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Difference between revisions of "Glossary:Sound"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (misc. fixes)
(→‎Speaker setup: XAudio2 on XP note. Imagine randomly finding this tidbit after 15 years)
 
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{{stub}}
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{{stub}}{{:Category:Sound}}
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'''Key points'''
 +
{{ii}} For the best audio playback, Windows 10 is recommended over Vista/7/8.x for clear and accurate sound due to improvements made in the audio subsystem, including a decrease in audio latency.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/audio/wdm-audio-support-in-different-versions-of-windows|title=Microsoft Docs - Windows drivers - WDM Audio Support in Different Versions of Windows|date=2018-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2015/07/29/windows-10-promises-better-audio-midi-performance-easier-app-development/|title=Windows 10 Promises Better Audio & MIDI Performance, Easier App Development|date=2018-12-01}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/50ty05/improved_audio_in_windows_10/d775w2e/?sh=866ba8dc&st=JP63ISJY|title=Reddit - /r/Windows10 - Improved Audio in Windows 10 - Comment by Pete Brown, Microsoft Principal Program Manager|date=2018-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/topic/4054-sound-and-windows-10/#entry11404|title=PCGamingWiki Forum - Sound and Windows 10|date=2018-12-01}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
'''Related articles'''
 +
{{mm}} [[Glossary:Surround sound|Surround sound]]
 +
{{mm}} [[Glossary:Sound card|Sound card]]
  
 
==Speaker setup==
 
==Speaker setup==
−
{{ii}} Many games use the speaker configuration reported by the operating system so having it set correctly is crucial.
+
{{ii}} Many games (XAudio2 ones on Windows XP being a notable exception)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080517173237/http://forums.xna.com/thread/53334.aspx#54860 Does XAudio2 support 7.1? - XNA Community Forums] (retrieved)</ref> use the speaker configuration reported by the operating system so having it set correctly is crucial.
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Configure speaker layout (Windows)|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Configure speaker layout (Windows)}}
 
 
# Open Sounds in the Control Panel (<code>mmsys.cpl</code>).
 
# Open Sounds in the Control Panel (<code>mmsys.cpl</code>).
 
# Ensure your output device is the default (marked with a tick [[File:True icon.svg|16px|link=]])
 
# Ensure your output device is the default (marked with a tick [[File:True icon.svg|16px|link=]])
Line 10: Line 15:
 
# Choose your speaker layout and click on each speaker to ensure it is detected and positioned correctly.
 
# Choose your speaker layout and click on each speaker to ensure it is detected and positioned correctly.
 
# Adjust the speaker configuration as needed until it is correct.
 
# Adjust the speaker configuration as needed until it is correct.
 +
# Click Next and follow the steps to save your new configuration.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 
===Sound problems (cracking, delays, missing music/effects, etc.)===
 
===Sound problems (cracking, delays, missing music/effects, etc.)===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set sound quality to 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Windows Vista and later)|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Silent|date=2019-07-19|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Set sound quality to 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Windows Vista and newer)}}
 
 
# Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>mmsys.cpl</code> and press Enter.
 
# Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>mmsys.cpl</code> and press Enter.
 
# Open the Default Device (marked with a tick [[File:True icon.svg|16px|link=]]).
 
# Open the Default Device (marked with a tick [[File:True icon.svg|16px|link=]]).
Line 23: Line 28:
 
{{ii}} If the problem remains, repeat and choose <code>24 bit, 44100 Hz (Studio Quality)</code> instead.
 
{{ii}} If the problem remains, repeat and choose <code>24 bit, 44100 Hz (Studio Quality)</code> instead.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Adjust hardware sound acceleration level (Windows XP and older)|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080309051457/http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms790572.aspx DirectSound Hardware-Acceleration and SRC Sliders - Microsoft Developer Network] (retrieved)</ref>|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Adjust hardware sound acceleration level (Windows XP only)}}
 
 
# Press {{key|Win|R}}, type <code>dxdiag</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Press {{key|Win|R}}, type <code>dxdiag</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Choose Yes if prompted.
 
# Choose Yes if prompted.
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===No surround sound===
 
===No surround sound===
−
{{ii}} Some games are using old implementation of DirectSound or other sound libraries that result with no surround sound on Windows Vista and newer.
+
{{Fixbox|description=See [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|Restoring DirectSound hardware path]] for DirectSound games}}
−
 
+
{{Fixbox|description=Make sure OpenAL games aren't using outdated libraries|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox|1=
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# Navigate to {{p|game}}, where game executable is located
−
{{Fixbox/fix|IndirectSound}}
+
# Find <code>OpenAL32.dll</code> and rename it
−
# Download [http://indirectsound.com IndirectSound].
+
'''Notes'''
−
# Extract into the installation folder alongside the main game executable.
+
{{ii}} Hypothesising OpenAL is already perfectly [[Glossary:Sound card#Set up OpenAL|configured]]
 
