Doesn't have to be. Four screws, a couple of cables, download my mix (or any other you like) and you are ready to go. Well, also run the speaker harness, but that is easy.

I need to lookup what I bought, but was based upon a very early post in the Getaway thread. Stock speakers will work, but for very little you can get better range and bass. Mine were trashed, so it was a no brained. Also, I will be replacing my right speaker with same size/type as left that will require a little modding in my case since current right speaker is smaller.

Great post. My intent here is not to be the sole authority, but to give a comprehensive overview from by experience. Other options, ideas, and opinions are always welcome.

Doubt that I can spend more time today, but hopefully in the next week or so I can fill in the outline.

Here is what I got from http://partsexpress.com

#295-306- Dayton DC160S0-8 6.5" woofer (cabinet)
#267-080 - Pyle PL53BL Blue Label 5-1/4" Triaxial Speaker Pair (left side)
#267-770 - Pyle Wave PLX32 3-1/2" Coaxial Speaker Pair (right side)

When I bought these, the cost including shipping totaled $63. I actually have an extra new woofer that I would sell you, but with shipping may be close Parts Express price.

You must buy the speakers in pairs, and the 3-1/2" is limted so I'm going to use my other 5-1/4" to replace it.

Well, I don't have a good answer for that. It seems that the 2 bros don't always take the time to document in detail. I know they have full time jobs in addition to this project, and seems like doing is more of a priority than documenting.

Well, I normalized all of my original files in Audacity so haven't had to mess with this.

However, I assume that you would utilize gain files to achieve what you want. Not sure if you can use one in the root of a folder or if you need one in every single sound file folder. Seems hard to find info on gain format and values

Try created a "gain.txt" file and put it in the root folder of the sound type you wish to adjust (e.g. "voice" or "jingle"). Inside the file, from what I can infer you just type a numeric value between 1-20 (e.g. "10", "15", "20", etc.) I assume the higher the number, the higher the gain (e.g. sound amplitude). I also read somewhere that 10 is the standard setting, so maybe sub 10 lowers the gain? It is my impression that if you make these adjustments in PinSoound studio that it creates this file for you, but I've only read and not confirmed that.

I also found another note on an "undocumented" feature called ducking that you may want to try where you impact how everything relates volume wise to the music (don't know if this still works or not). Here is the link to that: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/pinsound-tz#post-2378741

Added a few updates to the guide. Still have much to flesh out, just been really busy and on other projects. I'm happy to integrate info from other contributors.

Glad to hear. You are going to love it! Are you upgrading speakers and wiring for stereo?

I've seen several posts asking about it, but I don't think I've seen anyone giving their experience of doing it. Not to say its not out there, but info is slow coming.

Personally, I've only done mixes for my Getaway (Williams), albeit several of them. Also, I've used another custom mix from a member for Jurassic Park (Data East). Neither of these have what I think you are describing. Does the same thing happen if you record a normal game and then simulate with your orchestration in Pinsound Studio?

Great detective work. Thanks for sharing your resolution.

Thanks for the link. I've not seen this before.

FYI, just updated initial post with videos of my various Getaway PinSound mixes.

Glad you like them, and I hope they help people realize the potential of PinSound. Just wish my mic was better to do it real justice.

By default it will take the folders in order (see my initial post for folder examples). From there, it always remembers your last mix selected, even after power off.

I’ve never done drugs, but can’t imagine they are half as addicting as PinSound!

Just added my 8th custom Pinsound orchestration for the Getaway. Posted on Pinsound forum (approval TBD), and put a video on YouTube of game play (see initial post).

That is a good question as I know Pinsound studio matches a psrec file to an orchestration you already have. I think what you have to do is to somehow extract/download the original sound ROM of the pin. A quick search led me to this (I've not tried this myself): https://www.pinsound.org/sounds-rom-file-extraction.

You can get the ROM you are looking from here (I think this is what you want): http://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=947. Download the 2 MB zip file titled ROMs under the ROMs section. Unzip and there is a text file that tells you what each ROM file is. From there it looks like you can use the other tools listed to see the identity of all the sound events. After that, you just need to create an appropriately named folder and filename.

Sounds like some work and discovery, so please let us know how it goes for you. Sorry I am not much help since I've never done it, but intriguing process.

How long have you waited? I believe it is a manual approval process, so it can take some time (maybe days). What mix are you after?

If you don’t get approved in a couple of days PM me, and I’ll see what I can do to help.

