Sound Files FAQ
From GenieWiki
The main purpose of this FAQ is to help out AOK/AOK:TC designers with any doubts they might have regarding sound files and/or music. If you have a question you can e-mail me or post at the original thread at Age of Kings Heaven.
In-game questions
How can I play music and/or sound files in AOK/AOK:TC?
There are three ways to do it: in the "Effects" trigger list, you can select "Play Sound", "Display Instructions" or "Send Chat".
Remember never to set the source player as GAIA, because if you do so the sound file will not be played.
How do I mute a sound that is still playing?
Set a "Display Instructions" effect, select a sound. Then, on the instructions field, simply press the space bar a couple of times. Next set the display timer to 999999999999999, any huge number works. It also works if you erase the timer (0 works for some players) and never look at the effect again. The music will play. When you want it to stop, just set a new trigger with an effect "Clear Instructions".
Where are the sound files stored?
The default AOK sound directory C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Age of Empires 2\Sound\Scenario.
How can I add new sound files?
By adding new files into C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Age of Empires 2\Sound\Scenario, or whatever directory you have installed AOK.
What types of sound files can I use?
You can use *.mp3 and *.wav. Some computers can also play MIDI (*.mid or *.midi) files.
How do I change an audio file's extension into one that can be played in AOK?
Then you can convert its extension into one AOK can support.
When I set a file to play, it crashes the game! What's going on?
Either the file is corrupted (probably by Windows Media Player 10) or it is not an actual mp3/wav/mid, but another file with a renamed extension. It also occasionally happens when you rename the file's name (not the extension), though it's rare.
Can I play music from a CD in AOK/AOK:TC?
No. You can, however, extract the song from the CD and add it into your sound folder.
Remember never to distribute copyrighted music without permission, wether for comercial/profitable purposes or not. That is illegal.
MCrnigoj's music is awesome! I'm going to use it!
It would be polite to ask for his permission first. Always ask for a designer's permission before using his/hers sound files.
I have played a map in which there was a copyrighted song in it. Isn't that ilegal?
If you extract a copyrighted song from a CD you own and keep it in your personal computer for your own private use, then it is not. However, doing that and distributing (sharing) that song without permission (even if you earn no money from it) is. Therefore, even if you have seen maps with copyrighted songs, I'd strongly advise you not to use them.
Where can I get new music and/or sound files?
Here.
Creating and Editing
How do I make my own music?
First of all, you must know at least a little bit on musical theory, because if you don't, you won't be able to use any programs.
I know nothing on musical theory. Can someone make me some music?
A list of volunteers:
I can't guarantee that your requests will be fulfilled. Those forumers have volunteered themselves to help people out, but I doubt that any of them would take "make me a song, pleeease!" requests as a top priority. But give it a shot, it doesn't hurt to ask.
How do I edit sound files?
Check these programs.
Programs
CD Extractors
- CDex Shareware.
- Free Rip Shareware.
- EAC Shareware.
- Windows Media Player Freeware.
Note: Windows Media Player 10 (or higher) might corrupt files.
Music Makers
All programs listed here are shareware.
- Guitar Pro. An easy-to-use program, with over 127 instruments to work with. MIDI quality.
- Encore. Very similar to Guitar Pro. MIDI quality.
- KB Piano Also very similar to Guitar Pro and Encore. With 225 instruments to work with, though its main focus is piano tracks. MIDI quality.
- Note Worthy Software Also very similar to all listed previously. MIDI quality.
- FruityLoops Hard to use. Focuses on writing loops, that can be played several times in a row. Theorically, it was created for makers of techno music, but due to the large amount of packs and plugins you can download, it becomes almost limitless. MIDI, VST/VSTi and DXi sound quality.
Sound Editors
- Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. Click here for extra information.
- Gold Wave Very powerful, used by several map designers and Flash makers. Shareware.
- Sound Forge From Sony. Extremely powerful, some music studios use it as a treatment for recordings. Shareware.
There is also ProTools (the greatest), but it is professional equipment for studios, and takes an entire computer fully dedicated to it to have it working at its maximum.
Extension Converters
dMC Converter and a few extra codecs.
It is freeware, though it has some sort of pop-up program that is shareware.
Useful Links
- www.findsounds.com. A Google-like engine. Tip: press the "Need Examples?" button.
- www.sounddogs.com. Good to find human voices and phrases.
- MIDI Playback. Originally created by Ensemble Studios, hosted at DGDN.
- Sound Effects Categories. Also at DGDN.
- Sound Effects. At my team's website, Imperial Creations.
- The Internet Renaissance Band. Medieval Music. Ask for their permission before using.
