Shag Rock blowhole, Perranporth, close-up — laid-back performance

This blowhole is well-known for its loud, dramatic performances, but this time, with a small swell, it's gentle and laid-back — a beautiful and relaxing sound, albeit always with that little frisson of menace that makes life feel worth living…

I made this recording on 24 November 2014, towards the end of a hike from Portreath to Perranporth. This was another case where it seemed from the coast path that there was no worthwhile blowhole activity or other sea dramatics, and I would have passed this by, but my use of Helpfulness Testing gave me clear indications that it would be best to go down to the headland tip anyway, and 'play it by ear' there — which indeed I did.

Advisory

For a realistic effect, the playing volume needs to be set at 3dB higher than a sensible normal listening level.

High-grade headphones are particularly recommended in order to hear all the detail. Also, because the stereo imaging has been enhanced, that may cause a certain phasiness or phase cancellation points when you listen through certain speakers, whereas that effect doesn't occur when listening through headphones.


The Shag Rock headland as I was approaching it to make this recording — i.e., nearing sunset, near the end of another hike from Portreath. The arrow points to approximately the spot. Yes, it did need particular care, and yes, I was feeling nervous about collecting the recorder at the end of the session, in gathering dusk! — At least, it was an adventure!

This is where the recorder was placed; no place to take one step too many! — Earlier photo (20 January 2014)

Techie stuff:

The recorder was a Sony PCM-M10, with just one furry windshield — a Røde DeadKitten (original, more effective, version), and it was placed on a Hama Mini tripod (which really is mini!).

Post-recording processing was to apply EQ in Audacity to correct for the muffling effect of the windshield and correct for the over-heavy bass caused by using such a very low tripod, and more recent processing with the A1 Stereo Control VST plugin (200% widening).

Please remember to give this recording a rating — Thank you!