At 344 Audio, our team has been working tirelessly to create a cutting-edge sound store that offers both exceptional sound effect bundles and unique, individually crafted assets, all designed with precision and creativity in mind. With user experience as our top priority, we've built a new platform that makes finding and purchasing high-quality sound effects simple, streamlined, and hassle-free. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the products currently available in our new store, share some exciting updates on what's coming next, and explain how YOU can be a part of our journey.

Our New Sound Store Link: https://www.344sfx.com/

Product structure

We've dedicated significant time and effort to refining our existing sound effect libraries, enhancing both their structure and content to deliver even greater value. Our updated catalogue features more distinctive, high-quality sounds designed to expand your creative possibilities, whether you're working on film, TV, or game audio.

Our new product structure is built around two key formats:

Bundle Libraries: These curated collections combine freshly crafted, original sound effects with a selection of our most trusted, professionally produced assets developed over the years. Each bundle is designed with precision and purpose, making them the perfect choice for specific genres or project types. Whether you're working on a heart racing horror, or looking for a collection of Foley elements, our bundles are carefully compiled to cover all your sound design needs - no detail overlooked.

Individual Sound Effects: Need just one perfect sound to complete your scene? No problem. Our Individual Sound Effects collection offers 26 distinct categories, covering the core elements of film, television, and video game production. This flexible option empowers creators to purchase exactly what they need, no more, no less, without the commitment of a full library.

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Bundle libraries

At the launch of our new site, we’re proud to offer eight expertly crafted sound effect bundles, each designed to inspire and support the sound design community while showcasing the creative talent of the 344 Audio team. These collections cover a wide range of styles and use cases, providing a solid foundation for your audio projects.

Our currently available libraries include:

• Ultimate Horror
• Fantastic Foley
• Water In Motion
• Binaural Beats
• Pure Cinema
• Low Frequency Designed
• UK Ambiences
• UK Football

Each bundle is thoughtfully produced to deliver outstanding sound quality and creative versatility, whether you're designing for film, TV, games, or immersive experiences.

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Individual sound effects

In addition to our bundles, we’re excited to introduce a comprehensive collection of Individual Sound Effects, giving you the flexibility to hand-pick exactly what you need, when you need it. With 26 diverse categories to explore, including Animals, Binaural Beats, Cartoon, Creatures, Weather, Sci-Fi, Horror, Game Audio, Liquid, Sport, and many more, this format is ideal for creators who want precise control over their sound design without committing to a full library. Whether you're fine-tuning a specific scene or building a custom collection over time, our Individual Sound Effects make it easier than ever to find the perfect sound for your project.

Request a sound

As mentioned earlier, at 344 Audio we’re committed to making you, the creative community, a vital part of our journey. In addition to offering high-quality bundles and individual sounds tailored to a wide range of projects, we’re excited to introduce our ‘Request A Sound’ feature. This new tool gives you the opportunity to share your ideas and suggest specific sounds you’d like to see in future releases. Whether it's a niche effect or a concept you’ve been struggling to find elsewhere, we’ll do our best to bring your vision to life.

You can submit your sound ideas via the link below:

Request A Sound Link: https://www.344sfx.com/contact

Website discounts

To make your experience even more rewarding, we’re offering a range of exclusive discounts across our entire sound store, giving you more value as you build your ultimate sound library. Whether you're purchasing individual sounds or full bundles, you can unlock savings based on your order total:

• Spend $50 and get 10% off with code SOUND10
• Spend $100 and get 20% off with code SOUND20
• Spend $200 and get 30% off with code SOUND30
• Spend $300+ and get 40% off with code SOUND40

We’ve also introduced discounted Multi-User Licenses — perfect for studios, teams, or educational use:

• 2–3 licenses → 10% off with code LICENSE10
• 4–9 licenses → 20% off with code LICENSE20
• 10–20 licenses → 30% off with code LICENSE30

If you need a custom licensing solution, our team is happy to help — just get in touch via our contact page: https://www.344sfx.com/contact

Conclusion

We’re incredibly proud to introduce this new chapter for 344 Audio, a reimagined sound effects store built with precision, creativity, and the needs of modern sound designers in mind. With our updated structure featuring both comprehensive Bundle Libraries and a flexible Individual Sound Effects catalogue across 26 categories, we’re confident that our platform will become a go-to resource for audio professionals and creatives alike.

