Ambient hum emitted by Co-op freezers in Sheffield turned into 10-hour loop
The viral droning sound, which sparked curiosity online, is said to be tuned to a C# major
A viral ambient droning sound emitted by a set of freezers at a Co-op supermarket in Sheffield has been turned into a 10-hour loop on YouTube.
Last month, a Reddit user shared a recording of the hum on SoundCloud, taken from the Co-op store on Ecclesall Road, sparking curiosity online. They asked: “Anyone noticed how nice the freezers sound in the Eccy Road Co-op?”
“It’s like all the fans have been carefully tuned to the calmest droning chord ever, it’s like being in an electrical gong bath. I thought it might have been a freak event when I first heard it, but it’s been that way for a couple of months.”
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After piquing interests online, another Reddit user shared a video from the store which led to debates over the tuning of the chord, which one argued sounds like a C# major.
The viral sound even led to a collective of musicians to record a performance inside the store backed by the ambient drone, which was shared in the Sheffield subreddit yesterday (March 2).
Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for the Co-op explained: "Whilst we're unable to confirm whether the freezers are rehearsing for their next orchestral recital, it's good to hear our shoppers are enjoying the freezer section at Ecclesall Road Co-op."
The sound has also attracted people to the store, including one local who told the BBC: “I heard about it on social media, it made me curious to go down and visit. It almost feels quite choral, you feel like you're in a cathedral listening to a massive choir of voices.”
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A field recording of the droning sound has now been taken and turned into a 10-hour looping YouTube video, titled ‘The Eccy Road Co-op Freezer Symphony’.
“Cleaned. Looped. Moisturized. Treated,” reads a description of the video. “For deep focus, sleep, or quiet contemplation. Enjoy.”
Listen to ‘The Eccy Road Co-op Freezer Symphony’ below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X
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