First time using contact mics
In the 2026 Technology and Applied composition program of San Francisco conservatry of music, I had the chace to experience the making of sound effects for the first time. We made sounds for a mini 2d game built-in to Unity engine to practice how sound effects and be put into a video game.
Before the program I learnt about sound effects from the internet. Generally, I thought making the effects needed a variety of different materials and foods so they can be used to make sound in front of a microphone, then the recorded raw sound can be manipulated using digital tools later. I did not really know there are other methods of doing so.
During the sound effect session I learnt that many professionals also use a type of sound recording device named the contact mic. Different from traditional microphones that records the sound waves vibrating in the air, contact microphones is able to record the vibrations inside of objects. We got the AKG model where you use a putty-like glue to attach the mic to objects.
We got a “toy box” of objects that we can use for our sound effect which included a bunch of completely random broken objects: snapped in half plastic handle, metal cover, floor carpet, straws, pine cones and a coconut. We played and tested how different things around us can make sounds and sure they did surprise us. For example, some objects creates loud tapping and some make loud scream-like noises when scratched.
We had to find a good sound effect for the game for a squishy sound effect, or at least some sort of liquid as there is a jelly related element to it. We looked around water bottles and I decided that attaching the microphone to the hand sanitizer and shaking it would be very interesting. My idea was later put in the game after being edited. Thank you James.
Overall it was a brand new experience for me. Though I don’t plan on buying on a contact mic, I would definitely records some sounds in my daily life I consider interesting and test out how much they can contribute to projects like mini games and short films.
