If it is the AC pump, would that mean it's going bad? Bad bearings? Internals? I guess just having the HVAC switched off wouldn't work for the test?
I haven't heard this noise before
yes if it sounds like a bunch of metal getting eaten by a angry garbage disposal then yes it is going bad (or is bad rather) and should be replaced asap before it sends shrapnel through the whole system.
I have had them work and make no sound at idle, then when revved up sound like that.
if you confirm that is the source of the noise then just take the belt off until you can get it replaced.
and I don't recall if just having it turned off would make any difference, when it happened to me I was like what the hell is that noise? found the source and left the belt off, mad because of it. It's happened a couple times the 1st time the sound was pretty mild by comparison I guess being here in california the thing gets ran 10 months out of the year