I don’t know but why? Original is stereo but depends upon your speaker system (my game was originally mono, but I rewired for stereo).

One must realize that these are two creative pinball enthusiasts that invented PinSound, and they also have other full time careers. They are contributing significantly to the hobby, and my guess is they are having to license usage so there is an uplift to the pricing to cover that. It's not like they are making thousands of these things and people are lining up to buy them, so unit cost is of course high. You have to view this as a niche product, and is does require DIY and some technical aptitude to get it installed and working which is why the community is so important as it relates to creating orchestrations for the various pins.

I get it that price is significant to many, and that not everyone can afford one (especially if they want to install on multiple pins). Well, the same thing can be said for many things in life, and I'm sure we'd all like to live in mansions, drive exotic sports cars, fly in private jets, and only eat at the finest restaurants, and even though very few of us can afford such things the market still sets the price. Everyone has to make a personal evaluation whether or not there is a cost-benefit return to them and either buy it or don't. If you can find discounted units on the secondary market, then more power to you. It really doesn't take much aptitude to install one, and with a little tinkering with the sound tools you are off and running with your own custom orchestration, let alone simply download one that someone else has already created if available.

I get it, to each his own, and we wish that everything was cheap and/or free, but from my perspective the bros are providing a significant contribution to the hobby, doing it at a fair price, not getting rich off the deal (e.g. they still have to work full-time other jobs). They also take an active roll and attend multiple pin shows in the US and give discounts on merchandise when they come. It is my thread, so I don't mind stepping up on the soapbox now and then, but as always diverse opinions are welcome.

I agree with what you are saying. I wish they could come up with some program to modestly compensate select independent "developers" to author custom orchestrations. The idea would be to build out as many pins as possible whereby broadening the appeal and making things pretty much ready to go out of the box. Sure the user would need to download their specific orchestration (PinSound could not distribute I'm sure due to music licensing), but this would make things simpler for everyone. I'm no ColorDMD company fan (I like the tech), but I believe they follow a process similar to this to get grow their colorized game offerings.

I'm starting to see a pattern in your collection. What's your next theme . . . Werewolf, Mummy, Invisible Man. Hey there's an idea - invisible man made out of all clear acrylic.

Seriously, very cool that you're about done on the Frankenstein orchestration. Be sure to post some YouTube vids so we can all see/hear your work.

Well, going to have to change the rims on my Getaway Lambos to better go with a rap orchestration . . . just sayin'.

Thanks. I've circled back several times, but still have some of my outline in the first post to finish. Thread came out of me learning everything on my own with bits and pieces from various places. I couldn't sleep one night, and waking up around 2:00 I figured, "why not author a guide for Pinsound?"

You can record,your own from gameplay: https://www.pinsound.org/recording

I would start by downloading an existing orchestration then use its structure to determine what sounds a required and how to name them: http://pinsound-community.org/forum/index.php?/files/category/68-last-action-hero

FYI, my approach is to do things in phases. For example, focus on the music first and get all of it right. Second, the FX. Then the call outs, etc.

From the sound quality perspective, the primary issue I could see is that you would need to tweak all of your Pinsound settings (bass/treble/balance/fade/etc.) appropriately to a given orchestration on your pin. I found that it can be a little tricky dialing things in because the sound from where you are standing up by the backbox turning knobs is surprisingly significantly different than from the playing position. Simple solution is to find a helper to turn knobs.

Did you read my first post? Not "hard" but takes some time, tools, and trial and error. By all means, just d/l one of my orchestrations and convert it to .wav files (again, see my first post), then replace my .wav files with whatever you want.

A psrec file is a recording of actual gameplay captured by PinSound on a pin equipped with it. I believe I have a couple of files I could send you, but due to my work scheduled would not be until tomorrow evening at the earliest (please PM me with your email address if interested). The only function of the psrec file (at least for me) is to simulate the progression of an actual game on your computer and hear how your orchestration will sound (is the volume right, is the clip too short, is it too long and gets cutoff, does it make sense, etc.). This methodology beats going back and forth and testing on the actual pin during your orchestration development.

Do you have to use it, no. If you want to take my wav files and base yours off them (e.g. open my files, see the duration and amplitude of the sounds, and adjust your's accordingly to be similar) then you could take this as your first approach and bybass the psrec files altogether.

