OT: THX "Deep Note" Trivia

Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/20/2010, 6:52 AM

From the THX.com Web site:

"The famous THX crescendo, Deep Note, is like no other audio mark in the world. But where did it come from?

"When THX was founded, the company was looking for a truly unique sound effect. A sound that would test the frequency and dynamic range of a theater’s acoustics and surround sound system, while also letting the audience realize that they weren’t in just any typical movie theater.

"Working with the artists and engineers at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch, THX developed an algorithm that produced a beautiful and mysterious electronic sound. This creation continues to wow and impact audiences around the world and sets the stage for a superior entertainment experience."

Comments

jmpatrick wrote on 10/20/2010, 9:08 AM

It's been said that inspiration came from the Styx song "Krakatoa."

http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-serpent-is-rising-r19285/review

Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/20/2010, 10:08 AM

Never cared much for Styx. At any rate, you can listen to Karkatoa and hear the similarity (it starts at about 1:10). Whether or not it was done wittingly only George Lucas can tell.

Rory Cooper wrote on 10/21/2010, 12:48 AM

Thanks Jay very interesting

I bet a lot of analysis went into those few seconds.