Deep Note

"THX sound" redirects here. For the sound certification, see THX.
"The audience is listening" redirects here. For the album and song by Cut Chemist, see The Audience's Listening.
The THX Deep Note
Waveform of the Deep Note

The Deep Note is the sound trademark of THX, being a distinctive synthesized crescendo that glissandos from a relatively narrow frequency spread (about 200–400 Hz) to a broader frequency spread (of about three octaves). It was created by James A. Moorer,[1] a former employee of Lucasfilm's Computer Division (later known as Pixar Animation Studios) in late 1982.[2] The sound is used on trailers for THX-certified movie theaters, home video releases, video games, and in-car entertainment systems.

The Deep Note was partially previewed on the opening track of the 1983 album The Digital Domain: A Demonstration, where it was included among sound effects that were combined with the Deep Note itself. The Deep Note debuted later that same year at the premiere of Return of the Jedi in LA.[2]

  1. ^ "James A. Moorer Personal Website". Retrieved December 3, 2006.
  2. ^ a b "THX Deep Note". THX. Retrieved July 13, 2023. 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.