[Openal] Input Wav Format in order to hear effects

[Chris Robinson]

On Wednesday 18 June 2008 04:14:16 am aconstantin wrote:
> I noticed that the only files I can successfully load with
> alutLoadMemoryFromFile() AND upon which I can put my effects are .wav-s
> with the format no. 4353.
> Other .wavs, that have the format 4354 or 4355 can play, but I can't hear
> any effects whatsoever
>
> My questions are:
> - What is the meaning of that number ?

It's the format of the wave data (of the AL_FORMAT_ types). 4353 is 0x1101, 
which is AL_FORMAT_MONO16. 4354 and 4355 are AL_FORMAT_STEREO8 and 
AL_FORMAT_STEREO16 respectively.

> - Why can't I hear any effects play on any other format / What are the
> compatible formats for EFX to work  ? (if more than one)

Apparently the effects only work on mono sounds. Stereo/multichannel sounds 
bypass the spatialization and effects stuff.

> - What converting tool should I use to change my .wav format to the right
> one (4353) ? or is there any other way to workaround this issue ?

Any wave editor should be able to convert stereo to mono. I know Audacity can. 
I don't remember if Windows Sound Recorder can..

> I also have in mind to include .ogg support in my C# app (it's gonna take
> me a while to convert the C++ tutorials, resolve dependencies, etc - help
> is most appreciated), but I'm afraid I'll run into the same problems....
>
> Can anyone shed some light on the subject ?

Basically, if you want to position the sound in 3d space or add effects to it, 
it must be mono. As long as that's the case, the compression format (eg. Ogg) 
shouldn't matter, once you can decode it of course.