#GameAudio

[adafruit]

Testing Dark Castle with audio on the RP2350 Fruit Jam 🕹️🏰

Jepler spent a bunch of time this week working on getting audio working on the pico-umac port https://github.com/jepler/pico-mac/tree/rp2350-fruitjam to Fruit Jam

. Audio on the hardware we're emulating is pretty straightforward: every scanline of the video generator also pops out one byte of PWM data. We have 370 horizontal lines—352 visible and 18 during the vsync—and a 60.15 Hz refresh rate for 22.255 KHz audio approximately. That data is written to $1FD00 http://www.mac.linux-m68k.org/devel/plushw.php . That data is being piped over I2S to the MAX98357

and to a speaker for now.

So, of course, the first thing we have to try out is Dark Castle

: famous for great audio and being a surprisingly hard game to play! The audio sounds really good though :)

[youmegravity]

Had to write a big band arrangement for uni… I'm sure there are plenty of mistakes in there but I'm proud of it :) I worked on it for like 12 hours today because iiiiii suck at planning

[melonadem]

Here's something I made during the initial hype period for Sonic Superstars - someone posted a while ago some visuals from Speed Jungle and I wanted to create a piece of music that'd fit it - went for a Tee Lopes-style thing! I think I did well! What do you think?

[adriantalens]

Davigo Launch Trailer

I worked on the music and sound design for this launch trailer! Davigo is a cross-reality game where both VR and PC players battle it out

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0x7ZD1ynGk

Check it out on Steam early access and Meta Quest

[thecactusbear]

Smol breakdown on the elements that make up Dragonbrand's theme from Cross Blitz by Tako Boy Studios and The Arcade Crew. Had a blast coming up with this track!

[musicvsartstuff]

🎹 NEW! Cyberpunk music for indie games or other projects

[rephaimartandsound]

Vipertrace is out! I did all the foley, sound effects and music. Go download it on Steam!

[spookysphereswarm]

What is OpenAL? OpenAL: Should I Remove It?

Have you ever looked at your installed software or system programs and noticed something called OpenAL? You might have been asking yourself, "What is OpenAL, and do I need it?" Here in this article, we will tell you all there is to know about OpenAL, its purpose on your computer, if it's safe, and if you can remove it. 

What is OpenAL?

OpenAL is an abbreviation for Open Audio Library, a cross-platform audio API (Application Programming Interface) used for the rendering of multichannel three-dimensional positional audio. It was authored by Loki Software and then continued to be supported by Creative Labs, the same entity responsible for Sound Blaster sound cards.

The API has the same idea as OpenGL (Open Graphics Library), but for rendering graphics. Although OpenGL is concentrated on graphics, OpenAL is concentrated on 3D audio, particularly in 3D environments such as video games or simulations.

Simply put, OpenAL gives realistic sound experiences through emulating how a sound behaves in three-dimensional space. It enables programmers to define how sound propagates from various directions, how it reflects off surfaces, and how it varies based on listener movement, contributing to realism in a game or program.

Why Is OpenAL Installed on My Computer?

Now that we’ve answered "What is OpenAL?", the next logical question is, Why is it on my system?

You might not remember installing it yourself, and that’s perfectly normal. OpenAL typically gets installed automatically alongside certain games, multimedia applications, or drivers that use it for audio rendering.

Some common scenarios include:

PC Games: Titles that use 3D audio may bundle OpenAL with the game installer.

Sound Card Drivers: Especially those from Realtek or Creative Labs will include OpenAL as part of their driver package.

Software Suites: Certain multimedia editing software and simulation games have OpenAL available for their advanced sound playback.

Basically, if an application relies on OpenAL for sound capabilities, it will automatically install it, usually without prompting, since it's considered a runtime dependency.

Is OpenAL a Virus or Malware?

Not at all. OpenAL is not a virus, malware, or malicious software of any kind. It's an authentic audio API utilised by programmers to improve the audio performance and experience.

Since OpenAL tends to appear without user-initiated installation, some users may mistakenly think it's suspicious. But you don't have to worry—it's a safe and stable component created and supported by reputable companies.

If you're still in doubt, you can scan for security using your antivirus or anti-malware software, but OpenAL itself doesn't have any inherent danger.

What Does OpenAL Do?

