Created this thread as I posted this in the 2011 Release Notes for Season 1 thread. This way we can just discuss Fmod in the thread.
link: http://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/1443216.page
The new build for 2011 Season 1 includes support for a new sound library, Fmod (as mentioned by the release notes, http://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/1443220.page ). This is considered an experimental feature; it does not yet significantly change how the sim sounds. It has some useful features:
- Surround sound works out of the box in Windows Vista and 7.
- May reduce crackling on some systems.
- Include an optional volume boost.
- Uses an additional core on CPUs with three or more cores.
However, it comes with caveats:
- It's stable on most of our tester's systems, but it causes occasional crashes on a few tester's systems.
- It crackles on a few tester's systems.
We're releasing this as a 'work in progress' feature for adventurous users. Your feedback is invaluable, so if you decide to use this, please take a moment to review our 'how to file a crash report' guide: http://www.answers-script.com/iracing/article.php?id=99
IF YOU USE THIS, TRY A FEW LARGE PRACTICE SESSIONS FIRST. BE AWARE THAT THIS MAY MAKE THE SIM CRASH TO DESKTOP. PLEASE REVIEW OUR 'HOW TO FILE A CRASH REPORT' GUIDE IF YOU USE THIS.
If you are using Creative's ALchemy software or equivalent to enable surround sound in Vista or 7, disable this for iRacing before trying Fmod. Fmod does not need this software, and using ALchemy can cause crashes when using Fmod.
To enable Fmod-related options, edit My Documents\iRacing\app.ini and add the line devSpeakerAllowFmod=1 to the [Audio] section. This will add Fmod options to the list of sound cards in the sim's Options / Sound. Select one of those sound cards to start using Fmod.
At any time, you can change your selection between Fmod and DirectSound devices. If you're in an important race, consider changing to DirectSound for the duration of the race.
When using a Fmod device, you can enable a volume boost by editing app.ini and adding compressor=1 to the [Audio] section. This will apply a small boost to the sim's volume, raising it to a typical level for Windows programs. This distorts the relative volumes of sounds a little; quiet sounds are boosted more than loud sounds.
link: http://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/1443216.page
The new build for 2011 Season 1 includes support for a new sound library, Fmod (as mentioned by the release notes, http://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/1443220.page ). This is considered an experimental feature; it does not yet significantly change how the sim sounds. It has some useful features:
- Surround sound works out of the box in Windows Vista and 7.
- May reduce crackling on some systems.
- Include an optional volume boost.
- Uses an additional core on CPUs with three or more cores.
However, it comes with caveats:
- It's stable on most of our tester's systems, but it causes occasional crashes on a few tester's systems.
- It crackles on a few tester's systems.
We're releasing this as a 'work in progress' feature for adventurous users. Your feedback is invaluable, so if you decide to use this, please take a moment to review our 'how to file a crash report' guide: http://www.answers-script.com/iracing/article.php?id=99
IF YOU USE THIS, TRY A FEW LARGE PRACTICE SESSIONS FIRST. BE AWARE THAT THIS MAY MAKE THE SIM CRASH TO DESKTOP. PLEASE REVIEW OUR 'HOW TO FILE A CRASH REPORT' GUIDE IF YOU USE THIS.
If you are using Creative's ALchemy software or equivalent to enable surround sound in Vista or 7, disable this for iRacing before trying Fmod. Fmod does not need this software, and using ALchemy can cause crashes when using Fmod.
To enable Fmod-related options, edit My Documents\iRacing\app.ini and add the line devSpeakerAllowFmod=1 to the [Audio] section. This will add Fmod options to the list of sound cards in the sim's Options / Sound. Select one of those sound cards to start using Fmod.
At any time, you can change your selection between Fmod and DirectSound devices. If you're in an important race, consider changing to DirectSound for the duration of the race.
When using a Fmod device, you can enable a volume boost by editing app.ini and adding compressor=1 to the [Audio] section. This will apply a small boost to the sim's volume, raising it to a typical level for Windows programs. This distorts the relative volumes of sounds a little; quiet sounds are boosted more than loud sounds.
