: –24.9 dBA

The world record for silence reaches –24.9 dBA in an anechoic chamber built by Orfield Laboratories. A closer look at this unique acoustic achievement.... Read more →

Histotripsy: Surgery Without Incision, Powered by Ultrasound

Discover histotripsy, an innovative, non-invasive tissue ablation technique using focused ultrasound. Learn how it works, its benefits, limitations, and future potential.... Read more →

That Sound Game: the Game that Makes Noise

That Sound Game is a hilarious party game where players guess words using only sounds and gestures. Discover how it turns any gathering into an audio comedy show!... Read more →

Belgium Takes the Lead in Reducing Ocean Noise Pollution

Belgium launches an awareness campaign to tackle underwater noise pollution in the North Sea, offering innovative solutions that could inspire global action.... Read more →

Relieve Motion Sickness with a 100 Hz Sound Frequency

A groundbreaking study from Nagoya University reveals that a single minute of exposure to a 100 Hz sound can significantly reduce motion sickness symptoms like nausea and dizziness. By stimulating the vestibular system, this non-invasive method offers a promising alternative to medication. Learn how you can try it yourself with a simple online sound generator.... Read more →

3D Structure of Earthquake-Induced Sound Waves

Using over 4,500 GNSS sensors, a Japanese research team has created a 3D model of sound wave propagation generated by an earthquake—unveiling unprecedented interactions between Earth and the atmosphere.... Read more →

Onomatopoeic Giants' Duel at James Joyce's

James Joyce holds two records in literary onomatopoeia: the 100-letter thunder word in Finnegans Wake and the longest onomatopoeic palindrome in Ulysses. A sound-based analysis.... Read more →

Félix Blume, Nomadic Sound Artist

Portrait of Félix Blume, a French sound artist whose works blend poetry, commitment, and sensory exploration around the world.... Read more →

Additional Sounds: From the Stage to the Cloud, Towards AI

Sound effects have come a long way, from live performances on stage to vast digital sound libraries accessible with a click. Today, artificial intelligence is disrupting traditional practices, sparking debate about the future of the Foley artist’s craft.... Read more →

Create Custom Sounds Online with BigSoundBank's New Generator Tools

BigSoundBank.com introduces a brand-new section of free online sound generators. Easily create and download custom WAV sounds—frequencies, colored noise, and DTMF tones—royalty-free and without registration.... Read more →

Apple Launches "Sound Therapy", Serving Well-Being

Apple Music and Universal Music Group unveil “Sound Therapy,” an innovative audio collection integrating brainwave frequencies and colored noise to promote focus, relaxation, and sleep.... Read more →

When Flowers Listen to Bees

Recent studies reveal that some plants, like snapdragons and evening primroses, respond to the buzzing of bees by producing sweeter nectar—highlighting a form of sonic communication between flowers and pollinators.... Read more →

SonoTextiles: Smart Fabrics that Hear

Discover SonoTextiles, the groundbreaking smart fabrics developed by ETH Zurich that use ultrasonic waves to detect touch, pressure, and movement. Lightweight, breathable, and easy to maintain, these fabrics open new possibilities in medical monitoring, sports performance, and gesture control technologies.... Read more →

AI Turns your Vocal Imitations into pro Sound Effects.

Sketch2Sound is an AI tool developed by Adobe and researchers from Northwestern University that generates sound effects from simple vocal imitations and text descriptions. A technical breakthrough that could disrupt the sound designer profession.... Read more →

Listening to the Planet: A Global Synthesis

A groundbreaking study compiles global acoustic data to analyze biodiversity and human impact through soundscapes.... Read more →

Is the Technician an Artist?

Long seen as opposites, artists and technicians actually share the same essence: mastery of technique and creative sensitivity. Discover why art and technique are inseparable.... Read more →

The Dual Perception of Infrasound

Exploring how sound and light interact with the sense of touch, especially through infrasound and infrared.... Read more →

The Mystery of the Sound of the Northern Lights

Are the mesmerizing northern lights accompanied by audible sounds? Let's explore testimonies, scientific studies, and the perspectives offered by Caspar Henderson in A Natural History of Sound.... Read more →

QUIET, Silent Tableware for Collective Catering

Discover QUIET, a French innovation that reduces tableware noise in collective catering by 85% thanks to a dual-material technology.... Read more →

Noise-Making Animals

In the animal kingdom, some produce sounds with their voices, others by striking, rubbing, or vibrating. But there is a distinct category: the "noise-makers," which generate sound without vocalization. Focus on these masters of noise, and on a unique case—the rattlesnake.... Read more →

The Sonic Mystery of the "Bio-Duck"

Since the 1960s, a strange underwater sound, nicknamed "Bio-Duck," has puzzled scientists. Discover how this mystery was solved and what it reveals about Antarctic whales.... Read more →

Sound Enclaves, Towards Private Listening Without Headphones

Researchers at Penn State University, led by Professor Yun Jing, have developed "sound enclaves," allowing private listening without headphones using intersecting ultrasonic beams.... Read more →

Silence: A Full-Fledged Auditory Perception

A study from Johns Hopkins University demonstrates that silence is perceived by our auditory system in a manner similar to sounds, challenging traditional conceptions of hearing.... Read more →

Neutrik silentPLUG: A Game-Changer for Musicians

Discover how the Neutrik silentPLUG improves musicians' lives by eliminating unwanted noise when plugging or unplugging instruments with jack connectors.... Read more →

Sound Waves in Seawater and Freshwater

Discover why sound waves dissipate more in seawater, a phenomenon linked to the unique chemistry of boric acid.... Read more →

Psychological Warfare Through Sound: North Korea

North Korea uses giant loudspeakers to broadcast terrifying sounds toward South Korea. A technological and sonic analysis of this psychological warfare.... Read more →

Acoustic Cameras? A Revolution

This article explores the technology of acoustic cameras, their functioning, industrial applications, and their impact on predictive maintenance and the detection of mechanical and electrical anomalies.... Read more →

A Sonic and Scientific Dive Into a Future Without Nature

Forest 404 is a fascinating multidimensional project produced by BBC Radio 4, combining science fiction, environmental themes, and an immersive sonic experience.... Read more →

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Risky?