Start here:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tantrums-guide-to-pinsound#post-3765428

Alternately to messing with the remix, just apply a global gain to the original mix.

You can see how to mount with instruction & video on their website. You will remove/uninstall your current sound board and replace it by mounting the PinSound in the same location. Certain models require different mounting hardware for PinSound which is why you designate your platform when purchasing it. However, all of the PinSound boards are actually the same, regardless of in which pin you are installing it.

Windows version is all I have seen on the site. Don’t see why it wouldn’t work with virtual Windows on a Mac.

There is a quicker way . . . please see my first post.

Alternatively, PM me and I'm happy to give you a link to download the JP drive fully ready to go.

You are aware of this site, right?

http://pinsound-community.org/forum/index.php?/files/category/22-getaway

Is there something in particular you have in mind, or just want to make sure you have access to evaluate everything out there?

Agreed. I just think that the fast paced action and driving theme lends itself to a multitude of musical options verses many/most of the other pins. I also have a Jurassic Park and am using a slightly modified version of Endprodukt's work, but not much else that makes sense on that one other than the music used and sound clips from the movie.

"PSS Pro" is a new tool coming, and I'm not exactly sure what all new features it will have (I'm guessing more advanced orchestration development, support for their new shaker, etc.) Looks like they've taken down PinSound Studio in preparation for the new application release.

So just so you understand, when it comes to creating orchestrations the key use of the current PinSound Studio is to simulate playback of a game using your selected orchestration (i.e. you don't actually create the orchestration, sound edits, etc. with PSS). Please see my opening post for direction on this.

I have PinSound Studio v.08 (not sure how old it is). If you PM me I can send you a download link. You don't actually have to install the app, just extract it to a folder and run it.

As of today, 18.12.3 is the most recent firmware for both versions of PinSound.

Firmware downloads are on the product help pages (scroll down slightly to orange banner).

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Set your game to one ball per game and play several. Also, are you 100% sure there is not another event in the Music folder that is playing instead of the one you think?

Only the folder names are important. They must begin with the numerical value assigned (you can append anything descriptive after that). The filenames within a folder are irrelevant, so I usually name them something descriptive (e.g. the song they are, the effect, etc.)

Didn’t I say that? Well, you may have overlooked since I didn’t use a big fancy college word like “pedantic”. Surprised you didn’t say to keep the file name pithy.

My comments were all in good fun, so glad you took them that way. Besides, we can all use a vocabulary lesson every so often.

Whoever rips the initial orchestration seems to arbitrarily name the sounds whatever they want. I’m helping a fellow Pinsider with a Star Trek now, and the transporter sounds are named teleporter. Close, but come on, man.

That makes no sense. Data transfer is data transfer, and if you are transferring the same amount of data then it will take the same amount of time.

Don't assume you have the most recent firmware. I would update it first to see if that resolves any issues you are having. Here is link for PinSound+ (I assume what you have). Scroll down to orange banner and follow the simple instructions.

That seems really odd, and I'm not sure how to address it. All I can tell you is that I always do my extractions manually. I unzip them on my computer, convert the OGGs to WAV files using free:ac, delete the WAV files, then manually copy the folder to the USB:\audio\ folder and I'm up and running. I don't know if there is a simple t use converter for MAC or not, but all you have to do in free:ac is drag the parent folder of your orchestration into it, and it will pickup all files in all sub folders. Then just push the convert icon and it goes through and converts everything in just a couple of minutes. After that I do a file search for "OGG" in the parent folder and it picks up all original files which I then delete, thereby only leaving the WAV files. At this point the orchestration is ready to go so I copy the entire folder to the "audio" folder on the USB. Plug it in, and PinSound is ready to work since it doesn't have to do a conversion.

I think you mean "ducking"?

See here: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tantrums-guide-to-pinsound#post-3765428

The config.ini file belongs at the root level of the USB drive (i.e. not in an orchestration sub folder). However, I do believe you can put settings files down to the sound file folder level (I've not done it), but don't recall off the top of my head what settings you can apply and what the file name needs to be. If you search hard enough on PinSide, you can probably find the answers (or just trial and error on your own).

You also have to be aware that PinSound Studio has changed significantly with PinSound Studio Pro. Many things no longer apply. The main emphasis of PSSP was to enable shaker programming, and many of the other features previously in PSS will make their way into the application in due time.

No, because it doesn’t work with the new formatting.

The old version is useless now with the new formatting and newer firmwares. PinSound is in a transition now for the better, and we just have to be patient with PSSP development.

