The new XAudio2 sound system in the last June update on iRacing has allowed many users to improve their features that were in the old DirectSound implementation. Although it is true that the new system still needs some adjustment, especially from users, what can be said is that it brings many improvements and much more realism, allowing to hear the contact with the kerbs/rumble strips, the rubber of the tires and the engine with much more clarity.
To enjoy the new audio is as simple as going to the Sound tab in Options and changing the device we are currently using for the same but with Xaudio2, as seen in the image below. In addition, as you can see, you can adjust the volume levels to customize what reaches our ears and how much.
In the header video you have a sample of how some of the most special cars sound in viewer mode. It is an update that although it may go unnoticed, it is very necessary and that improves a lot the immersion, especially when now we can hear clearly some of those kerbs/rumble strips that emit so much sound in real life and that until now were silenced by other conditions.
Another example of configuration by Greg Hill of the iRacing staff:
Update by Greg Hill:
“I’ve been on that other thread for a while.” https://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/25/3740379.page
There are some things to try there if you find yourself clipping. Yes, the tires are noisy, so lower a few dB. I had them up because people told me they weren’t loud enough. Go to Phillip Island (or another kerbs/rumble strips track) and every time you hit a tread, turn off the engine by pressing the clutch and listen to how the tyre slider sounds and tune it to your liking. The GT’s kerbs have a vibration in the panel that could be confused with clipping, it’s a good idea to hear it clearly and have that sound in your head.
I have some members saying that the “engine is too loud” to “I can hardly hear it”.
Anyway, most of the problems are with the headphones and for some people you can’t turn anything down enough to stop the saturation. So I’ve pointed out some problems to the team so we can work on some fixes.
I had hoped that the XAudio2 would be smoother to deploy, but we’ll fix that.
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See you on the track!
You reference the word ‘piano’ several times, and it’s clearly a translation mistake but yet I’m not quite sure what you meant to say in Enlgish? My best guess is these ‘pianos’ are the red/white ‘rumble strips’?
“what can be said is that it brings many improvements and much more realism, allowing to hear the contact with the pianos, the rubber of the tires and the engine with much more clarity”
Yes, It’s a mistake! I meaning F1 kerbs or rumble strips!
XAudio has killed my iRacing expirience. All of the sounds now only come through the sub, or the center channel. Absolutely nothing through the front and rear R/H or L/H speakers. Some upgrade.
Are you using buttkickers or bodyshakers?