Thunderstorm Chaser - 3D SURROUND

Thunderstorms are nature’s most electrifying spectacle, but capturing their raw power is no easy task. THUNDERSTORM CHASER is the result of six years of storm chasing, thousands of miles travelled, and some near-death experiences in pursuit of the most authentic thunder sound effects ever recorded. From deep, distant rumbles rolling over the plains to ground-shaking cracks of lightning, this library delivers unparalleled realism and spatial depth.

Six Years of Storm Chasing Thunder
– A Story of Passion and Risk

Recording thunderstorms isn’t just challenging – it’s dangerous. Matt Mikkelsen spent six years tracking storms, consulting meteorologists, and setting up state-of-the-art recording rigs in extreme conditions. In one session, he was nearly struck by lightning, a terrifying reminder of the immense power he was capturing.

RECORDED FOR THE HIGHEST DEMANDS

THUNDERSTORM CHASER offers true 3D Surround sound, making it a must-have for sound designers working in film, TV, games, theatre, VR, and immersive media. If you don’t need surround, a stereo version is also available (included in the surround version by default).

The Ultimate Thunder SFX Library – Real, Raw, and Uncompromised

Many sound libraries offer artificially enhanced or layered thunder sounds. THUNDERSTORM CHASER is 100% natural, recorded in the wildest storms across the United States. These recordings capture thunderstorms in its purest form, without post-production embellishments—just the raw, highly dynamic power of nature.

PROFESSIONAL RECORDINGS FOR PROFESSIONAL WORKFLOWS

THUNDERSTORM CHASER offers an extensive range of immersive soundscapes with with over 36GB of high-resolution recordings in the Surround and over 9GB in the Stereo version. Every file is meticulously labeled with precise, well-structured metadata, ensuring effortless searchability and seamless integration into professional workflows.

The Most Flexible Thunder Sound Library Ever

From stereo to surround, Dolby Atmos, and Ambisonics, THUNDERSTORM CHASER is the most versatile thunder sfx library available. Thanks to the Schoeps ORTF-3D microphone setup, these recordings immerse audiences in the storm, making them perfect for cinematic productions, VR experiences, and high-end game sound design.

Beyond Thunder – The Full Storm Experience

While thunder is the star, this collection also captures the full storm environment:

• Distant rumbles and eerie silences before the storm
• Explosive lightning cracks
• The pounding rain, hail, and howling winds that complete the storm experience
• Unfiltered natural dynamics, allowing for perfect layering in sound design

What's inside

Included sounds - keywords

BOOMING, CLAPPING, CLASHING, CLOSE, CRACKING, DISTANT, DRIPS, DROPS, FOLIAGE, FOREST, HAIL, HEAVY, LIGHT, METALLIC, MODERATE, PEELING, RAIN, REVERBERANT, ROLLING, STORM, SWEEPING, TAPS, THUNDER, WEATHER, WIND

Designed for Immersive and Spatial Soundscapes

Captured using the Schoeps ORTF-3D microphone array, THUNDERSTORM CHASER delivers unmatched spatial depth and envelopment. Whether you’re working in 5.1 surround, Dolby Atmos, or VR, this library lets you place thunder exactly where you need it in the mix.

Incredible Detail and Depth

With eight supercardioid microphones, every storm is captured in full three-dimensional realism. From subtle distant thunder rumbles to earth-shaking impacts, you get a precise and natural representation of thunder.

INCLUDING STEREO VERSION

Alongside the ORTF-3D files, the 3D SURROUND edition conveniently includes all files in stereo, saving you time on unnecessary conversions. Instead, you can immediately utilize these fantastic new sounds for any of your projects that don’t necessarily require surround sound.

Tech Specs

Files	104 208 (incl. Stereo version)
Size	36.1 GB 45.2 GB (incl. Stereo version)
Format	WAV - 24bit - 96kHz / Windows + Mac
Track Layout	Lo: L • R • Ls • Rs Hi: Lh • Rh • LSh • RSh

YOU ONLY NEED THIS LIBRARY IN STEREO? HERE YOU GO!

SAME QUALITY, SAME CONTENT

Are you interested in the THUNDERSTORM CHASER recordings, but don’t need the surround version? We provide identical recordings of the same caliber in our stereo version, but at a more affordable price.

Tech Specs

Files	104
Size	9.1 GB
Format	WAV - 24bit - 96kHz / Windows + Mac

What we recorded

This is more than a sound effects library—it’s the result of an obsession with capturing the perfect storm. Six years of tracking storms across Colorado and beyond, using the best field recording techniques available, has produced an unmatched collection of thunder and storm sounds.

We sat down with Matt who told us the story of capturing this incredible library of thunder sound effects. To read more check out our interview here.

What’s so special about this library?

• The most authentic thunder recordings ever made – no artificial layering, just real storms.
• Perfect for professional sound designers – used in Hollywood films, AAA games, and top-tier documentaries.
• Extreme flexibility – works in stereo, surround, and immersive formats like Dolby Atmos.
• Includes full storm environments – not just thunder, but rain, hail, and wind.
• Recorded with premium Schoeps microphones – capturing every sonic detail with absolute precision.