Craig Tucker 1463103 Posted October 18, 2019 at 04:50 PM Posted October 18, 2019 at 04:50 PM The VHF simulation is fantastic but it unfortunately has the side effect of amplifying already too loud input levels. My ears are being blasted more often than not on frequency, I have xPilot set to 10% system volume and still some people are incredibly loud. Turning off 'Realistic radio effects' helps quite a bit because the voices aren't amplified to the same extent, but the problem lies with the other person's input settings. I've seen a few controllers doing a good job of encouraging people to fix their mics, especially London controller last night. Poor guy was going deaf. However, I then went and flew in the US and it was the controller who was too loud! It's so jarring when eveyone's audio levels are inconsistent. I'm constantly adjusting my own system volume to work around other people's improper setup. We need more people to pay attention to and correct their settings for the benefit of everyone. The settings menu for AFV, xPilot and other clients do specifically say "make sure levels are in the green band", but never underestimate the attention span of people to not read that text. I suggest it should be mandated as part of AFV integration that all clients implement a warning notification if input levels are detected to exceed the recommendation. The warning will persist until they correct it. People will pay far more attention to a warning and perhaps then we will manage to achieve consistent levels across the network. A PSA in the welcome text when joining the VATSIM network would also help direct more attention I'm sure. To everyone else, if you hear someone on the network who is very loud, send them a private message to check their input levels. Most people just "set and forget". With the new codec, those settings actually make a huge difference. Get them right. Of course different equipment, different mic positions etc. all play a part, but if at least everyone just checked their input level we'd all be better off! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Carlson Posted October 18, 2019 at 06:34 PM Posted October 18, 2019 at 06:34 PM Agreed ... you'll be happy to know that this is already being discussed among the devs. Developer: vPilot, VRC, vSTARS, vERAM, VAT-Spy Senior Controller, Boston Virtual ARTCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Tucker 1463103 Posted October 18, 2019 at 11:42 PM Author Posted October 18, 2019 at 11:42 PM Great to hear! If all the client devs agreed on a way to warn users if their mic is peaking would go a long way. So many people just "set and forget" their mic, or are in the habit of setting it too high to counteract the old codec quality. If I've learned anything from software development it's that many users can't follow simple instructions, such as "check your audio is within the green band". Some people need a helpful shove, or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Carlson Posted October 19, 2019 at 02:44 AM Posted October 19, 2019 at 02:44 AM I'd like to see us adopt some sort of AGC (Automatic Gain Control) so it's truly plug-and-play. Developer: vPilot, VRC, vSTARS, vERAM, VAT-Spy Senior Controller, Boston Virtual ARTCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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