}}
 
}}
−
 
+
{{Fixbox|description=Verify DS and OAL games hardware buffers number|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox|1=
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# Download [http://audio.rightmark.org/products/rm3ds.shtml RightMark 3DSound]
−
{{Fixbox/fix|OpenAL Soft}}
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# Start RightMark3DSoundBench (aka CPU Utilization test)
−
# Download [http://kcat.strangesoft.net/openal.html OpenAL Soft] ([http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/7-openal-soft/ PCGamingWiki mirror]).
+
# Note under the offended API node, the number of Hardware 3D Buffers available for the in use device.  
−
# Extract archive and you will get two <code>soft_oal.dll</code> files - 32bit and 64bit versions.
+
# Check in game configuration files if number of "Buffers", "Channels" or "Voices" corresponds.  
−
# Copy appropriate version into installation folder with all other DLL files
 
−
# Alternatively rename <code>soft_oal.dll</code> to <code>OpenAL32.dll</code> and replace original <code>OpenAL32.dll</code> file within installation folders.
 
−
 
 
−
{{ii}} There is a possibility that your game will not recognize your audio system and you need to specify it. This is highly subjective and varies by a game - some games will have option in menu or launcher, others needs configuration file edit.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Unreal Engine 3 based games''' <ref>[http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-1613179.html Get your surround sound on a Realtek! - Steam Users' Forums]</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
# Replace original <code>OpenAL32.dll</code> with renamed <code>soft_oal.dll</code> in <code>Binaries</code> folder.
 
−
# Locate <code>xxxxxxxEngine.ini</code> file and open it in text editor.
 
−
# Search for line <code>DeviceName=</code> and edit it so it has your sound system name (<code>DeviceName=DirectSound Software on Loudspeakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)</code> for example). Search your Windows audio setting for exact string of "Loudspeakers" word which can vary with language versions of Windows.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Game volume decreases===
 
===Game volume decreases===
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Disable communications activity sound reduction|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Disable communications activity sound reduction}}
 
 
# Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>mmsys.cpl</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>mmsys.cpl</code> and press {{key|Enter}}.
 
# Go to the Communications tab.
 
# Go to the Communications tab.
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===Can't enable EAX===
 
===Can't enable EAX===
−
{{ii}} EAX effects need a workaround on Windows Vista and newer.
+
{{ii}} Please refer to [[Glossary:Sound card#DirectSound hardware path|Restoring DirectSound hardware path]] for more information.
−
{{ii}} This might not work for some games using EAX.
 
−
 
 
−
{{Fixbox|1=
 
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install ALchemy Universal (non-Creative cards)}}
 
−
# Install [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/28-creative-alchemy-universal/ Creative ALchemy Universal].
 
−
# Configure ALchemy for the game (see the game's wiki page or Creative's [http://web.archive.org/web/20130702030043/http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/Lists/Games/AllItems.aspx games list]).
 
−
}}
 
−
 
 
−
{{Fixbox|1=
 
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Install ALchemy (Creative cards)}}
 
−
# Go to the [http://support.creative.com Creative drivers page] and install Creative ALchemy.
 
−
# Configure ALchemy for the game (see the game's wiki page or Creative's [http://web.archive.org/web/20130702030043/http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/Lists/Games/AllItems.aspx games list]).
 
−
}}
 
  
 
===CD music not playing===
 
===CD music not playing===
 
====CD-DA music (shows up as a music CD in media players)====
 
====CD-DA music (shows up as a music CD in media players)====
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Verify CD is in the "CD-ROM 0" drive|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Verify CD is in the "CD-ROM 0" drive}}
 
 
{{ii}} CD-DA music will only play in-game if the CD is in "CD-ROM 0".
 
{{ii}} CD-DA music will only play in-game if the CD is in "CD-ROM 0".
 
# Open Disk Management.
 
# Open Disk Management.
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# If the drive is not "CD-ROM 0", remove the disc and insert it in that drive.
 
# If the drive is not "CD-ROM 0", remove the disc and insert it in that drive.
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Change drive ID order|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Change drive ID order}}
 
 
{{ii}} If you are unable to insert your disc in "CD-ROM 0", e.g. if it is a virtual drive, do the following:
 
{{ii}} If you are unable to insert your disc in "CD-ROM 0", e.g. if it is a virtual drive, do the following:
 
# In Disk Management, identify which drive is listed as "CD-ROM 0".
 
# In Disk Management, identify which drive is listed as "CD-ROM 0".
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====Non-CD-DA music (does not show up as a music CD in media players)====
 
====Non-CD-DA music (does not show up as a music CD in media players)====
−
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Verify drive letter is correct|fix=
−
{{Fixbox/fix|Verify drive letter is correct}}
 
 
{{ii}} Many games remember the drive letter the game was installed from even if you put the disc in a different drive.
 
{{ii}} Many games remember the drive letter the game was installed from even if you put the disc in a different drive.
 