The problem will come if/when you start to share your orchestrations with others. Progress, my friend.

Yeah, I kicked and screamed for a little bit, but finally got over it. I didn't have any legacy firmwares, so I was unable to test if downgrading works.

They won't work with the shaker if they are in the old format. However, PinSound has gone through and converted them all (I think) to the new format.

I created a runsheet for all of the music I use in each orchestration. Some is a little descriptive, but basically I just kind of know where the songs are played and how I want them to sound. Here's an example of my Getaway HS2 Techno orchestration.
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I've done full runsheets including shaker actions for each of my commissioned orchestrations. It really helps with knowing what is what, so to speak.

You'll find that some music and sounds are overkill timewise. Also, some SFX need to fall within the original time range or you'll end up cutting them off. Just takes trial and error.

I've definitely heard the electric sounds in the game, just can't recall exactly what triggers each of them.

Sorry, my mistake, was in a hurry. That capture is from the old numbering system. The new numbers are much longer.

Sure, just select the range of a track you want to modify and only apply the amplify effect to it instead of the entire track.

Fade works the same way, select the area you want to modify then apply the fade in or fade out effect to it.

Looks like there is an adapter kit you need. Have you seen this item and watched the installation video?

https://www.pinsound.org/shop/index.php?id_product=40&controller=product&id_lang=1

https://www.pinsound.org/whitestar

I would suggest you contact them. May be more to it than things appear, or could even be a mistake.

The PinSound board has an RCA out. You need to use this connection.

https://qa.pinsound.org/613/best-way-to-wire-powered-subwoofer?show=614#a614

Yes, now would be a great time to see a multitude of new PinSound orchestrations drop.

PM me with details and maybe I can help.

I would highly recommend the PinSound shaker as I have them both in my Getaway and Jurassic Park. If there is already a shaker routine for your game then it is plug and play as long as you have updated PinSound firmware. If not, with no experience you can install the software, make a routine, and be up and shaking in less than an hour. The PinSound Shaker is triggered by sound events and you can assign one of 9 preprogrammed shaker routines plus 3 custom routines you define.

I’ve done 6 or 7 different shaker routines for various pins, and I think PinSound is using 5 of mine as their default. Cool thing is that anyone can easily modify any existing routine to their liking with the free software in a matter of just a few minutes. Funny thing is that I swore to myself that I didn’t need a shaker in any of my games. Guess what, now I have shakers in all three, and two are PinSound (the other is factory AFMr LE).

The physical install is a snap. Comes with simple instructions and a hole template. Run the cable up to the Control board in the backbox that plugs into the PinSound and you’re all done.

Looks like you're the man. If you get to the point where you have ideas but not the desire/ability/time to execute, my services are always for hire. It does take some collaboration on the part of the one paying for me to do the mix since I don't have the pin, but I've actually done several mixes this way. You can PM me if you are interested in learning more.

BTW, to those of you who have created complete shaker routines from games not currently on the list, I highly suggest you PM PinSound and let them know that you are willing to share. They will add support for it in the firmware for everyone to enjoy. This is what I did for my two personal games (Getaway & DE Jurassic Park), and three games that I was commissioned to create routines for where the buyers gave me permission to share (Batman Forever, DE Star Trek, and Terminator 3).

So, you put both orchestration folders in the "audio" folder on the USB, right? If this is the case then you can switch between them exactly like you stated - use the service buttons (or headphone station if you have it), and turn the volume to 0. You will hear a chime and a 5 second preview of the newly selected orchestration. Turn the volume back up to normal and play.

If you can only lower volume to 8 then you need to change the min volume setting in service modes.
A.1 28 Minimum Volume Override | Yes (default is NO)

Indeed. Delete the small folder from the USB, then you have 2 options:

1. Take the zip file of the second orchestration and copy it to the root of the USB. PinSound will automatically extract, convert the files, and create the second folder. This may take several minutes.

2. Unzip folder on your computer, and use FREE:AC to batch transform everything to WAV, After conversion do a search for *.OGG in folder and sub folders then delete the OGG files, then manually copy folder to “audio” folder on USB.

Only WAV is supported, but most of us who create orchestrations convert them to .OGG files simply for compression purposes when posting to the PinSound Community site in order to make for faster transfers.

