Los Angeles is well-known for having some of the largest and most traveled freeways in the United States. This library captures the traffic ambience on the massive freeways that run through the Greater L.A. area including: US-101 (Hollywood Freeway), I-405 (San Diego Freeway), I-5 (Golden State Freeway), I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway), I-110 (Harbor Freeway), SR-134 (Ventura Freeway), and SR-2 (Glendale Freeway). 

Multiple perspectives were recorded, from close vehicle pass bys to distant traffic ambience captured from city parks, surrounding hillsides, tunnels and underpasses. Traffic types range from fast pass bys, to slow and congested traffic.

Sounds were captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Stereo Shotgun mic in both stereo mode (115 degree pickup area) and stereo wide mode (140 degree pickup area). The shotgun microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recording at 192khz.

Webpage: http://www.newsoundlab.com/la-freeways


NSL011 L.A. Freeways Preview

This release features 110 recordings of a high-end, hand-built Italian espresso machine and commercial-grade coffee grinder. All functions of the machines were recorded including brewing coffee, steaming milk, steam/hot water wands, water boiler, pump, grinder and other coffee prep accessories.

The library is great for traditional coffee prep/cafe ambience, and also easy to turn into experimental steam punk mechanical type sounds.

All content was captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Stereo Shotgun mic in both mono and 120 degree stereo mode. The microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

All files in this release are in 24bit 192khz Broadcast Wave format. Files are packaged in zip format and include a PDF with metadata.

Website: www.newsoundlab.com/espresso-machine

NSL017 Espresso Machine Preview

This release features 150 underwater hydrophone recordings capturing a wide range of sounds, from bubbles, splashes, waves, impacts, to flows, all from the underwater perspective. 

These sounds fill any type of submerged-in-liquid sound effect needs. They pack a punch in the mid to low frequency range, so they would layer well with other water sound effects to add more depth. 

All content was captured with an Aquarian H2a hydrophone into a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

NSL018 Underwater

NSL018 Underwater Preview

This release features 91 recordings of a pressurized steam cleaner.  The sounds range from steam bursts and blasts, to hisses and sizzles.
All content was captured with an Sanken CSS-5 shotgun microphone into a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

NSL019 Steam Preview

This library features recordings of seven computer disk drives: two 3.5" floppy drives, one 5.25" floppy drive, three Zip drives, and one SuperDisk drive.

All drives were taken apart to access and manipulate the stepper/eject motors to create unique sounds. Ranging from electronic percussive bleeps and glitchy noises, to electromechanical motor movements, this library is great for creating UI, sci-fi, robotic sounds and drones.

An Arduino UNO microcontroller board was connected to one of the 3.5" floppy drives, allowing precise control of the drive's stepper motor via custom software code. A midi keyboard was interfaced to the system, giving the ability to control the back-and-forth movement of the read/write heads via notes on the keyboard. This essentially turned the drive into an instrument, producing a new set of sounds not existing in the drive's normal functions.

Sounds were captured using a pair of induction coil pickups, Barcus Berry contact mics, and a Sanken CSS-5 shotgun microphone, into a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

Webpage: www.newsoundlab.com/floppy-drives

NSL012 Floppy Drives Preview

This library features recordings of the Pacific Ocean at various locations along the beach within Refugio State Park. The incoming waves collide with large rock formations, creating great wave impacts and rushing water through small channels and hollow rocks. A variety of mic placements at various distances from the ocean were used, from directly over the water to larger distances, recording ambience behind massive rock walls and inside natural beach caves. In addition, a hydrophone captured underwater currents from waves splashing into small tide pools on the rocks.

Sounds were recorded with a Sanken CSS-5 Stereo Shotgun microphone in 120 degree stereo mode and an Aquarian Audio H2A-XLR Hydrophone. The shotgun microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recording at 24bit 192khz.

Webpage: http://www.newsoundlab.com/pacific-ocean

NSL005 Pacific Ocean Preview

The classic 1980's era Roland Chorus Echo RE 501 captured in 24bit 192khz HD format.

This library features 217 sounds processed by a mint condition Chorus Echo RE-501, including metal impacts, church bells, chainsaws, voices, and water. In addition, self-oscillation sounds from the RE-501 are included. All of these sounds can be used in a wide variety of ways and work well for both sound design and music production. The combination of the 192khz high resolution sample rate and the tape saturation/warmth from the Chorus Echo make these samples sound great when pitch shifted and/or time stretched, even at extreme settings.

