Is this a Unitrol 800?

[notameowcelot]

I'm an audio engineer that's been doing some research on an audio sample (91-Siren Constant Wails And Yelps) featured in the Sound Ideas Series 6000 Extension 1 library, released in the late 90s. This audio sample has been used extensively in various movies, TV shows, video games etc.

As there is no information provided about the actual box used, I have no information past my own investigations - which lead me to believe that this may be a Unitrol 800 series. My question is, if so, why the sound seems to be different across all examples/demos of the 800 that I can find online, and how I might recreate the specific sound heard in the audio sample using an original should I manage to find one?

I've attached an MP3 of the audio sample (wail+yelp, no hi/lo or phaser was present in the original audio sample) in my post.

 

[RyanZ71]

That would be correct. My department used a few of these in conjunction with some old Smith and Wesson lightbars in the early to mid 80s.

 

[notameowcelot]

That would be correct. My department used a few of these in conjunction with some old Smith and Wesson lightbars in the early to mid 80s.

I do find it odd how the tone seems to be different across multiple demo/example videos that I find - some are lower pitched or too fast, but there was one that was near the same as the audio sample I described. Either way, thanks for confirming my suspicion!

 

[RyanZ71]

sound recording methods and speeds, age of electronics in used equipment, and what not. makes sense. I've heard some Whelen things that sound a bit funny when recorded.

 

[notameowcelot]

sound recording methods and speeds, age of electronics in used equipment, and what not. makes sense. I've heard some Whelen things that sound a bit funny when recorded.

Aye, that's fair enough - thanks again! I might have to see about trying to get my hands on one of them now..

 

[Night Patrolman]

I recognize this sound! It was used in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

 

[notameowcelot]

I recognize this sound! It was used in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Aye, that it was. I'm looking to recreate the original sound, either using the original box or by synthesizing it for a project that I've been working on.

 

[Wailer]

sound recording methods and speeds, age of electronics in used equipment, and what not. makes sense. I've heard some Whelen things that sound a bit funny when recorded.

It may also depend on whether there were any changes to the design of the circuit board during the course of production.

I have Federal Interceptor sirens with completely different circuit boards and they all sound different.

 

[gandalftheman241]

A bit on topic. Anyone know what this one is? It doesn't sound like a Federal at all. It is also a stock sound effect used in a lot of media.