The sound design in the film “Jaws” revolutionized how movies utilized sound to evoke emotion. What is interesting is just how simply this was done. It consists of just two alternating notes, repeated over and over again, yet it became one of the most recognizable sounds in film history and in general. This theme promotes the sharks presence. Even when you do not see the shark, you feel it through the sound. This is a great example of how sound design does not to be complex, and that it can live in our minds. What also makes the sounds stick out is the often quiet ambience of the movie.
The iconic two note theme was performed by a live orchestra, being recorded on analog tape using multiple microphones placed close to the brass and strings to capture the deep and low frequencies. The bass instruments were the focal point, specifically the tuba and double bass. They relied on microphone placement and the natural room reverb to build tension. The low-end rumble was not digitally altered, it was presented from the raw power of instruments and how they were captured.