Across the planet, only 35 locations experience the rare phenomenon of “singing” or “booming” sand. This otherworldly low-frequency drone occurs when precise environmental factors align—the right temperature, humidity levels, sand grain geometry, and dune slope angle must all converge to transform cascading sand into a natural instrument.
These recordings capture this phenomenon at the Eureka Dunes, situated in the remote northwestern corner of Death Valley National Park. Rising approximately 3,000 feet, these crescent-shaped barchan dunes rank among North America’s tallest.
Microphones
Sennheiser MKH 8040
Lewitt LCT 540S
Barcus Berry Contact Mic
Aquarian Hydrophone
Dolphin Ear Hydrophone
Details
20 Organic Sand Drone Events
Multiple Mic Positions
To document these sonic events, we deployed microphones both above and beneath the sand’s surface. Contact mics and hydrophones were strategically buried at measured intervals to track the sand’s movement as it flowed downslope. Above ground, we used a Lewitt LCT540S microphone, chosen for its remarkably quiet operation.
Each microphone position is provided as an individual track, giving you the flexibility to layer them for rich, dimensional textures.