From a Pro Tools session, the original sounds were routed into the XLR input of the Chorus Echo where processing occurred. The Chorus Echo output was recorded DI into a Neve 1073 preamp, and an Empirical Labs Distressor with "Dist2" setting added a little extra 2nd harmonic distortion to the signal. Subsequently, the signal was sent into a Apogee Rosetta 800 A/D converter and back into Pro Tools HD.

http://www.newsoundlab.com/chorus-echo-501

NSL006 Chorus Echo 501 Preview

This library features 145 sound recordings of assorted small electric motors, sourced from appliances like vacuum cleaners, power drills, air dusters, and other DC motors. We also harnessed the Koma Elektronik Field Kit system which gives the ability to fine control the speed of the motors, allowing for a one-of-a-kind sonic palette. These sounds range from glitchy static noise and hums to electromechanical motor sounds.

All content was captured with induction coil pickups and contact mics, into the Elektronik Field Kit and finally into a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

All files in this release are in 24bit 192khz Broadcast Wave format. Files are packaged in zip format and include a PDF with metadata.

NSL020 Electric Mini Motors

NSL020 Electric Mini Motors Preview

This library features recordings from a Printrbot 3D printer with four NEMA 14 stepper motors. The high torque motors connected to a pulley system control the X-Y-Z movements of the aluminum extruder and metal print bed. When printing three-dimensional objects, these fast and precise movements result in a unique barrage of percussive and rhythmic mechanical noise. These sounds were captured using three different recording setups: Barcus Berry contact mics, RF coils, and combined contact mic / RF coil into a Sound Devices 702 recorder. The resulting sounds are a mix of grainy, gritty atonal patterns, robotic percussive bleeps, glitchy digital beeps/clicks, low fidelity drones, and chaotic noise. Both raw recordings, and processed elements are included and ready for further sound manipulation.

All sounds in this release are offered in 24bit 192khz Broadcast Wave format. Files are in a zip file, which includes a PDF with metadata.

Webpage: http://www.newsoundlab.com/3D-printer


NSL013 3D Printer Preview

This collection features an assortment of mechanical button and switch sounds, sourced from various equipment: power supplies, light switches, tv remotes, analog recording gear, guitars, foot pedals and others. A variety of clicks, ticks and toggle sounds are included from metallic, plastic, and rubber materials. Whether you’re creating sound design for interactive elements, or the boot-up sequence for an aircraft, these sounds will enhance your project.

NSL021 Buttons and Switches Preview

VHS Glitch captures the nostalgic yet futuristic sounds of a vintage VCR and VHS tape, recorded with stereo condenser and electromagnetic mics to capture the playback mechanics. Each function—play, rewind, fast forward, and pause—has been captured, then transformed through granular effects plugins to create a unique blend of glitchy static, hums, and electro-mechanical textures. The result is a library rich in lo-fi, distorted, and otherworldly sounds, perfect for projects needing a retro-tech vibe or sci-fi edge.

NSL022 VHS Glitch Preview

Electromagnetic Drones is a collection of 171 recordings that capture the invisible electromagnetic landscape produced by electronic devices. Using the Soma Laboratory Ether, a specialized wide-band receiver, we captured hums, pulses, and static produced by phones, microwaves, fridges, TVs, computers, Wi-Fi routers, and more. Unlike traditional radios that filter out interference, Ether acts as an “anti-radio,” capturing a broad spectrum of electromagnetic activity from hertz to gigahertz, revealing the sonic textures generated by electronic equipment. 

This library features both raw recordings directly from the Soma Ether device, as well as designed sounds, giving you a versatile range of textures to work with. These recordings were transformed into deep, evolving drones, ranging from gritty industrial hums and eerie, synth-like tones to rhythmic machine pulses and dissonant, unsettling tones. 

Captured at a 192kHz sample rate, these sounds maintain exceptional clarity, allowing for extreme pitch manipulation and creative sound processing. With its dark, atmospheric qualities, Electromagnetic Drones is well-suited for horror, suspense, drama, sci-fi, and experimental sound design in film, television, and video games. Whether you need haunting ambiences, dystopian textures, or immersive low-frequency drones, this collection provides a rich sonic palette drawn from sounds of the electromagnetic world.

