After steel beams, it's time for a log dragon! A 10-meter log is dropped with an excavator to record sound effects | SKYSQUARE

Hello, this is AZSTOKE.

AZSTOKE's YouTube channel has released the second installment of a series that showcases sound effect recording at their outdoor field studio, "SKYSQUARE," from a first-person perspective.

This time the theme is "A dragon made from a 10-meter log."

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Recap of last time: The first attempt to drop a 1-ton steel beam.

In the first installment of the series, we used an excavator (Yanmar B7-5B) to lift three different types of steel beams totaling approximately one ton, and then "dropped" them into a hole about 3 meters deep to record heavy object sounds for the game outdoors.

Although we were able to record some powerful sounds, this time we tried a new approach and attempted to record the sound of heavy objects " falling over ."

Previously, when recording the sound of a large tree falling during logging operations, it was difficult to pinpoint the exact location where the tree would fall. This presented a challenge, as we had to move the microphones further away to ensure the safety of the equipment.

Therefore, this time we adopted a method of reusing large trees, approximately 10 meters tall, that had been felled during tree removal, and fixing their position with huge concrete blocks . This made it possible to completely control and fix the landing position, creating a situation where we could record with the microphone set closer than ever before.

This article will introduce specific examples of recording processes.

Materials used: A 10-meter log felled at SKYSQUARE.

The logs used were felled on the grounds of SKYSQUARE in the forest of Yamanashi Prefecture, measuring approximately 10 meters in length and 30 centimeters in diameter.

We lifted it with an excavator and dropped it, but not just dropped it. We used a fulcrum by wedging the base of the log between huge C-shaped concrete blocks, and dropped it so that it toppled over on that axis, aiming for a pure impact sound without any extraneous noises.

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  Secure the base with concrete blocks.

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  Secure it so that it does not shift from side to side.

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The recorded sounds are deep bass tones of "dragon landing" and "dragon's hand touching the ground."

At the end of the video, you can hear a sound effect for the game that was created from the recorded sound of a falling log: "the sound of a dragon landing."

Unlike when using steel frames, the heavy, dull resonance unique to wood contributes to the sense of presence of a massive living creature. By completely fixing the position with concrete blocks, we were able to take a bold approach to setting up the microphone in a position extremely close to the large tree, something that would have been absolutely impossible before.

Here's what it actually looked like.

What you see on the left side of the photo is the 10-meter-tall log that we felled. And can you see the microphone (center of the photo), covered in black sound-absorbing material, placed right next to it, just a few centimeters away?

In previous tree felling operations, we had to keep the microphones far away to prevent damage to the equipment, as we didn't know when or where they would fall. However, this time, we knew with 100% certainty that the tree would fall in the intended location, so we were able to position the microphones this close to the large tree (just one step away from a direct hit!).

This recording, made possible only at this extremely close range, captures a true impact sound that cuts through the air and shakes the earth, delivering an unprecedented level of power!

Please try listening to this with earphones or headphones and compare it to the sound of the first steel frame.

About SKYSQUARE

SKYSQUARE is an outdoor field studio operated by AZSTOKE.

We can handle the creation of sound effects unique to the field, such as recording large objects falling using heavy machinery or sounds that are difficult to capture indoors.

For studio reservations and inquiries, please contact ushere .

Inquiries regarding tours and recordings

We plan to continue sharing behind-the-scenes footage of our recording sessions at SKYSQUARE on our YouTube channel.

Please subscribe to the channel!