Let's dive deeper into what it can do. OpenAL supports precise simulation of 3D audio, which makes it perfect for:

Video Games: Sound effects such as footsteps, shots, and ambient sounds can seem like they're coming from certain directions and distances.

Virtual Reality (VR): Precise audio positioning adds to the sense of immersion.

Simulations and Training Software: Realistic sound placement aids in the creation of realistic situations.

Multimedia Editing: In certain situations, editing tools might utilise OpenAL for 3D audio track rendering or previewing.

OpenAL uses a listener-source model. Think of the "listener" as your ears (the player), and "sources" as the various sounds in a game environment. OpenAL then calculates how those sounds should be heard based on position, movement, and acoustics.

OpenAL Versions and Compatibility

OpenAL is designed to be cross-platform, meaning it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. There are different versions and implementations, including:

OpenAL Soft: A widely used open-source version of OpenAL, frequently employed as a drop-in replacement for the original.

Creative Lab's OpenAL: The closed-source edition is occasionally included with sound cards.

Most current systems or games utilise OpenAL Soft nowadays because of its continuing development and support for new systems.

OpenAL and Gaming: Does It Enhance Performance?

In games, OpenAL doesn't accelerate system performance itself, but plays its role in sound quality and immersion. You may not get additional FPS (frames per second), but:

Sound will be more natural-sounding and responsive.

Directional audio cues will be more precise, particularly in 3D environments or first-person shooters.

Hardware acceleration (in certain sound cards) can transfer audio processing from the CPU.

So while OpenAL isn't a performance enhancer in the classical sense, it is a boost to your audio experience, and that can be a vital part of gameplay.

Should I Remove OpenAL?

This is one of the most popular questions you will get after finding OpenAL installed on your machines. The short response? In most instances, no, you don't need to remove it.

If you're gaming in 3D, playing virtual reality software, or launching any program that provides surround sound, OpenAL is probably necessary to make those applications function properly. Even if you don't know whether a program employs it, uninstalling OpenAL may cause problems with sound to behave unexpectedly or for applications to crash when you play games or multimedia software.

Alternatively, if you've completely removed old games or software from your system and you're certain that nothing you're using relies upon it, you can remove OpenAL. To be honest, though, the software is small—usually under 10 MB—and won't affect system performance or storage in any significant way. So, unless you're purposefully seeking to clear space of unwanted software, there's no advantage in getting rid of it.

In summary, if you haven't had any issues, it's best to leave OpenAL alone. It's harmless, lightweight, and can still be needed by some programs that you utilise today, or perhaps use in the future.

Can I Reinstall OpenAL?

Yes! If you uninstall OpenAL and subsequently discover that a program or game requires it, you can simply reinstall it.

Here's how:

Have the game or app reinstall itself—most will ask or do so quietly at launch.

Manually download it from reputable sources such as the OpenAL website or through Steam/driver packages.

OpenAL alternatives

While OpenAL is prevalent, there are other audio APIs:

FMOD – Used frequently in indie and AAA titles for more complex audio.

Wwise – A professional, highly customizable audio engine.

DirectSound / XAudio2 – Microsoft's closed-source audio libraries.

These alternatives can be employed at the whim of the developer, but a lot of older and even some modern games still make use of OpenAL for certain audio functionality.

Conclusion: Is OpenAL Worth Keeping?

Let's summarise:

What is OpenAL? It's an API for cross-platform delivery of 3D audio in games and software.

Why is it on your system? Installed with games or drivers that need it.

Is it safe? Yes, 100%.

Does it do any good? For supported games and applications, yes—it enhances audio immersion. 

Should you uninstall it? Only if you are certain you don't need it, and you're trying to eliminate unnecessary programs. Even then, its effect is minimal.

In the majority of instances, it's better to leave OpenAL installed. It will not do any harm to your system, does not occupy much space, and may be essential to your gaming or multimedia experience. If unsure, leave it be, particularly if you play 3D games or have VR software.

[dvnzook]

Anyone suggest good tools for creating wind sound effects?

Wanting a dynamic tool or VST that'll let me play around with it. Extra points if its free or cheap.

[soundbanks06]

Heavyocity–NP01 Intimate Textures

Discover the breathtaking sound of Heavyocity – NP01 Intimate Textures! 🎻✨

🎶 EMOTIONAL. TEXTURAL. ORCHESTRAL. 🎶 Combining the lush and textural beauty of violin, viola, and cello chamber string ensembles with Heavyocity’s signature hybrid sound design, Intimate Textures delivers a stunning palette of evolving string textures and performances. This library is designed for composers who seek deep, expressive, and modern orchestral sounds.

