HPL Sound Test (Windows)

[Rowedekhelicon]

Q0.1. What are your computer specs? Please include Graphics card, Sound card and speaker setup (Hardware and configuration, ie: 5.1 configured at 2.1 output), and DirectX versions too. This all can be checked by running 'dxdiag' (Start Menu -> Run -> dxdiag)

Graphics: nVidia GeForce 7800 GTX 512 (ForceWare v91.31)
Sound: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum (Driver v5.12.2.1143)
Speakers: 5.1 configured at 5.1 output
DirectX: 9.0c

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 FX-57
RAM: 1GB

Q0.2. Have you tried some other games which use OpenAL? And how did they perform?

Yes, I have, and they've all performed brilliantly.

Q0.3. Did the test run on your computer? If not, please write down any error messages you got.

Ran perfectly and without any hassle.

Q0.4. Did it play sound throughout the tests at all?

It played sound all times it was supposed to, and conversely it was silent when it was supposed to be, as well.

Q0.5. Did you notice any glitches/strange noises in any of the tests?

None at all.

Q1.1. When any of the moving sources are playing, are they panning correctly?

Yes. I've found a new program with which to test my speaker balance and arrangement. ^_^

Q1.2. Source 1 gets close and away from the you while it floats around, this should be noticed by changes in the sound volume when playing. Is this working this way for you?

Eh, I was listening for that, but the effect was either not working at all or else it wasn't pronounced enough. It's difficult to tell, though, because the trickling water sample loops at about the same rate as the dot is bouncing back and forth. Unless you move the mouse to keep the dot centered on a particular speaker then it's difficult to tell whether it's the sample itself varying in amplitude or whether it's because of the movements of the dot. You need to be using a longer sample for that test - or else one that has a sustained amplitude.

Q1.3. When Source 2 is playing, the SubWoofer should play too, independently of the Source position. Is this working correctly for you?

Works perfectly.

Q1.4. The ambient sound should play through all the speakers, no matter where you are looking at. Does this work OK?

Yes, however the rear channels could use a substantial boost. While they may technically have the same output volume as the other speakers, the rear speakers have to work a little harder to achieve a proper balance. I believe this is due to the fact that in a 5.1 speaker configuration there are three speakers in front while there are only two in back. That 3:2 ratio must be counterbalanced. As the test is now I had to lean back to hear the rear speakers. All of my speakers are equidistant from my chair, but while sitting normally the ambient loop seems only to be coming from the front.

Maybe if it weren't playing from the center speaker that would make it all better, too...

Q2.1. The GUI Sound should come from the front speakers only. Does this work Correctly for you? If not, explain how it is doing.

No, actually it is playing from all speakers. (though at first it did seem only to be coming from the front because of the issue I detailed in my previous response)

Q2.2. Try pressing the "Play Sample" button quickly several times. Does this produce any glitches in the output?

No glitches. Sounds great.

Q3.1. Did the stream play correctly? From which speakers did the output come?

The stream played and looped perfectly. It played from all 5 speakers and the subwoofer. The center speaker's balance seemed much lower than the other speakers (I even had to hold my ear up against it), which was perfect. It really helped balance out the surround sound effect.