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Game Audio Metering: Tools and Techniques

Learn about the importance of audio metering in game development, including different meter types, calibration, setup options, and software plug-ins. Discover how audio meters can be used by audio directors, mix engineers, programmers, quality assurance teams, and production/marketing departments to ensure consistent and high-quality audio in games.

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Game Audio Metering: Tools and Techniques

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  1. Audio Metering for Game Developers

  2. Audio Metering for Game Developers • Jason Cobb • Game Audio Design • GL33k • The Sound Department – Austin

  3. Game Audio Metering Room Survey

  4. Game Audio Metering Room Survey • Who uses audio meters to examine game sound output levels on a regular basis?

  5. Game Audio Metering Room Survey • Who uses audio meters to examine game sound output levels on a regular basis? • Who considered metering but has not set it up?

  6. Game Audio Metering Room Survey • Who uses audio meters to examine game sound output levels on a regular basis? • Who considered metering but has not set it up? • Who is unfamiliar with audio metering?

  7. Audio Meters are a Fixed Frame of Reference • Playback systems color sound output • Listening environments are different • Amplification is variable • Listener fatigue changes perception of loudness • Individuals hear things differently

  8. Audio Meters Provide Useful Information • Warnings for loudness issues and signal clipping • Visualization of levels and spectral response • Practical metrics for discussion of mix changes and audio modulation • Coordinate sound teams and inform other disciplines

  9. Game Audio Metering Potential Users • Audio Directors and Mix Engineers • Established tools for audio production • Stay on top of the mix • Loudness consistency across game levels implemented by a team

  10. Game Audio Metering Potential Users • Audio Directors and Mix Engineers • Established tools for audio production • Stay on top of the mix • Loudness consistency across game levels implemented by a team • Audio Programmers and Designers • Check reference of sounds implemented • Log audible result of audio modulations • Debug audio engine errors

  11. Game Audio Metering Potential Users • Quality Assurance • Identify cases of over-modulation • Gain insight into audio bugs • Verify adherence to technical standards

  12. Game Audio Metering Potential Users • Quality Assurance • Identify cases of over-modulation • Gain insight into audio bugs • Verify adherence to technical standards • Production and Marketing • Avoid distorted game capture audio • Reminder to sometimes mute channels in game captures • (Record only sound effects in game captures and add voice and music in post)

  13. Audio Meter Types • Peak Program (PPM) • Identify signal peaks • Root Mean Squared (RMS) • Identify average loudness • Frequency Weighted Loudness • (VU, CBS, ITU BS.1770) • Illustrate loudness in context of hearing

  14. Audio Meter Types • Signal Phase Comparison • Illustrate differences between channels • Multiband Filtered • Illustrate bands of frequency response • Spectral Transform • Illustrate signal frequency response • Time graphs and statistics • View level history

  15. Game Audio Meter Calibration • Calibration test tones in game • Noise, Sine, Sweep, Transient • Game audio channel options at full volume • Or an agreed-upon calibration volume • No attenuation between game output and meters • Gain and stereo balance at unity

  16. Game Audio Meter Calibration • View level of test tones in meters • Verify levels match reference values • Adjust gain trim to compensate • Offset any direct current • Set meter type, scale, zero, and ballistics

  17. Game Audio Sources • Game engine or audio middleware self-metering • Digital stereo and matrix surround • Digital encoded surround sound • Analog mono / stereo / surround • Analog matrix surround sound

  18. Audio Metering Setup Options • Developers workstation sound card input • Virtual audio cable • Input meter routing in session of primary audio workstation • Spare audio workstation • Mobile recording laptop rig

  19. Digital Audio Connections • Digital Audio Optical Splitter • Passive device • Ground isolation

  20. Digital Audio Connections

  21. Digital Audio Connections

  22. Digital Audio Connections • Digital Audio Coaxial • 75 Ohm passive video splitter • Digital Audio Router • Handle multiple sources • Mixed-type connections

  23. Analog Audio Connections • Consumer Stereo Audio Splitter • RCA plugs with taps • RCA Y-splitters and cables • Impedance adapters • Consumer Headphone Connections • Stereo mini-jack splitters • Inline volume trim • Micro-jack adapters

  24. Analog Audio Connections

  25. Analog Audio Connections

  26. Audio Metering Software • Orban • Loudness Meter

  27. Audio Metering Software • Audiofile Engineering • Spectre

  28. Audio Metering Software • Programmable Analysis Software • Spectrum Analyzer Pro

  29. Audio Metering Software • Pinguin • Audio Meter Pro

  30. Audio Metering Software • Metric Halo • SpectraFoo

  31. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Roger Nichols Digital • Inspector

  32. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Roger Nichols Digital • Inspector XL

  33. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Flux • Stereo Tool

  34. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Digidesign • Trillium Lane Labs MasterMeter

  35. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Digidesign • PhaseScope and SurroundScope

  36. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Digidesign • Dolby Surround Tools

  37. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Neyrinck • SoundCode

  38. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Waves • PAZ Analyzer

  39. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Waves • Dorrough Stereo and 360

  40. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Nugen Audio • Visualizer

  41. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Blue Cat Audio • Analysis Pack

  42. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • Bias • Reveal

  43. Audio Metering Plug-Ins • TC Electronic • LM5 Loudness Radar

  44. Game Audio Metering Takeaways

  45. Game Audio Metering Takeaways • Use as a starting point for sound implementation volume levels

  46. Game Audio Metering Takeaways • Use as a starting point for sound implementation volume levels • Coordinate work of multiple implementers

  47. Game Audio Metering Takeaways • Use as a starting point for sound implementation volume levels • Coordinate work of multiple implementers • Keep in view and mix as you implement

  48. Game Audio Metering Takeaways • Use as a starting point for sound implementation volume levels • Coordinate work of multiple implementers • Keep in view and mix as you implement • Minimize mixing at the end of the project

  49. Game Audio Metering Takeaways • Use optical digital audio if possible

  50. Game Audio Metering Takeaways • Use optical digital audio if possible • Use analog audio when limited by gear or situation

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