🔹 Traditional Strings with a Modern Edge Featuring innovative extended techniques like vibrato waves and octave pulses, along with traditional articulations such as sul tasto and sul ponticello, Intimate Textures empowers you to craft unique, cinematic soundscapes effortlessly.

🔹 Hybrid Strings for Contemporary Scores Blend pristine chamber string sources with the award-winning NOVO engine to create lush, effected string elements. These hybrid textures are ideal for today’s modern film and game scores, providing a perfect mix of organic and treated sound sources.

🔹 Tweak Less, Compose More With over 190 expertly-crafted snapshot presets, Intimate Textures allows you to focus on composing rather than spending hours tweaking settings. Let the meticulously designed presets inspire your creativity right from the start!

🎧 Experience the Sound 📽️ Demo Walkthrough 📽️ Content Overview 📽️ Preset Playthrough 📽️ Trailer

💬 What People Are Saying: 🌟 “Intimate Textures sounds fantastic and comes with mind-blowing malleable lush sounds, which I consider in a leading position when it comes to evolution and texture libraries. 5/5.” – Thorsten Meyer

🌟 “A deeply wonderful instrument. 10/10.” – Computer Music Magazine

🌟 “While this is not a complete string library, it just might become one you reach for time and again—to enhance existing libraries or to create something truly unique.”

🎼 Unleash Your Creativity With advanced technique performances, Intimate Textures delivers a clean and lyrical sound, rich with movement and emotion—ideal for scoring film, games, and television. The award-winning NOVO engine offers unparalleled control, from modulating multiple parameters with MACRO CONTROL to crafting rhythmic pulses, swells, and granular-style pads with the acclaimed CYCLE feature.

📌 Ready to elevate your compositions? Get Heavyocity – NP01 Intimate Textures today! 🔗 Learn More & Purchase

#Heavyocity #IntimateTextures #OrchestralStrings #HybridStrings #FilmScoring #GameAudio #MusicProduction #SoundDesign #MusicComposer #KontaktLibrary #VirtualInstruments

[blaekmuskmusic]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BlaekMusk (@blaekmusk)

The secret to better audio production? 🤔 Letting go! ✨ Don’t get too attached to early versions during the music production process.Sometimes, the freshest ideas are the best. But you also need to know when to push forward. Here’s a tip: Need to decide if something’s better? Give your ears a break for 24-48 hours, then come back with a clear head! 🎧Need some guidance with your project? Hit me up! 📩

[youmegravity]

What if you're just taking a nice stroll through the fantasy forest but suddenly you start hearing. the choirs

[elijah22]

Soundiron – Rhythmic Odyssey Download

Are you ready to elevate your music production to pro-level heights? Look no further than Soundiron – Rhythmic Odyssey, a groundbreaking loop-based virtual percussion instrument and modular loop library designed for Kontakt Player and compatible with any software or hardware. This exceptional collection, crafted by the renowned British instrumentalist and media composer David Oliver, is a treasure trove of dynamic, hand-crafted percussion performances that will transform your creative process.

Why Rhythmic Odyssey Stands Out

Rhythmic Odyssey is not just another percussion library—it’s a rhythmic masterpiece that combines versatility, authenticity, and innovation. With over 130 distinct instruments ranging from traditional drum kits to rare world percussion like raw pine tree logs, this library offers an unparalleled variety of sounds. Whether you're scoring for films, games, or multimedia projects, Rhythmic Odyssey provides the tools you need to create powerful, spirited, and authentic rhythms.

Key Features That Make It Pro-Level

100 Percussion Track Sets: Explore a vast range of styles, from traditional ethnic arrangements to hard-hitting rock grooves.

Modular Loop Library: Includes 6,648 loops split into 8 discreet solo/sub-mix tracks, plus wet and dry stereo master tracks.

Non-Encrypted WAV Files: Use the loops in any DAW, sampler, or hardware unit that supports 24-bit/48kHz stereo WAV files.

Innovative Interface: Customize loops with playback direction, slice order, ADSR, and step-automation sequencing for volume, pitch, pan, and filter parameters.

