How to record a heartbeat?

[claz]

I'd like to record a heartbeat to then use in various ways (e.g. as a sample).

When I imagine "heartbeat", I have in my mind both the "thump thump" aspect as well as the more constant "whooshy" sounds that surround those.

Any suggestions on how to capture this (e.g. placement, equipment)? I don't have experience with contact mics (yet), but I am guessing that would be an element.

I'm open to suggestions for libraries that include heartbeats, but I'd prefer to capture my own, if possible!

[Hugh Robjohns]

A miniature lavalier mic (omni) taped tight to the chest.

Experiment with position (the side might be better than the sternum) and be careful dressing the mic cable to avoid rustles and bumps.

You'll need a very quiet room, a preamp with a lot of gain, and some hefty EQ to bring out the elements you want.

I doubt you'll get whooshing sounds -- that kind of thing needs ultrasonic scanners!

[forumuser840717]

A hydrophone and a core drill?

[Hugh Robjohns]

As my daughters would say: eeeww!

[claz]

Thanks, and eww, respectively!

Imagining a stethoscope, I would have thought a contact mic. Any reason why not?

[Hugh Robjohns]

Sure, provided it has a good LF extension and high enough sensitivity.

[rockydennis]

I would just use an electronic stethoscope - all the ones I know of can record audio. They can be pricey, so see if you can find someone who works in medicine who has one you can borrow.

(I'm more interested in this "whooshy" sound you mention - is this something you hear in your head, accompanying your heartbeat? If so, this might be a bruit, something you should have checked out.)

[claz]

> Electronic stethoscope
Great idea! I'll ask a doc friend.

> Whooshing
Just imagining what you hear in an ultrasound.

[jaminem]

I had a requirement for this exact same sound last month. A quick google search for ‘free heartbeat sample’ yielded many choices. Not as fun as making your own I agree but took like 5 mins and got the job done…

[cooneyblue]

Even just thinking about it, makes me feel quesy

[rockydennis]

If you want a "whooshy" sound as well, try using a fetal doppler - they're not too expensive, and some have options to record - and you may know parents who own one.

[claz]

Brilliant! Thanks for the suggestion.

[Drew Stephenson]

I'd like to record a heartbeat to then use in various ways (e.g. as a sample)...

...Any suggestions on how to capture this (e.g. placement, equipment)? I don't have experience with contact mics (yet), but I am guessing that would be an element.

Slight necro thread here, but I tried using a contact mic this afternoon.
No dice.

[Wonks]

Slight necro thread here, but I tried using a contact mic this afternoon.
No dice.

Have you considered the fact that you might be a zombie? Just sayin’ loike.

[Drew Stephenson]

::: checks pulse :::

::: fishes out copy of World War Z for instructions on next phase :::

[claz]

Thanks for posting an update!

Would you mind sharing what kind of contact mic did you use, and how was it adhered?

Also, I wish you well on this new and exciting chapter of your life as a zomb.

[Drew Stephenson]

Zeppelin Labs Cortado MkIII. Positioned where I could feel the strongest pulse and held in place with masking tape. The only thing is picked up were my micro-movements whilst trying to sit as still as possible.

[Kwackman]

::: checks pulse :::

::: fishes out copy of World War Z for instructions on next phase :::

This explains the Dalek voice....

[Drew Stephenson]

Well you try using your voice box when your lungs aren't functional.
Or necessary.

[claz]

I'm surprised about the Cortado. I'd have thought it would be ideal for the task, recording much like a stethoscope. I wonder why not?

[Wonks]

It could just be a sensitivity issue, with the sound too quiet to produce a detectable output from the piezo. If you’ve ever used a Stethoscope, you’ll know that handling noise is much louder than the heartbeat and you have to press reasonably firmly as well. So there’s a knack to pressing it in place without making any noise. Masking tape may hold it in position but without applying any real downwards force

And with ultrasound sensors and the like, you always get a gel applied first to the skin for better sound transfer. I’d try using some of that (available on Amazon).