DIY EMF Recording - Make your own EMF Mics and Recordings / 3 workshop sessions hero

Creative Coding

DIY EMF Recording - Make your own EMF Mics and Recordings / 3 workshop sessions

Level

Beginner

Duration

6h 27m of video content

Format

Self-paced video

Added

21/02/2025

Watch a preview

Workshop Recording

Course overview

Discover a world of complex rhythms, distorted drones, and rich timbres with electromagnetic listening, the art of hearing Electromagnetic Fields, or EMF, emitted by electronic devices. EMF listening uses sensors such as induction coils and solar cells to convert electromagnetic fields to sound. Whilst this may sound complicated, it’s an incredibly simple, fun, and curious way to create unique electronic soundscapes. Led by award-winning sound artist and EMF instrument maker Frazer Merrick, this 3-part workshop, you will cover how to build your own mics, plan a field recording trip, create your own sample packs, as well as explore creative methods for composing with EMF recordings. You will become comfortable with the methods, equipment, and practices that professional sound artists use to achieve incredible results without the need for extremely expensive equipment. Led by a professional sound recordist and artist, you will be guided to conceive and develop a project with the opportunity to ask questions and develop your ideas in a supportive group of fellow enthusiasts.

Equipment list

1/4” jack x2 (link) £6 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alnicov-Solder-Straight-Design-Connector/dp/B0BWJLXCV6/ 2v Solar Cell (link) £8 https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcingmap®-Round-Module-Charger-Diameter/dp/B073Y51RP2/ Guitar pickup (link or link) £7/10 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pxyelec-Prewired-4-String-Soundhole-Harness/dp/B07FVSDK6S https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alnicov-Lipstick-Vintage-style-Single-Coil-Accessory/dp/B08G7Y9351/ Telephone Pickup (link) £5 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Telephone-Pickup-Sensitive-Microphone/dp/B000L1OZG8 Instrument cable (link) £10 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Damme-Grade-Instrument-Cable-Purple/dp/B07TCB15NP Tools Soldering iron + solder Cable strippers / cutters Portable Recorder (with jack input) Electrical tape and/or hot glue gun

Learning outcomes

Build your own EMF microphones from simple, affordable components

Plan and execute a field recording trip to capture electromagnetic soundscapes

Create sample packs from your EMF recordings

Compose and arrange music using EMF recordings as source material

Understand the methods and equipment professional sound artists use for electromagnetic listening

Who is this course for?

  • • Musicians, sound artists, and field recordists interested in exploring electromagnetic soundscapes and experimental music production.
  • • Those looking to build their own EMF microphones, create unique sample packs, and develop creative compositions using electromagnetic field recordings.

Requirements

  • • No prior experience needed - curiosity and a willingness to experiment with sound are encouraged. Basic audio editing knowledge is helpful but not required.

Course content

Session 1 - Workshop Recording

1 video

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Session 2 - Workshop Recording

1 video

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  • Workshop Recording
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Session 3 - Workshop Recording

1 video

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Instructors

Frazer Merrick

Frazer Merrick

Instructor

Frazer Merrick is an expert in field recording, circuit bending, and DIY instrument building. He creates carnivalesque experiences that transform spaces and objects while encouraging the audience to become a curious performer. From a keyboard made of bananas to playing a gig underwater, Frazer’s work is curious, interactive and playful. He has exhibited at galleries including Firstsite and Focal Point Gallery, performed at venues such as Snape Maltings and Colchester Arts Centre, and had compositions aired on Channel 4 and the BBC. Frazer is the co-founder of the award winning social enterprise, CLIP Sound and Music CIC.

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