Detailed Documentation: Easily navigate the library with human-readable sample names and a comprehensive loop database.

The Genius Behind the Sounds: David Oliver

David Oliver is a celebrated percussionist whose work has graced numerous award-winning films and television programs. Known for his intuitive and inventive approach, David has collaborated with Emmy-winning composers like William Goodchild and Barnaby Taylor. His contributions to soundtracks like Ultimate Honey Badger (National Geographic) and Africa’s Giant Killers (BBC Natural World) have earned critical acclaim and massive viewership.

David’s passion for rhythm and exploration shines through in Rhythmic Odyssey. From crafting his own instruments like UDU drums and bamboo slit drums to performing live for music therapy, David brings a unique depth and authenticity to this library.

Endless Creative Possibilities

Rhythmic Odyssey is more than a tool—it’s an inspiration engine. With its innovative loop browser, you can filter by style, instrument, tempo, and time signature. Star your favorite loops for quick recall, and tweak each loop down to the individual slice. Whether you’re creating cinematic scores, electronic beats, or experimental soundscapes, this library offers endless creative possibilities.

Ready to take your music to the next level? Download Rhythmic Odyssey today and unlock the power of world-class percussion: 👉 Download Now

[ogrepixel]

Turn the sound on! Here is a fragment of the main theme for Black Tower Enigma for the Game Boy

What do you think?

It was made by Rodrigo Nuñez!

[extraplugins02]

Download Soundiron – Sonespheres 2 Origins

Discover the inspiring world of ambient sound design with Soundiron - Sonespheres 2 Origins. This exceptional sample library, crafted in collaboration with renowned composer Blake Ewing, offers a mesmerizing collection of cinematic textures, evolving soundscapes, and rich atmospheric elements perfect for film scoring, ambient music production, and experimental sound design.

Immersive Sound Design for Your Productions

Soundiron - Sonespheres 2 Origins is designed to empower composers and producers with an expansive sonic palette. Whether you're working on cinematic scores, electronic music, or game audio, this sample library provides meticulously recorded and processed sounds that evoke deep emotion and immersive atmospheres.

With a focus on organic and synthetic hybrid textures, this collection delivers an inspiring range of evolving pads, lush drones, delicate keys, and atmospheric soundscapes that blend seamlessly into your compositions. The sounds are beautifully layered to create depth, movement, and dynamic expression.

Features and Highlights

Evolving Soundscapes: Layered pads and atmospheric textures that shift and transform over time.

Organic & Synthetic Elements: A blend of natural recordings and electronic synthesis for a unique sonic character.

Comprehensive Instrument Categories: Includes ambient keys, evolving drones, ethereal pads, and cinematic textures.

High-Quality Samples: Professionally recorded with meticulous attention to detail.

User-Friendly Interface: Designed for effortless tweaking and customization.

Seamless DAW Integration: Compatible with major digital audio workstations (DAWs), including FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cubase.

Wide Range of Presets: Curated presets provide instant inspiration for any production style.

Flexible Controls: Modulation, envelope shaping, and effects for creative sound manipulation.

Ideal for Multiple Music Genres

This versatile sample library is perfect for various music genres and production needs, including:

Film Scoring & TV Productions – Craft deep and emotional soundscapes that enhance storytelling.

Ambient & Chillout Music – Create soothing atmospheres with rich, evolving textures.

Electronic & Experimental Music – Explore hybrid organic-electronic sound combinations.

Game Audio Design – Enhance gameplay with immersive sonic environments.

New Age & Meditation Music – Design peaceful, ethereal backgrounds.

Why Choose Soundiron - Sonespheres 2 Origins?

By choosing Soundiron - Sonespheres 2 Origins, you're investing in a powerful toolkit that brings cinematic quality and emotional depth to your music. The expertly crafted samples and user-friendly interface allow both beginners and professionals to explore endless creative possibilities with ease.

System Requirements

To get the best experience from this library, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

Compatible with Native Instruments Kontakt (Full Version)

Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended for optimal performance)

10GB of free disk space

Compatible with macOS and Windows

Get Your Copy Today

Elevate your productions and bring your musical ideas to life with Soundiron - Sonespheres 2 Origins. Whether you're scoring a film, designing game audio, or producing ambient music, this library provides the essential tools to achieve a professional and inspiring sound.