Our dedication to quality doesn't stop at the products we release, with our new ‘Request A Sound’ feature, we’re inviting you to actively shape the future of our library, helping us create exactly what you need to bring your projects to life. To keep things fresh and ever-evolving, new products will be released on a monthly basis, offering a constant stream of inspiring content. Whether you're a seasoned sound designer or just starting out, this platform was designed for you.

👉 Click here to explore the new 344 Audio Sound Store and start your journey with us.

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We’re thrilled to celebrate the success of Patrick Collins, the creative force behind Incus Studio. Patrick joined us as an Audio Post-Production Essentials (APE) student in late 2023 and, just six months after completing the course, built his own thriving studio that’s already making waves in the industry. His journey is a great example of what can happen when you embrace opportunities to learn, grow, and apply your passion. For many, including Patrick, this journey begins with the essential training and dedication.

During his time with us, Patrick honed his skills and quickly excelled in both the creative and technical aspects of audio post-production. Specialising in original music composition, sound design, and audio post-production, he blends his classical music training with his qualifications as an audio engineer - skills that many in the audio industry build upon when transitioning from a musical background. This combination provides a solid foundation for a successful career in audio, a path that’s accessible to anyone with the right mindset and commitment.

Patrick has already contributed to projects like Oisin Kearney’s BFI-funded short "Slay and Prepare" and Simone Smith’s "The Möbius Trip", which has earned accolades at festivals including Edinburgh International Film Festival and Holly Shorts Film Festival.

We are incredibly excited about Patrick’s achievements, and watching him grow Incus Studios into a creative hub has been rewarding. We look forward to seeing where his dedication takes him next.

If you’re ready to build a successful career in audio, join our next APE course starting on 6th February 2025. Your journey in audio post-production could start here too.

https://www.344academy.com/

The Kendal Mountain Festival is the ultimate celebration of outdoor adventure, drawing explorers, filmmakers, and athletes from around the globe to the heart of the Lake District for an unforgettable weekend. This year’s festival brought adventure to life in the most unexpected way. We were thrilled to collaborate with All Conditions Media and GORE-TEX to create a one-of-a-kind, audio-only ASMR experience titled The Morning After the Night Bef-GORE: A GORE-TEX Brand ASMR Hangover Cure.

The experience was an intimate, 20-minute sensory escape designed to transport listeners from their cosy festival seats into the heart of an outdoor adventure. Donning headphones and eye masks, participants were guided on an immersive hiking and camping journey, crafted entirely through meticulously designed audio.

The soundscape of the outdoors was brought to life through expert Foley and voice over. From the rhythmic crunch of boots on rocky trails to the soothing crackle of a campfire, every sound was tailored to evoke the essence of an expedition. Highlights included the sizzle of bacon and eggs frying at sunrise and the distinctive textures of GORE-TEX materials, authentically recorded to ground the experience in reality. Narrated in a calming ASMR-style voice, the story led listeners on a peaceful yet invigorating journey.

Dedicated to ensuring this experience felt as authentic as possible, we interviewed a range of outdoor enthusiasts to capture the true essence of a nature adventure. Shaping an experience entirely through sound, while striking the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement, was a rewarding challenge for our in-house Foley team. From script to recording, we worked closely with All Conditions Media to craft a story that resonated with the real spirit of the outdoors.

For us, this project was an exploration of how sound can tell stories, evoke emotions, and promote the rugged durability of GORE-TEX products, all without leaving your chair. The experience both captivated listeners and highlighted the essential qualities of GORE-TEX, reinforcing its reputation as the go-to brand for outdoor adventures. Attendees gave glowing feedback, noting how the experience not only enhanced their festival experience but also deepened their connection to the brand.

We're excited to keep pushing the boundaries of immersive audio storytelling. Here’s to adventures you can feel, even with your eyes closed.

Read more about GORE-TEX at Kendal Mountain Festival here:

https://www.gore-tex.com/blog/kendal-mountain-festival-2024

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A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Career in Foley

Hello! I’m Danny, the resident Foley artist at 344 Audio. If you’re reading this, you likely already know what Foley is and are curious about becoming a professional Foley artist. But for those who may be new to this world, here’s a quick rundown on what exactly a Foley artist does.