# If you have multiple optical drives, try inserting the disc in a different drive.
 
# If you have multiple optical drives, try inserting the disc in a different drive.
Line 120: Line 97:
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}
 +
[[Category:Sound]]

Latest revision as of 01:34, 21 January 2023

This page is a stub: it lacks content and/or basic article components. You can help to expand this page by adding an image or additional information.
Sound
Sound
Sound card
Surround sound

Key points

For the best audio playback, Windows 10 is recommended over Vista/7/8.x for clear and accurate sound due to improvements made in the audio subsystem, including a decrease in audio latency.[1][2][3][4]

Related articles

Surround sound
Sound card

Speaker setup

Many games (XAudio2 ones on Windows XP being a notable exception)[5] use the speaker configuration reported by the operating system so having it set correctly is crucial.
Configure speaker layout (Windows)[citation needed]
  1. Open Sounds in the Control Panel (mmsys.cpl).
  2. Ensure your output device is the default (marked with a tick True icon.svg)
  3. Click Configure.
  4. Choose your speaker layout and click on each speaker to ensure it is detected and positioned correctly.
  5. Adjust the speaker configuration as needed until it is correct.
  6. Click Next and follow the steps to save your new configuration.

Issues fixed

Sound problems (cracking, delays, missing music/effects, etc.)

Set sound quality to 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Windows Vista and later)[6]
  1. Open the Start screen/Start menu, type mmsys.cpl and press Enter.
  2. Open the Default Device (marked with a tick True icon.svg).
  3. Go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Change the Default Format box to 24 bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality).
  5. Click Apply and close all windows.
If the problem remains, repeat and choose 24 bit, 44100 Hz (Studio Quality) instead.
Adjust hardware sound acceleration level (Windows XP and older)[7]
  1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type dxdiag and press ↵ Enter.
  2. Choose Yes if prompted.
  3. Go to the Sound tab.
  4. Adjust the Hardware Sound Acceleration Level slider and test the game. If it is not already at Full, try Full first.
Setting the acceleration to Basic or No acceleration may affect advanced sound features in some games.

No surround sound

See Restoring DirectSound hardware path for DirectSound games
Make sure OpenAL games aren't using outdated libraries[citation needed]
  1. Navigate to <path-to-game>, where game executable is located
  2. Find OpenAL32.dll and rename it

Notes

Hypothesising OpenAL is already perfectly configured
Verify DS and OAL games hardware buffers number[citation needed]
  1. Download RightMark 3DSound
  2. Start RightMark3DSoundBench (aka CPU Utilization test)
  3. Note under the offended API node, the number of Hardware 3D Buffers available for the in use device.
  4. Check in game configuration files if number of "Buffers", "Channels" or "Voices" corresponds.

Game volume decreases

Disable communications activity sound reduction[citation needed]
  1. Open the Start screen/Start menu, type mmsys.cpl and press ↵ Enter.
  2. Go to the Communications tab.
  3. Choose Do nothing.
  4. Click OK to save your changes.

Can't enable EAX

Please refer to Restoring DirectSound hardware path for more information.

CD music not playing

CD-DA music (shows up as a music CD in media players)

Verify CD is in the "CD-ROM 0" drive
CD-DA music will only play in-game if the CD is in "CD-ROM 0".
  1. Open Disk Management.
    • Windows 8: right click the Start corner, choose Disk Management.
    • Vista and 7: open the Start menu, type diskmgmt.msc, press Enter.
    • Windows XP: press ⊞ Win+R, type diskmgmt.msc, press Enter.
  2. When Disk Management opens, ensure that the drive you are using the game CD in is listed as "CD-ROM 0".
  3. If the drive is not "CD-ROM 0", remove the disc and insert it in that drive.
Change drive ID order
If you are unable to insert your disc in "CD-ROM 0", e.g. if it is a virtual drive, do the following:
  1. In Disk Management, identify which drive is listed as "CD-ROM 0".
  2. Open Device Manager.
    • Windows 8: right click the Start corner, choose Device Manager.
    • Vista and 7: open the Start menu, type devmgmt.msc and press ↵ Enter.
    • Windows XP: press ⊞ Win+R, type devmgmt.msc and press ↵ Enter.
  3. Expand the DVD/CD-ROM drives entry.
  4. Right-click the drive Disk Management listed as "CD-ROM 0", choose Disable, choose Yes.
  5. Right-click the drive you want to use for the game CD, choose Disable, choose Yes.
  6. Right-click again on the drive you want to use, choose Enable.
  7. Right-click again on the other drive, choose Enable.
  8. Return to Disk Management and the drive you want to use will now be listed as "CD-ROM 0".

Non-CD-DA music (does not show up as a music CD in media players)

Verify drive letter is correct
Many games remember the drive letter the game was installed from even if you put the disc in a different drive.
  1. If you have multiple optical drives, try inserting the disc in a different drive.
  2. If possible, check the game's configuration files to see what drive letter it is expecting.
  3. Try reinstalling the game from the drive you want to use. This should make the game look to that drive letter instead.


References