NSL023 Electromagnetic Drones (Raw Sounds) Preview

NSL023 Electromagnetic Drones (Designed Sounds) Preview

Steel Strings is a collection of 150 meticulously recorded sound effects, capturing the raw, resonant, and percussive sounds of a Fender Jaguar guitar—played in ways that was never intended. Inspired by the concept of a prepared piano, the strings were manipulated and played using unconventional objects, including soft mallets, drumsticks, metal rods, wooden sticks, metal plates, screwdrivers, and more. The result is a diverse palette of sounds that bear little resemblance to a traditional guitar, instead offering an array of metallic scrapes, deep impacts, resonant overtones, and rhythmic rattles.

To achieve maximum sonic depth, the strings were extremely detuned, creating deep overtones and unique textures. The guitar pickups were bypassed entirely, with the instrument recorded acoustically using high-quality contact microphones: the Lom Audio Geofón and Zeppelin Design Labs Cortado MkIII. This approach captures every nuance of the strings’ raw mechanical vibrations, and the deep resonance of the guitar’s alder wood body.

NSL024 Steel Strings Preview

Keyboards is a detailed sound library featuring recordings of four unique computer keyboards, each with its own distinct sound and feel. Every detail, from the subtle differences in switch types to the nuanced dynamics of real-world typing, has been carefully captured to provide an authentic and comprehensive collection of keyboard sounds.

The library features recordings from a Drop Alt mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches, a Logitech G915 TKL with linear switches, a Logitech Craft with butterfly switches, and a Cherry MX Switch Tester, which includes 12 additional switch types. With 15 different switch types in total, the collection ranges from sharp, clicky keystrokes to smooth, muted presses, offering an extensive variety of sounds.

A wide range of typing styles were captured, including single keypresses with varying velocities, rapid and rhythmic keypresses, and multi-key combinations. Full-speed typing sequences were also recorded using Monkeytype.com to ensure natural and realistic key movement.

Recorded with a Sennheiser MKH 8050 microphone and a Zoom F6 recorder, all sounds were captured in pristine 32-bit 192kHz resolution, taking advantage of the MKH 8050’s extended frequency response (up to 50kHz). This makes the sounds perfect for pitching down and creative sound design applications. The final library includes 237 WAV files at 24-bit/192kHz, totaling 1.3GB of high-quality audio, with UCS-compliant metadata for easy searchability.

Whether you need realistic keyboard sounds for film, games, UI design, ASMR or experimental audio projects, Keyboards delivers an ultra-detailed and versatile collection, ready to enhance any production.

NSL025 Keyboards Preview

NSL026 Adaptive Triggers Preview

NSL027 Resonant Metal Preview

Mechanism is a collection of sound effects focused on the movement of mechanical devices. Featuring 206+ meticulously recorded sounds, this library captures the tactile character of metal objects—ratchets, levers, gears, spring-loaded latches, and unique mechanical gadgets.

The collection covers a wide range of mechanical actions: sharp clicks, metallic clacks, rotating gears, sliding mechanisms, and metallic movements. It’s built to support the sound design needs for robotics, sci-fi machinery, user interface interactions, steampunk devices, and more.

Every sound was recorded using a Sennheiser MKH 8050 microphone and a Zoom F6 recorder and files are delivered in high-resolution 24-bit / 192kHz WAV format.

NSL028 Mechanism Preview

Thunder Drums is a sound effects library designed to deliver powerful low-frequency impacts, rumbles, and strikes for cinematic sound design. It features non-traditional percussion instruments, including a thunder tube (spring drum), loose drumheads, and large plexiglass sheets, struck with mallets and drumsticks to produce a wide range of impacts, thunder-like rumbles, deep strikes, and heavy drum hits.

In addition to raw recordings, the library includes designed elements enhanced with granular processing, distortion, and impulse response reverbs. Perfect for sound design in film, games, and trailers where powerful hits and low-end energy is needed.

All sounds were captured using a Sennheiser MKH 8050 microphone and Zoom F6 recorder at 32-bit / 192kHz, and are delivered as 24-bit / 192kHz WAV files. The library includes 185 files (512 sounds), is 3.7 GB in size, and is fully UCS-compliant with embedded metadata.

NSL029 Thunder Drums Preview

NSL030 Computer FX Preview

This library features a comprehensive collection of exterior and interior sounds from a 2007 Toyota Prius. 

A majority of the recording was conducted at El Mirage Lake, a 6 mile long dry lake bed in the Mojave Desert, 90 miles north of Los Angeles. This barren landscape, unique for its miles of completely flat terrain, is a popular filming location for automobile commercials, and feature films. 

