How To Add Real Motor Sound To Any Electric Vehicle (Video)
A new video is out by Tomcat Works YouTube channel, a project of Pedal and Pack Studios. See link above for video content.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/L5bzn98yi5w?si=ONdGormIhZtE3RL3
In this video, you learn how to add real motor sounds to any electric vehicle. This project uses an electromagnetic wave sniffer using an operational amplifier chip to amplify the motor signal's electromagnetic field into audio. It will show you how to infuse any silent EV with more character and pedestrian safety!
In this future of intermediary vehicles, lightweight electric motorcycles and bicycles, the streets might get quieter, which is a really good thing. We may need to add back the appropriate amount of sound so we can hear this future coming. Adding sound can also add some character to your EV that is outside of what the EV industry or Hans Zimmer deem sound-worthy. This DIY project is inspired by the innovative electromagnetic wave sniffer circuit from LOM's Elektrosluch. It's an audio device solution that captures the electromagnetic field emitted by your EV's motor and converts it into audio gold, transforming the silent hum of your EV into an electrifying auditory experience!
LOM Elektrosluch Mini, Image Credit: LOM
There are lots of companies working on this project for their electric cars, such as BMW and Hyundai. You might notice the spaceship sounds coming from the Hyundai Ioniq EVs as they become more and more common. These sounds are added for pedestrian safety.
For the future state of this project, it could be adapted to work with AI tools as a diagnostic device. Built into portable modules that are put into fleet vehicles, it could give insights on the condition of EV fleets, looking for such things as motor resistance, motor controller signal condition, and regenerative braking condition.
This project stems from LOM's Elektrosluch, which comes from the beautiful nerds who like to explore unseen audio landscapes and dream about field recording devices for ambient soundtracks. Many thanks to LOM and others who bring their creativity to this space and for inventing these devices.
LOM Elektrosluch Mini, Image Credit: LOM
See the project links below for lots more information on this project and projects like it.
Project Links:
LOM's Elektrosluch: (The original Elektrosluch circuit by LOM that inspired this project.)
https://store.lom.audio/products/elektrosluch-3?variant=4542168268832
https://youtu.be/J-c0OoAF5WQ?si=sUdfInhHx0rHvtJp
Make Magazine Project Video: (How to DIY this circuit from scratch)
Make Magazine's weekend project guide: (Building an electromagnetic sniffer to sample weird sounds from electromagnetic fields)
https://makezine.com/projects/weekend-project-sample-weird-sounds-electromagnetic-fields
ASCUTA EMF Detector Kit: (A DIY kit for building an electromagnetic wave sniffer/detector)
https://www.tindie.com/products/spadelectronics/diy-kit-emf-detector-electromagnetic-wave-sniffer/
ASCUTA: Interview Writeup on Maker Music Festival
https://www.makermusicfestival.com/projectdirectory/ascuta-11v/
The Curious Electric Company EMF Detector Kit: (Another kit option for an EMF detector circuit.)
https://www.tindie.com/products/curiouselectric/emf-detector/
Stereo Electromagnetic Microphone from TidbitAudio: (Simple circuit used in the video)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1328041324/stereo-electromagnetic-microphone-stereo
MOOER Multi Effects Pedal: (A multi-effects pedal that can be used to modulate and shape the sounds captured by the electromagnetic sniffer.)
https://www.mooeraudio.com/products/180.html
IK Multimedia iRig Audio Interface: (An app-based audio interface for connecting the circuit to a smartphone or tablet.)
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigusb/
Examples from the EV Industry:
How Music Composers Are Replacing The Sound Of Engines In Cars: (a Business Insider YouTube)
AngeTheGreat's YouTube channel: (An amazing video on simulating an entire car engine and modeling the sound)
Hans Zimmer & BMW M Craft the Sound of the First-Ever Electric BMW i4 | BMW USA: (A video showcasing the sound design process for the BMW i4 electric vehicle by renowned composer Hans Zimmer)
Audi Electric Car Sound: (Design Blog post from Design Boom)
https://www.designboom.com/technology/audi-e-sound-for-electric-cars/
Field Recording and Music Making:
Beep Blip: (Field Recordings and Workshops)
https://beepblip.org/electromagnetic-field-detector/
https://beepblip.org/in-the-field-with-emf-detector/
ANDREW HUANG's YouTube about using the LOM device: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO5ehpdZ5Po
Soma Ether: (ETHER is a wide-band receiver and EM listening device)