Experts warn about the potential dangers of excessive use of noise-canceling headphones among young people, which could lead to hearing disorders such as auditory processing disorder.... Read more →

The Music of Blobs and the Emergence of Organic Sounds

A fascinating exploration of sound created by blobs using electrical signals transformed into music.... Read more →

Does a Tidy Room "Resonate"?

A tidy room sometimes seems more resonant than a cluttered space. Is it an illusion or an acoustic reality? Let's break down the phenomena at play.... Read more →

Cancel Unwanted Noise with Smart Fabric

Researchers at MIT have developed a revolutionary silk and cotton fabric incorporating a piezoelectric fiber, capable of canceling or reflecting unwanted sounds with high efficiency.... Read more →

Sounds to Save Coral Reefs

The diffusion of recorded sounds from healthy coral reefs could accelerate the regeneration of damaged corals. Discover this innovative method, its promising results, and its potential to preserve marine biodiversity.... Read more →

Identifying Viruses Through Sound

A recent study explores how nanoscopic acoustic vibrations of viruses can be measured using ultrafast spectroscopy, paving the way for new approaches in virus biophysics.... Read more →

Noise Pollution: a Matter of Perspective

A woman calls the police over strange noises, which turn out to be frogs. This story highlights the perception of noise pollution and the need to adapt to one's acoustic environment.... Read more →

The "Sound Camera Obscura" Effect

Explore a fascinating sound phenomenon inspired by the famous optical "Camera Obscura" and its potential applications.... Read more →

Kongthong, the Village Where Names are Melodies

Explore Kongthong, an extraordinary Indian village where every person has a "sung name," a unique tradition that turns identities into melodies.... Read more →

Colors of Noise

Discover the different types of colored noise, from white noise to green noise, including brown noise. Explore their characteristics and applications in scientific, musical, and audiovisual fields.... Read more →

When Noise-Sanceling Headphones Make you Unaware of your own Noise

Discover how the use of headphones can make some users unaware of the noise they produce, and explore solutions to be more mindful in public spaces.... Read more →

The Sound of a Meteorite Impact

On July 25, 2024, a surveillance camera in Prince Edward Island captured, for the first time, the sound and impact of a meteorite, offering a unique opportunity to study this celestial phenomenon.... Read more →

Using Sound to Extinguish Fire

Discover how two American students developed a prototype that uses low-frequency sound waves to extinguish flames effectively.... Read more →

Whistling Vases and Bottles

Discover whistling bottles, fascinating instruments that blend art, sound, and culture. Explore their origins in ancient civilizations and their evolution through the ages.... Read more →

Sound Difference Between Hot Water and Cold Water

Scientific and technical exploration of the sound variations between hot and cold water when poured.... Read more →

Zimoun: The Art of Noise in Motion

Discover the sound installations of Zimoun, a Swiss artist who transforms noise into art through moving mechanisms.... Read more →

Celestial Drum: A Remedy for Tinnitus?

Discover the celestial drum technique, a simple exercise to relieve tinnitus and enhance overall well-being, inspired by ancient practices.... Read more →

Lavalier Microphone Facing Down: The BBC Method

Lavalier microphones are generally pointed upward, toward the speaker's mouth. So why does the BBC recommend orienting them downward?... Read more →

Left/Right, Color Code in Audio

In the field of sound, I often have to choose colors for the left and right channels. Which color to choose, why, and what mnemonic device to use to remember them?... Read more →

The Cloud Harps by Nicolas Reeves

Nicolas Reeves, a renowned artist and researcher, has imagined a unique and poetic work: the Cloud Harps.... Read more →

Mystery of the "Hum," the Unexplained Buzzing Sound

Discover the strange phenomenon of the "Hum," a mysterious buzzing sound heard worldwide. Explore its hypotheses, impacts, and ongoing research to uncover its secret.... Read more →

Discover Helmut Lachenmann's "Guero"

Exploring Helmut Lachenmann's "Guero," where the p...... Read more →

The Impact of Fireworks on Wildlife

The holiday season is approaching, an opportunity to explore the devastating effects of fireworks on wildlife and domestic animals.... Read more →

The Aztec Death Whistles

Exploring the mysterious Aztec death whistles, their terrifying sounds, and their impact on the human brain.... Read more →

Ellian and the Spell: When Sounds Come to Life

An analysis of the unique representation of sound as a character in the animated film "Ellian and the Spell," available on Netflix.... Read more →

Apple is Revolutionizing Hearing Health

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 now feature a clinical hearing test and advanced functionalities to protect and enhance your hearing health.... Read more →

These Butterflies That Listen to Plants

Some butterflies, such as Spodoptera littoralis, can perceive and interpret the ultrasounds emitted by plants under stress. This acoustic interaction opens new perspectives in ecology and sustainable agriculture, revealing natural mechanisms that are still poorly understood.... Read more →