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


Starts on: 10/04/2025 18:00 London time

Membership plan: Going Deeper | Topics: Music Production

Course overview

Thursdays 10th, 17th, 24th April at 6PM UK

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 (spread across 3 weeks), 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

What you'll learn

  • Learn to build your own EMF mic
  • Learn to plan a field recording trip
  • Learn to plan a field recording trip

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.

Course content

  • Zoom link
  • Zoom link
  • Zoom link

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 schedule

Meet your 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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