Nice, but the only thing missing so far that I can't see is some reference sound pressure level. It would be nice to know what the SPL was at the microphones/viewing location since this was apparently recorded at some distance from the launch pad. Then we would have a reference playback level and know whether our playback system is capable of reproducing this or not.

I'd like to thank the person who recorded this. I had seen someone else talk and brag about a recording like this some years back but they never made it available. Someone else (or same person) tried to put it up and none of their files would download or play. They put it in some weird dvd format and in quicktime etc, and in the end the files never worked right even though I can play those. Other links offered failed. If they had spent less time bragging about their stupid mac and just put the files for download, it probably would have worked. And there was no reason what so ever to need a mac to record this anyway anyway...

That said, Joe here simply took some good recording equipment, and microphones, made the recording and then hosted the files. SIMPLE! and THAT is the way it should be done. No confusion, or extra blah blah blah, just a simple download.

I could certainly use mics like that too, but I am so far away that I couldn't record the shuttle. In fact most people can't and it's a rare event. So I'm glad it's shared. That said, I thought it sounded fantastic. Turning it up on larger speakers sounds even better. I think a sub woofer might help to get more low rumble so I'll try that later. Thanks again, 5 stars!!!

I was at this launch, and at this same viewing site. This audio is EXACTLY how this sounded. (or as best I can remember...the more times I listen, the more I recall impressions of the sound)

WAY in the background, you can hear crowd and the countdown--must be turned up VERY loud to hear this. The first rumblings of the SSME ignition is at 33 secs.

The resolution of this recording is so high that if accurately gives you a sense of the difference in volume between crowd noise (some 100 ft behind the mics...with the announcements P.A. pointed away from the mics used to make this recording). No compression used.

If you've never witnessed a launch in person, this is the sound you've been missing...and STS-123 was a wonderful launch for the sound.

Fantastic recording! Thank you SO much for sharing it!