In short, a Foley artist creates sound effects for films using everyday objects and actions to enhance a film's audio experience. Foley is a technique used in post-production, where the artist closely watches scenes and mimics the movements on screen to produce sounds that sync precisely with the visuals.

While that’s a straightforward description, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. In this guide, I’ll share some insights and lessons I’ve gathered from my career as a Foley artist here in the UK.

Why Is Foley So Important?

Foley effects are more than just “background noise”; they give depth and realism to scenes, helping audiences immerse themselves in the story. Without Foley, a film can feel flat and lifeless, as many subtle sounds that we expect to hear are missing. Foley adds a layer of authenticity that complements a film’s soundtrack.

Getting Started: Building Your Skills and Knowledge

Step 1: Understand the Art of Foley and Define Your Role

To start, it’s important to recognize that Foley is about much more than just creating pleasing sounds. Many newcomers confuse Foley with general environmental recording like wind or rain, but true Foley involves “performing” sounds to sync with on-screen actions. It’s a mix of performance art and technical skill.

Early in my career, I learned that many people on production teams don’t fully understand Foley’s unique role. A big part of your job will involve communicating what Foley brings to a project and clarifying its purpose with the production team.

Step 2: Learn the Core Sound Categories in Foley

In Foley, we generally work with several main types of sound effects. Here’s a quick overview of the most common Foley sounds:

• Footsteps: Different surfaces (like gravel, wood, and snow) convey a lot about a character’s movement and mood.
• Clothing Rustles: The sounds of fabric moving, whether it’s a jacket, dress, or uniform.
• Door Sounds: From creaking to slamming, door sounds can be edited in as sound effects but recording them on the Foley stage can be very rewarding.
• Weather Interactions: Creating sounds like wind or rain interacting with characters' clothing or the environment.
• Impact Sounds: Punches, crashes, and falls are vital for action scenes.
• Object Handling: Actions like picking up, setting down, or moving objects like books or tools.
• Animal Sounds: For scenes involving animals, Foley artists often create hoofbeats, wing flaps, and other movements.
• Water Sounds: From pouring and splashing to footsteps in puddles.
• Breaking Objects: The sound of glass shattering or wood cracking can sweeten the sound effects in destruction scenes.

These categories form the foundation of Foley, and mastering them is essential for creating believable soundscapes.

Alongside these sounds, you’ll need to develop:

• A keen sense of timing and attention to detail
• An understanding of how sounds affect emotions
• Creativity to improvise and create unique sound effects from everyday objects

Step 3: Develop the Necessary Skills

Becoming a Foley artist doesn’t require formal qualifications, but it does require a blend of technical knowledge, creativity, and adaptability. Here are some of the essential skills to focus on:

• Sound Design and Audio Editing: Basic sound design is crucial, as Foley artists work closely with sound designers. Familiarity with editing software like Pro Tools is key. In the past, Foley projects involved teams with specific roles (recordist, Foley artists, and editors), but today, Foley artists often handle all aspects—especially on small-budget projects. Being able to record, mix, and edit your own sounds is invaluable.
• Timing and Synchronization: Foley artists must match sounds precisely to on-screen movements. Capturing the timing and feel in the performance is what makes a sound believable.
• Creativity and Improvisation: Often, you’ll need to think on your feet to create convincing sounds with limited resources. Improvising with everyday objects is a must.

Step 4: Pursue Relevant Education and Training

Although specific degrees aren’t required to become a Foley artist, the best way would be to seek out an established Foley artist that is willing to take you under their wing...

• Courses and Workshops: At 344 Audio, we offer a week-long Creative Foley Workshop with legendary Foley artist Pete Burgis. It’s a rare chance to learn from a seasoned pro who has worked on films like Harry Potter, James Bond, Cinderella, and Aladdin.