The recording sessions took place late in the evening and early in the morning, when the surroundings were completely silent. An ample collection of exterior pass bys, starts, and stop recordings on pavement, gravel, and dry lake bed are included. Speeds range from 5MPH to 80MPH from the Prius' gas engine pushed to it's max, to only running on the electric motor/battery. Other sounds such as doors, washer/wipers, and engine idling were also captured.

Sounds were captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Stereo Shotgun mic. The shotgun microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recording at 96khz.

Webpage: http://www.newsoundlab.com/hybrid-electric-car

NSL007 Hybrid-Electric Car Preview

This library features a collection of bicycle tire, freewheel, gear and chain recordings. Two bike models were recorded: A Specialized Carve Expert (mountain bike) and a Bianchi Campione (city/road bike). A wide range of sounds were recorded, from conventional bike sounds (such as freewheel clicks, gear shifting and chain movements, acceleration with various speeds, coasting, and disc brake movements) to more experimental sounds, creating unique sound effects using various found objects on the tires and spokes (such as cardboard, wooden sticks, fabric, shoe soles, guitar picks, and paper). 

Recordings were captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Shotgun mic. The shotgun microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recording at 192khz. The contact mic recordings were captured with the Barcus Berry 4000 planar wave system. All sounds in this release are offered in stereo 24bit 192khz Broadcast Wave format. Files are in a zip file, which includes a PDF with metadata. 

Website: http://www.newsoundlab.com/wheels-gears

NSL014 Wheels & Gears Preview

A collection of sounds recorded from various locations in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. All sounds recorded at 24bit 96khz on a Sound Devices 702 recorder with a Sanken CSS-5 shotgun microphone.

Field Recording/Sound Design Reel

This library features recordings of four hard disk drives (3.5 inch - 5400 & 7200 RPM). All essential hard drive sounds are included (boot up, read/write/copy/delete, power down) that will work great for general computer sounds and ambience. 

 Additionally, each hard drive was opened up, manipulated, and ultimately destroyed to create a collection of raw, abstract and unique sounds. Found materials such as metal, cardboard, plastic, and tools were used to control the hard drive's motor, platter, and head actuator. These sounds work especially well for creating the sounds of mechanical robot movements, electric motors, and futuristic machinery.

Sounds were captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Shotgun mic in mono mode, and an Aquarian H2A Hydrophone, using a contact mic adapter into a Sound Devices 702 recording at 24bit, 192khz.

Webpage: http://www.newsoundlab.com/hard-drives
Game Audio Podcast Review: http://www.gameaudiopodcast.com/?p=520

NSL008 Hard Drives Preview

This library features recordings of a Moog analog synthesizer. The sounds range from raw lo-fi zaps, buzzes and glitches, to more futuristic high-tech robot movements, morphs, vocalizations and drones. 

Both source recordings, and designed sound effects are included for further sound manipulation. 

High-end outboard gear was used to capture the sounds in high resolution quality. The output of the synthesizer was recorded DI to a Neve 1073 preamp, Emperical Labs Distressor, Universal Audio Apollo A/D converter and then into Pro Tools at 24bit, 192khz.

All sounds in this release are offered in 24bit 192khz Broadcast Wave format. Files are in a zip file, which includes a PDF with metadata.

Webpage: http://www.newsoundlab.com/analog-robots

NSL015 Analog Robots Preview

This library features descending aircraft flyovers at Los Angeles International Airport. One unique aspect of LAX is that it's nestled in the city, making it easy to stand directly under very low flying airplanes to capture a great sound.

A range of aircraft were recorded for this release, including the Airbus A330, Boeing 737, 747, and Bombardier 800.

Two different microphone positions were used: One facing the oncoming aircraft, and the other pointing in the opposite direction to capture the flyover and further decent as the aircraft lands.

Sounds were captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Stereo Shotgun mic in 120 degree stereo mode. The microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

http://www.newsoundlab.com/lax-aircraft

NSL002 LAX Aircraft Preview

This release includes 57 recordings of various small rock, pebble, and other debris slides.

There were multiple microphone positions used, but the two most common were a stereo microphone placed on the middle of the slope, capturing the slides from left - center - right as they slid down the mountain. The other was the stereo microphone placed at the bottom of the slope as the rocks traveled down the slope towards the microphone. This captured more of a crescendo with the sound of rocks growing louder as they travel closer to the microphone.

