The THX Deep Note is one of the world’s most recognizable sonic identities. Hear how George Lucas at a 1970s Star Wars screening helped create The Deep Note, considered the most beautiful computer-generated music of all time.
What is The THX Deep Note?
The Deep Note is THX’s sound trademark. It is the deeply resonant chord that plays at the start of any THX Certified performance. Many people recognize this powerful, short piece of music that plays before an IMAX movie, before Dolby Digital Surround Sound experiences, in your in-car infotainment system, and more places.
“Just about anyone who has been in a cinema, car, or live event knows the THX Deep Note. It is the deeply resonant chord that plays at the start of any THX Certified performance. The THX Deep Note was composed by Lucasfilm sound engineer Dr. James ‘Andy’ Moorer and was screened at the start of the 1983 premiere of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. In 2015, Dr. Moorer refreshed the THX Deep Note and made it even more spell-binding for modern cinema formats. It remains one of the most recognizable sonic identities in the world.”
THX
Go to THX’s website and click then hold down to hear the high fidelity, best quality version of this earth-moving crescendo. The music is genius because the glissando makes the volume seem higher than it really is.
The speaking clip is from Social Media Week Austin 2019. Hear my podcast interview with Claire Winslow, the President of Best Practice Media and the woman who runs SMW. #SMWATX
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