- This topic has 29 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 5 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Surround Sound Mod for VPX 10.4
To realise the directional sound effects VPX 10.4 and a surround sound equipped cab is required. Standard cabs should play with enhanced left/right sound separation for many table objects.
To realise the benefits of both directional sound AND an “enhanced” level of tactile feedback, a cab equipped tactile audio exciters is recommended.
Many thanks to requlem for permission to release this mod. This table is based on requlem’s v1.0 released 10 April 2017 – Thanks to all other authors involved.
Thanks to Haunfreaks for some image modifications and ball/flipper shadows and a HUGE THANKS to DJRobX and the rest of the VPX Dev Team for the excellent VPX surround sound code that has made this possible.
*For further information regarding the installation of surround sound and/or the tactile exciters as used in my cab, please see https://www.facebook.com/groups/PoorMansDOF/
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
8 users thanked author for this post.
So I have to say something as you keep putting out statements about the surround sound that makes it seem like you need PMD to use it. Surround sound in and of itself has absolutely nothing to your so called PMD tactile feedback exciters. It is surround sound, as in sounds are directed to different speakers based on what they are coded as. That your PMD setup works wonderfully with it does not mean that in any way shape or form do you need PMD to use it. You are doing PMD and surround sound both a disservice by linking them like this. The giant “PMD Surround Sound Mod” is misleading and in fact even the first line of your description is just Surround Sound Mod for VPX 10.4 which is what it is.
OK /rant off, I’ve been hitting the Jack again (Jack Daniels for those of you who may not get the reference… whiskey.. I’ve been drinking OK ;)
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
I have no doubt that 7.1 surround with exciters are very nice, and I will probably go that route myself some day. But, BorgDog is correct. It is just a optimized sound mod and it would work just as good for those that have regular speakers in 7.1. Different experience for sure, but still.
Even without 7.1 you should be able to get a better experience.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
I had it figured out, I love me some Jack Daniels, however I’m told i rant a bit when drinking it too. I say that is everyone else’s problem not mine
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
To realise the directional sound effects VPX 10.4 and a surround sound equipped cab is required. Standard cabs should play with enhanced left/right sound separation for many table objects. To realise the full benefits of both directional sound AND directional tactile feedback, a *PMD equipped cab is recommended.
I’m sorry, but I thought I had covered it well enough in my original statement. You need surround sound equipped cab, but to realise the “full” benefits of the tactile feedback it can offer, then exciters are “recommended”.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
Borgdog you are 100% correct.
When asked to describe “PMD support”, I find it’s more of certification process, sort of like what THX is to movies. Rusty has a reference surround system set up and I worked with him directly when developing the VPX surround option.
So if a table has a “PMD” mod, it means Russel has verified that the code fully supports VPX surround, and that the sounds are balanced to work well on his reference system. I think it’s important work, especially since people are just starting to get surround in their cabs.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
The point is it’s not a PMD mod, it’s a surround sound mod. That PMD by it’s nature uses surround sound is nice, but it is not what surround sound is and I think calling it a PMD mod instead of a surround sound mod is just confusing, and yes it is important because not everyone configuring surround sound in their cab is putting PMD in and people looking at just the title are going to see PMD mod and not bother because they don’t have PMD. People who DO have PMD are conversely likely going to know that any surround sound mod is going to be beneficial for them. I for example have 2 sets of 2.1 speakers in my cab, one in the backbox, one in the main cabinet. I also have DOF – 2 flipper mechs, 2 slingshot mechs, 3 pop bumper mechs, a 3 chime mech and a knocker all real pinball mechs (plus 3 more solenoids), and frankly don’t have room to add exciters to it nor do I feel I am missing anything by not having it, but yet I can still benefit from better spacial sounds of a surround sound mod (for the few sounds that are left, mainly ball rolling sounds).
tldr version: surround sound is not the same as PMD
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
OP modified
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
because not everyone configuring surround sound in their cab is putting PMD in
And by PMD you mean exciters. I also find “PMD” is a little hard to define. Rusty advertises it as an alternative to DOF, and I usually chase behind him and say “… but it’s a great complement to an existing DOF setup!”
That’s why I think of it more as a certification like THX – the actual result is that we end up with a table that has improved surround sound, “expertly” balanced by Rusty on his reference system. Not unlike when a physics expert like ClarkKent goes through a table and adjusts the physics.
I also think it’s important for folks – especially table authors – to understand that these mods are typically going to improve the experience for all users, not just surround users. We will typically change each PlaySound command and ensure it is being played at the correct spatial location and at a balanced volume, which is an improvement even for stereo users. So if Rusty makes a mod like this, it’s a great idea to just integrate his changes into the main table!
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
Rusty advertises it as an alternative to DOF, and I usually chase behind him and say “… but it’s a great complement to an existing DOF setup!”
You’ve trained that out of me….. I advertise it as both now ;) lol
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
Thanks Guys, thanks Rusty, haven’t DOF Stuff and Extra Sounds, but Worth an Upgrade because of visual Updates,
Thanks for that, HauntfreaksYou need to login in order to like this post: click here
Fantastic, tabel for Stern Thank you
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
So in easy words: Stereo (only) users will not get any disadvantage (missing sounds etc.) by playing a surround sound mod table, but they can benefit from a “better” stereo sound! (?)
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
I can’t see how that is possible Mark70. So, all tables that implements surround sound will benefit you as long as you don’t have anything less than two speakers.
Adjust the audio properties to match as best as possible your setup. Doesn’t hurt switching between a few alternatives. Since I haven’t tried real 7.1 myself, I’m not sure how much of a difference there really is. But, don’t expect big changes with “normal” 2 speaker + sub.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
Hi Thalamus, this is what I did understand from DJRobx’s post above. Like sounds would be better allocated to the (even just two) channels.
Wether stereo improvement or not, at least it is good to know that you can use these mods even for stereo setups without missing any sounds.
I am using a stereo + subwoofer system and still very happy with the sound quality. But you never know, maybe in a few winters : )You need to login in order to like this post: click here
So in easy words: Stereo (only) users will not get any disadvantage (missing sounds etc.) by playing a surround sound mod table, but they can benefit from a “better” stereo sound! (?)
Yes, exactly. Just better overall table sound, no matter what system you have.
Rusty will also typically add sounds where they’re missing (like soft clunks as the ball rolls down ramps), or improve the quality of existing sound samples. More thorough choreography.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
So in easy words: Stereo (only) users will not get any disadvantage (missing sounds etc.) by playing a surround sound mod table, but they can benefit from a “better” stereo sound! (?)
Yes, exactly. Just better overall table sound, no matter what system you have. Rusty will also typically add sounds where they’re missing (like soft clunks as the ball rolls down ramps), or improve the quality of existing sound samples. More thorough choreography.
and together, Rob and I are continuing to come up with more realistic audio choreography, while at the same time making it easier for the table author to implement.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
The lighting on this one looks really realistic — especially under the ramps.
Anyohe else get lost balls and need a restart? Happened to me twice. I’ll try deleting nvram.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
The lighting on this one looks really realistic — especially under the ramps. Anyohe else get lost balls and need a restart? Happened to me twice. I’ll try deleting nvram.
This version in terms of game play is unmodified from requlem’s original, as it is a mod to implement surround sound only. I’d suggest checking in the original table thread as well for answers to any lost ball issues.
That said, I have had a ball drain once or twice and it not reappear in the shooter. A simply nudge solved the issue at the time for me.
You need to login in order to like this post: click here
Forums are currently locked.
