You're listening to 20,000 Hertz.

The stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds.

I'm Dallas Taylor.

This is the story of the THX audio logo known as the Deep Note.

At first, it seems to go everywhere and nowhere, and then comes together at the end for a larger-than-life

resolution.

The Deep Note is an announcement that's been played during the trailers and movie theaters

for decades.

It started way back in 1983.

It let audiences know that they were in a THX certified theater and that

their audio experience would be phenomenal. THX certification was pioneered by George Lucas. It made

sure that Return of the Jedi would be experienced with the best sound theaters could provide.

In the last episode, we explored how Andy Moore used cutting-edge computer

technology to make it. We also found out that everyone at Lucasfilm loved it, but before

it could be used in theaters, they lost the only recording of it. We'll get to that in a moment.

But first, let's hear what sound people think when they hear the THX deep note.

Our producer Kevin Eds took a stroll around our studios here at DeFacto Sound to hear what our staff thinks.

I think at some point in my life it did feel uncomfortable.

And actually, like, the thing it reminds me the most of is at the very, very beginning of 2001 of Space Odyssey,

when it's just black. And there's just this very dissonant, creeping score.

And there's just no visual with it at all.

And it kind of reminds me of that, that it's interesting feeling

...