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.
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All articles - Technology
The inaudible signal that measures who's listening
An inaudible signal hides inside every radio and TV broadcast, telling a tiny box exactly what you're listening to. Here's how it works.... Read more →
When sound hunts down drones
In Ukraine, microphone networks track drones and missiles by their sound signature. A look at passive acoustic detection.... 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →