Sonokinetic Carillon

About Carillon

Recording these Carillon bells was a challenge, but one which we relished. These are real clock tower bells weighing up to half a ton on the biggest set, so it's a very powerful sound which we captured in great detail. Once we had managed to get these large bells into the studio (with the help of some heavy lifting equipment) we set about recording them with two different mallet types.

We also captured a rubbed articulation, with a sustained rub around the outside of the bell, either the sound bow or the waist, depending on the size of the bell. Although the strong and stoic timbres here are perfect for dramatic hits, we also recorded plenty of softer strikes which can sound extremely melodic when you play at lower velocities.

With the onboard options for sound shaping and reversed articulations, our Carillon ended up being far more versatile than we had ever imagined.