Step 5: Build a Portfolio with Independent Projects

Most Foley artists start by working on independent projects to build a portfolio. Here are some ways to gain experience:

• Collaborate with Film Students: Film schools are ideal for finding short films that need Foley work. These projects offer valuable experience and can lead to more opportunities.
• Work on Indie Films: Independent filmmakers often need affordable sound designers and Foley artists. Facebook Groups are still a great way to connect with your local filmmaking community..
• Create a Foley Reel: As you work on more projects, compile a demo reel showcasing your Foley skills. Focus on variety to demonstrate your range. Foley performance videos are also popular on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where you can show off your personality, performance skills, and recording space.

Step 6: Gain Experience in Studios

Many successful Foley artists start as assistants in sound or post-production studios, where they can observe and learn the process.

• Internships and Assistant Roles: Applying for internships, shadowing roles, or assistant positions at sound studios can provide valuable experience and connections. At 344 Audio, we’ve welcomed aspiring Foley artists and sound designers as interns. Recently, our former intern Hafeed landed a full-time role in game audio!
• Freelancing: Once you have experience and a solid portfolio, freelancing can be a great way to work on a variety of projects. Freelancers work on everything from commercials to indie films and need strong networking skills to connect with clients. Industry events, creative communities, and even Facebook groups can be helpful for finding work.

Final Thoughts: Perseverance Pays Off

Breaking into Foley requires patience, passion, and persistence. Foley artistry is a unique blend of technical craft and performance art, and establishing yourself in this field can be challenging. But with a strong portfolio, a commitment to your craft, and effective networking, you can build a rewarding career.

Launch your career by joining our upcoming cohort in the Creative Foley Workshop or the Audio Post Essentials course. And if you feel ready to dive straight in, don’t hesitate to reach out about joining our team—we’re always excited to welcome new talent to our team.

Happy foley-ing, and good luck!

As an audio professional, do these words ring a familiar bell to you?

• Can't you fix it in post?
• We're trying to free up some budget for audio - we spent all of our money on set.
• We had our friend record the sound!
• We've already added the SFX, all we need is some mixing and tweaking.

It's even in the name - 'Audio Post-Production'. Those working in sound have generally become accustomed to following visual cues and concepts, letting them shape and inspire our work.

What if we flipped the script and gave audio a place at the head of the table - what possibilities could emerge?

THE ROLE OF SOUND IN PRE-PRODUCTION

Getting the sound team in the room early isn't just a practical move, but a creative one that can transform your project from good to magical. When audio has a voice during pre-production, it becomes one of the creative drivers rather than a reactive element.

Audio shapes the narrative early:

Sound design and music can define tone, emotion, and atmosphere from the start, creating cohesive storytelling and improving the overall vision of the project.

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Early collaboration reduces time and costs down the line:

The audio department can assess and flag challenges, synchronize with production, and streamline workflow. The audio lead will also have ample time to assemble a strong team. In complex projects like video games, where technical hurdles are common, having an experienced audio team in place early ensures smoother problem-solving and better results.

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Early Involvement = Better Audience Engagement:

The audience want to be immersed in the world you're building and transporting them to. Early involvement ensures sound isn't just an afterthought but a vital storytelling element.

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Building the soundscape to fit the vision:

The audio team can build custom SFX libraries tailored to the project, saving time later and ensuring a seamless, unique soundscape. Additionally, creating bespoke SFX eliminates the legal complexities of using third-party sounds, such as paying royalties, obtaining licenses, and handling credits.For Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, Rocksteady’s audio team dedicated months to capturing authentic weather recordings across the US, going to the lengths of posting a recorder from the UK, strapped with extended battery packs, to capture these sounds. This early involvement allowed them to stay true to their key audio pillars, which included the commitment to recording every sound rather than taking from pre-existing SFX libraries, and account for any technical obstacles.

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Darren Scott, a film director, gives us great insight on when he started thinking about sound for his musical film.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The best projects, both creatively and financially, are often the ones where sound is brought into the conversation from the very beginning. When the audio team is involved early, they not only help craft a richer, more immersive experience but also work proactively to address challenges and streamline the production process. The result? A seamless integration of sound and visuals that elevates the entire project. By giving audio the attention it deserves at the outset, you’re setting the stage for a more cohesive, compelling, and ultimately successful outcome.

For further reading, we highly recommend the book Leading with Sound: Proactive Sound Practices in Video Game Development by Rob Bridgett.