What file format for sounds in FSX?

[malibu43]

I'm trying to edit some sounds for an effect tied to an aircraft in FSX. I've gotten the assigned sound to play if I use stock sounds, but I need to edit an existing sound to get exactly what I need.

My first attempt (using Ableton Live 8 because I already have it for some music recording) resulted in a sound that played fine in Windows, but wasn't playing in the sim.

Are there certain bit rates, size, or type restrictions for what FSX will use? I know it needs to be .wav file, but I'm not aware (nor could I find via google search) any other requirements/limitations.

Thanks!

[Tako_Kichi]

This is from the FSX SDK:




The sound engine can load most PCM .wav formats, as well as compressed formats. When a compressed format is used, Audio Compression Manager (ACM), an audio compression module included in Windows, is used to load the file. If you include compressed files, make sure that they are in a format supported (by default) by Windows such as ADPCM.



Most of us who play with FSX sounds use 16-bit PCM format .wav files.

For sound editing many of us also use the freeware 'Audacity' multi-track sound editor.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

[malibu43]

This is from the FSX SDK:



Most of us who play with FSX sounds use 16-bit PCM format .wav files.

For sound editing many of us also use the freeware 'Audacity' multi-track sound editor.

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Thanks! I'm not sure what bit depth I saved to with Ableton (I haven't used it in a while and don't remember a lot about it). I just used audacity to save to 16 bit depth PCM and will give it a try later!

[anthony31]

Sometimes the sound needs to be in mono as well and not stereo. Some sounds in FSX won't play if they are in stereo. I can't remember exactly which ones though but I think they may be some engine sounds.

From Audacity you should try Export... and as a Wav (Microsoft) signed 16bit PCM. I think the sample rate can be anything but I like to keep it to 44.1khz or 22,050hz.

[FSN]

Don't make the mistake like Carenado and now Wilco have done advertising "All stereo sounds" like it's some fancy new thing. For FSX stereo for the interior and mono for the exterior. Mono sounds adhere to spacialization.

This may also help http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc526952.aspx

[malibu43]

Thanks folks! Saving 16 bit PCM mono through audacity worked like a charm!