I would do them one at a time - firmware first. What should happen is you will hear a voice stating that the firmware is updating, and then it will tell you when done. If you copy the firmware file to the root of the drive, start the process, and you hear nothing then you have a legacy firmware and cannot upgrade it with the normal process. If this occurs, please PM me and we can discuss options.

If I recall, the welcome to JP is actually 2 files that are called in sequence. I can check tomorrow for sure.

Just watched your vid, and there is a bad lag. What USB drive are you using? Also, since the pin did go through a move, I would check all of the ribbon cables connected to the PinSound at both ends (would suggest you remove and reseat them).

Your issue is because you replaced the SFX folder. Most likely his mix did not have the same folder naming convention that mine did, which would cause it not to work.

BTW, all of my callouts and effects are already "stereoized" in all of my mixes, so there is no need to replace them to get a stereo effect. However, if there are some custom/different effects you would like to replace or add to for random play, then you need to copy the individual files into the folder structure of my mix (i.e. do not change folder names or add folders with different names (the number portion at the front). The Pinsound config file for each orchestration is married to the specific structure, so if you change it the new folders will not be utilized by the PinSound.

In response to your second post, if the effects are now too quite it is because the other mix was not normalized to my volume levels. Now you will need to create a config file with an entry to amplify the sounds in that folder. I can't remember if you can do it by folder or if you have to do a config for each individual sound file.

Yes, I've been trying to explain this to people for years now. WAV file is the only format PinSound recognizes. The reason many of the orchestrations are in OGG format is simply due to the high compression which makes for quicker uploads/downloads to/from the hosting site. Once converted to WAV either by you manually doing in on your computer (how I always do it.) or allowing the PinSound to unzip the file and perform the conversion you NEVER have to go back to OGG nor zip the orchestration. Simply copy the entire folder structure to the "audio" folder on your USB.

Unfortunately, I don't have access to a IJ to test. What occurs if you use the original sound package on PinSound? This will at least tell you if the sound is not there to start with or if something is amiss with Enproduckt's orchestration.

It was your imagination, but PinSound really brings a new experience to the game so maybe your senses where heightened.

You’re welcome.

You can have multiple orchestrations on a USB. Just lower volume to 0 to switch between them.

The service switches will perform this function, but it is much easier with the external headphones station (which I highly recommend). If you have more than one orchestration when you get volume to 0 you will hear a chime and a 5 second clip of the newly selected orchestration. You then need to turn the volume back up to normal to play. Repeat the process to cycle through all orchestrations you have on USB.

As a FYI, all of my orchestrations contain normalized sound files across music, SFX, Voice, etc. (Audacity is a great tool for this). However, others may normalize at different amplitudes that what I use, so you may have to change volume levels when switching from one of my orchestrations to someone else's.

As far as multiple orchestrations go on a single USB, I've had as many as 10 at once, and run 5 or 6 now with no issues whatsoever. However, more orchestrations on the drive means longer boot times. I rarely switch orchestrations during a game, but depending upon my mood I'll switch before/in between games. The external PinSound Headphones Station is a must have for this application. Even if you never use headphones, the ability to change volume and switch orchestrations from an external dial is so much better than having to open the coin door and use the service buttons.

The key to having multiple orchestrations on a single drive is to make sure you 1) have the latest firmware, and 2) have downloaded the orchestrations recently (say within the last 6 months or so). As a result of the new shaker, there was a period where the orchestrations changed formats. The old format doesn't play well with the newer firmware revisions in my experience, so you need to make sure everything is updated.

Regarding the extension cable, I too do this in my games. I run a 6' USB 3.0 cable from the PinSound, down into the cabinet where I can easy access it from the coin door. This makes like so much easier when doing anything that requires removal of the USB. Now, instead of having to pull my pin out, remove the backglass, and mess with things, I simply open the coin door and there's the USB drive.

PM'ing you.

Awesome, glad you were able to resolve your issue.

Doing it manually on the computer with FRE:AC is a much quicker process. I've typed it up before, but at some point I just need to take the time and make a video for everyone. Couldn't be any simpler or quicker than this way.

PinSound Studio Pro does not currently support PSREC playback. However, I'm in fairly regular contact with Nicolas, and he tells me that it is close to being ready for beta testing. No definite ETA, but it is being worked on and will eventually be implemented.

I know the brothers have had their hands full with family obligations these last several weeks.

Not going to make excuses for them, but try to have some patience. Web submission should be a good way to contact or PM here on PinSide, but response will be delayed.