Last months were intense for me, so please forgive me long silence on the blog.
I did a lot vehicles recordings, for upcoming projects and for my personal library as well.
For a long time I wanted to create a library of sounds of classic cars from the 60s – 80s which were popular in Eastern / Central Europe.
Growing up in Poland in the 80’s I was familiar with them. Now, during recording sessions it surprised me how clearly I remember their sound and still can identify them.
If you live in a different part of the world, those sounds might be exotic for you. Every car I have recorded has its unique sound character. Same goes with their look. I miss it in todays cars, which are all unified…
I’m not an automotive expert at all. But that’s the thing I love in field recording – you are going out of your lovely editing room, out of you computer screen and meet people. People which are experts, geeks and which totally love what they do. In this case – collectors of vintage cars and most often car mechanics specializing in this period cars.
Being (sound) geek myself, I quickly found common language with them. It’s very inspiring to meet people who live their passion.
I would like to thank to all of them for their help and engagement. Special thanks goes to Krzysiek and Grzegorz. Big thanks guys, it was great to meet you!
Most of the recording sessions I did at night. And despite the fact that it’s harder to work in the dark, I much prefer it this way. It’s much quieter, even in my fav locations which are away from traffic and other unwanted noise sources.
Also, I love recording in the late autumn / early winter. It’s dry, no crickets, birds and leaves. A bit cold sometimes, but I can live with that.
I did general coverage of quite a few cars. Below are some of them.
At first I always focus on the basic stationary engine sounds using MS rig. Later I switch to two shotguns and record all maneuvers and passes. After that I get in and record onboard sounds using 4-8 mics. And finally (when it’s very late) I record doors, trunk, brakes, gear lever and everything that produces any sound in MS.
My main trick when recording vehicles is to use two recorders – one inside the car and one with me when I record EXT maneuvers. Almost always I work alone, so after doing all basic EXT maneuvers I get in and sync them or use just the bigger one. This way I get more recordings, always something unique can happen.
So here comes the first one – FSO Warszawa 223, (Polish, 1951-1973)
It has very distinct engine sound.
After a few recordings I learned, that after the fastest passes when engine heats up, you can grab nice radiator clinks when car stops.
It was great to see these cars driving that fast, despite their age.
FSM Syrena 105L (Polish, 1957-1983) – this one has super characteristic sound.
It’s two-stroke engine, which without image could be identified as an old motorcycle.
It has very unique exhaust sound. Definitely distinctive sound of those times.
Another classic from the past – FSO Fiat 125p (Polish, 1967-1991).
Very popular years ago here.
Also very characteristic exhaust sound.
The next one is a bit similar visually, yet not aurally – VAZ Lada 1500S (Russian, 1972-1984).
Now a car for VIPs from that period GAZ Volga-24 (Russian, 1968-1985).
This car has a lot of power and majesty.
And another one for quite wealthy people at that time – Fiat 131 Mirafiori.
We treated it rough, but it was worth it.
Another reason to love those cars – they have a real and massive chromed bumpers, so you can attach your mics easily, without worries to harm it’s paint.
And one of the last cars I have recorded in 2013 – VW Transporter T3 with Boxer engine same as in the original Beetle and T1 and T2 as well. This engine worked like it was manufactured yesterday, it was all in a great shape (session was so intense that I forgot to take pictures).
For 2014 I have a few another classic cars chosen.
Can’t wait to go out and record them.
(If you liked it, you can check more sounds on my previous post here)