Sounds were captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Stereo Shotgun mic in 120 degree stereo mode. The microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

http://www.newsoundlab.com/rocks

NSL003 Rock Slides Preview

The classic 1970's era Roland Space Echo RE 201 captured in 24bit 192khz HD format.

75 samples are included in this library, featuring a wide range of sounds emitted from a mint condition RE-201. The samples are collected from the space echo self oscillation, as well the triggered delay from various sound sources. Use these samples for the classic Space Echo sound or chop up and manipulate them for new sound creation/design.

The Space Echo output was recorded DI into a Neve 1073 preamp, into a Empirical labs Distressor with "Dist2" setting engaged (to add a little extra 2nd harmonic distortion to the signal) into a Apogee Rosetta 800 A/D converted and then into Pro Tools HD.

http://www.newsoundlab.com/space-echo-201


NSL001 Space Echo 201 Preview

This release features 32 recordings of the remote San Antonio creek located in the Angeles National Forest. The creek morphs from almost a trickle at 8,000 feet to a large waterfall below, allowing for a wide range of moving water sounds to be captured.

Sounds were captured with a Sanken CSS-5 Stereo Shotgun mic in 120 degree stereo mode. The microphone was mounted in a full Rycote windshield kit and connected to a Sound Devices 702 recorder.

http://www.newsoundlab.com/san-antonio-creek

NSL004 San Antonio Creek Preview

This library features recordings created using a "Knas Ekdahl Moisturizer", a boutique spring reverb effects unit where three reverb springs are exposed, allowing them to be hit, played, and manipulated in real time. The unit also includes a multi-mode analog filter, and when combined with the playability of the springs, opens up many sound creation options.

The result is a unique sound effect library of massive metallic hits, clangs, scrapes, plucks, bounces, and rattles. The springs were played like a percussion instrument, using a collection of found objects, such as hammers, mallets, allen wrenches, forks, and plastic / metal rods. The springs were also stretched to alter the pitch, and objects were placed on the springs, much like a prepared piano, to alter the sound.

No other effects were applied other than the built-in multimode filter (high pass, low pass, band pass, and resonance) on certain sounds. These include sub-sonic hits, sweeping filtered metallic scrapes, and drones that round out the collection.

High-end outboard gear was used to capture the sounds in pristine high resolution quality. The output of the spring reverb was recorded DI to a Neve 1073 preamp, to a Apogee Rosetta 800 A/D converter and then into Pro Tools HD at 24bit, 192khz.

Webpage: http://www.newsoundlab.com/spring-reverb
Designing Sound Review: http://designingsound.org/2012/12/new-sound-labs-spring-reverb/

NSL009 Spring Reverb Preview

This library features recordings of computer optical disc drives (two internal desktop CD/DVD-R and one internal laptop slim CD/DVD-R slot-load).

Two induction coil pickups were used to record the electromagnetic fields emitted by the drives, capturing a very unique set of sounds and textures. These range from sharp percussive bleeps, glitchy static and noise, to electromechanical motor sounds, and drones. You'll find use for many applications, including UI interface design, transitions, sci-fi, robot/servo sounds, technology, and computer sound effects. 

Recordings include all functions of the DVD drives, e.g. disc loading, reading, writing/burning, spin up/down, errors, and disc ejecting. Also, each drive was taken apart and manipulated to create additional sounds.

The signal chain for this library consists of a pair of induction coil pickups, Barcus Berry 4000XL preamps, and a Sound Devices 702.

Webpage: www.newsoundlab.com/optical-drives

NSL010 Optical Drives Preview

This library features recordings of sounds that were dubbed to 25 year-old cassette tapes and then played back using a unique cassette manipulation device. The cassette tape reels are controlled manually by hand via a turning knob, allowing for speeding up/slowing down the pitch and speed while also controlling the rhythm, much like scratching vinyl. The existing sounds recorded to tape combined with the wow and flutter of the worn-out tape, and manual speed playback create unique new sounds, including glitched tones, gritty blips, scratching, and percussive hits.

All sounds in this release are offered in 24bit 96khz Broadcast Wave format. Files are in a zip file, which includes a PDF with metadata.

Website: www.newsoundlab.com/cassette-tape

NSL016 Cassette Tape Preview

New Sound Lab produces high-resolution sound effect libraries used by post-production studios, AAA game developers, and sound designers worldwide, offering distinctive recordings engineered for professional use.

Popular tracks by New Sound Lab