3D Thunderstorm Sound Library

BOOM Library has announced the release of Thunderstorm Chaser, which they describe as one of their most ambitious and electrifying sound effects libraries to date. They say that Thunderstorm Chaser delivers an unparalleled collection of authentic thunderstorm recordings, capturing the full force and nuance of nature's most dramatic phenomena. Here's the details direct from the company...

Recorded over a period spanning six years and thousands of miles, this extraordinary library is the result of field recordist Matt Mikkelsen's relentless pursuit of sonic perfection.

Designed for sound design professionals working across film, TV, games, immersive media, and beyond, Thunderstorm Chaser sets a new benchmark in natural sound libraries, offering unmatched realism, flexibility, and emotional depth.
 
Six Years in the Making: The Art and Obsession Behind the Library

Capturing the raw power of thunderstorms is among the most challenging feats in sound design. Thunderstorm Chaser stands apart through its authenticity – the result of six years of dedicated storm chasing, cutting-edge recording technology, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Matt Mikkelsen, a renowned field recordist, spent months each year tracking storm systems across the United States, consulting meteorologists, and braving extreme conditions to capture thunder in its purest form. His journey, marked by perseverance and even a near-death experience from a lightning strike, underscores the rarity and value of this library.

"Recording thunderstorms is one of the hardest and most rewarding challenges in sound design," Mikkelsen reflects. "These sounds are not recreated or staged – they are real, powerful moments captured at significant personal risk and immense patience."
 
Audio Excellence: ORTF-3D and Immersive Sound Capture
Furthermore, Thunderstorm Chaser is recorded using the highly acclaimed SCHOEPS ORTF-3D setup, an 8-channel array designed to provide exceptional spatial fidelity. This advanced technique offers sound designers:

• Unmatched Spatial Realism: Height layers and three-dimensional depth for immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and VR.
• Pristine Quality: Every thunderclap, rumble, and crack captured with astonishing clarity and natural reverberation.
• Complete Storm Progressions: From distant rumbles to explosive overhead strikes, rain, hail, and wind – all in raw, unprocessed form.

For Professionals Across Multiple Industries
While aimed primarily at sound designers for film, television, and games, Thunderstorm Chaser also serves professionals in theatre, museum installations, education, and natural history documentaries. Its versatility and authenticity make it a vital tool for any professional seeking to evoke awe, tension, or drama through sound.

Specification

• 3D Surround: 104 3D Surround files (208 incl. Stereo version) - 96kHz/24bit - 36.1 GB (45.2 GB incl. Stereo version)
• Stereo: 104 WAV files - 96kHz/24bit - 9.1 GB

Pricing and Availability:
Thunderstorm Chaser is available in Stereo for $129 and in 3D Surround for $349 (incl. Stereo version). There is a special 20% off introductory offer of $103.20 for Stereo and $279.20 for 3D Surround until April 8th 2025.
Thunderstorm Chaser is free for those with a current SIGNATURE SERIES BUNDLE subscription.

More information:

• Thunderstorm Chaser

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