Sound Layers

IMPORTANT

Status: Supported
Minimal version: 1.2

Overview

The Layered Sound System lets you build multi-layer sound composites for weapon shots. Instead of one file, combine several tracks that play together with per-layer volume and delay.

Syntax

Basic layer syntax

Use numbered layers with this naming scheme:

snd_N_layer = path_to_sound, volume, delay

Where:

• N - layer index (starting at 1)
• path_to_sound - path to the sound file
• volume - optional volume (default 1.0)
• delay - optional delay in seconds (default 0.0)

Layer variations

Each layer can have multiple random variations:

snd_N_layer  = sound_path1, volume, delay
snd_N_layer1 = sound_path2, volume, delay  
snd_N_layer2 = sound_path3, volume, delay

Supported sound params

Primary shot sounds

NOTE

These parameters support the layer system:

• snd_shoot - main shot sound
• snd_silncer_shot - silenced shot

Actor shot variants

NOTE

These parameters also work with Sound Layers:

• snd_shoot_actor - actor shot
• snd_shot_last_actor - actor last shot
• snd_silncer_shot_actor - actor silenced shot
• snd_silencer_shot_last - last silenced shot
• snd_silencer_shot_last_actor - actor last silenced shot

Examples

Example 1: Basic layered shot

; Weapon section
[wpn_abakan]
snd_shoot = layered_shot_abakan

; Layered sound section
[layered_shot_abakan]
snd_1_layer = weapons\abakan_shot_core, 1.0, 0.0
snd_1_layer1 = weapons\abakan_shot_variant1, 1.0, 0.0
snd_1_layer2 = weapons\abakan_shot_variant2, 1.0, 0.0

snd_2_layer = weapons\mech_action, 0.8, 0.05

snd_3_layer = weapons\shell_echo, 0.6, 0.1

Example 2: Silenced shot

[wpn_val]
snd_shoot = layered_shot_val
snd_silncer_shot = layered_silenced_shot_val

[layered_shot_val]
snd_1_layer = weapons\val_shot_main
snd_2_layer = weapons\bolt_mechanism, 0.7, 0.08

[layered_silenced_shot_val]
snd_1_layer = weapons\val_silenced_main, 0.9, 0.0
snd_2_layer = weapons\silenced_mech, 0.6, 0.1
snd_3_layer = weapons\bullet_crack, 0.4, 0.15

Example 3: Complex composition with variations

[layered_shot_shotgun]
; Main shot (3 variants)
snd_1_layer  = weapons\shotgun_blast1, 1.0, 0.0
snd_1_layer1 = weapons\shotgun_blast2, 1.0, 0.0
snd_1_layer2 = weapons\shotgun_blast3, 1.0, 0.0

; Mechanical sounds (2 variants)
snd_2_layer  = weapons\pump_action1, 0.8, 0.3
snd_2_layer1 = weapons\pump_action2, 0.8, 0.3

; Echo and reverb
snd_3_layer = weapons\shotgun_echo, 0.5, 0.5
snd_4_layer = weapons\environment_reverb, 0.3, 0.7

Guidelines

✔ Good usage

• Layer numbering: Start with snd_1_layer, increment consecutively
• Variations: Add variants to avoid repetitiveness
• Volume balance: Tune per-layer volume for a natural result
• Delays: Use delays to mimic real mechanical timing

⚠ Limitations

• Order: Layers play concurrently; numbering doesn’t change playback order
• Performance: Many layers can affect performance
• Compatibility: Engine feature must be enabled

✖ Anti-patterns

• Skipping numbers: Don’t skip layer indices (1, 2, 3...)
• Too many layers: Avoid overly complex stacks
• Frequency clashes: Ensure layers don’t fight each other

Debugging / troubleshooting

WARNING

If sounds don’t play:

1. Check sound file paths
2. Verify parameters are supported
3. Confirm layer name syntax (case-sensitive)
4. Ensure the feature is enabled in engine settings