Audio - Revision history

E.vandenberge: /* Windows Settings */

2026-02-03T16:51:23Z

Windows Settings

E.vandenberge at 14:37, 12 January 2026

2026-01-12T14:37:46Z

P.dewater: Reverted edits by P.dewater (talk) to last revision by E.vandenberge

2025-04-28T12:23:40Z

Reverted edits by P.dewater (talk) to last revision by E.vandenberge

P.dewater at 12:22, 28 April 2025

2025-04-28T12:22:33Z

E.vandenberge: /* Export Settings */

2025-04-10T12:34:00Z

Export Settings

E.vandenberge at 14:12, 20 March 2024

2024-03-20T14:12:03Z

E.vandenberge at 14:11, 20 March 2024

2024-03-20T14:11:55Z

E.vandenberge at 15:39, 13 June 2023

2023-06-13T15:39:25Z

P.dewater: /* Windows-audioverbeteringen */

2023-06-13T12:30:09Z

Windows-audioverbeteringen

P.dewater at 12:29, 13 June 2023

2023-06-13T12:29:41Z

@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 ==Windows Settings==
-Windows 10 has a habit of automatically enabling '''audio enhancements''' when connecting new speakers or headphones. These "enhancements" can distort your audio and cause timing issues. Therefore, please make sure they are turned off:
+Windows has a habit of automatically enabling '''audio enhancements''' when connecting new speakers or headphones. These "enhancements" can distort your audio and cause timing issues. Therefore, please make sure they are turned off:
 # Right click sound icon on taskbar (next to clock) -> Sounds
 # Goto Playback tab. Select your audio output device and click "Properties"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:37, 12 January 2026
Line 59:		Line 59:
	audio.close()		audio.close()
	</syntaxhighlight>		</syntaxhighlight>
		+
		+	==See Also==
		+	* [[Audio Interfaces]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-When using video in your experiment, especially when presenting time-critical stimuli, special care should be taken to optimize the video and audio settings on multiple levels (hardware, OS, script), as many things can go wrong along the way.
+When using audio in your experiment, especially when presenting time-critical stimuli, special care should be taken to optimize the audio settings on multiple levels (hardware, OS, script), as many things can go wrong along the way.
-This page outlines some best practices; however, we advise to always consult a TSG member if you plan to run a video experiment in the labs.
+This page outlines some best practices, however we advise to always consult a TSG member if you plan to run an audio experiment in the labs.
 ==Recording==
-When recording video for stimulus material or as input for your experiment, please:
+When recording audio for stimuli material or as input for your experiment, please:
-Use a high-quality camera, with settings appropriate for your application (e.g., frame rate, resolution).
+* Use a high quality microphone, with a [https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/support/a-brief-guide-to-microphones-whats-the-pattern/ polar pattern] suitable for your application.
-Use a high-quality recorder or capture device, capable of recording at 1080p (1920×1080) and 60fps or higher.
+* Use a high quality recorder or audio interface, capable of recording at 24bit and 48kHz or higher.
-Stabilize the camera and avoid automatic exposure, white balance, or focus during recording to prevent inconsistencies.
+* Place the microphone at an appropriate distance from your subject. Set the levels so the audio does not clip (exceeding maximum volume).
-Record in a controlled environment with consistent lighting and minimal background distractions.
+* Record in a quiet environment.
-You can use the facecam for high quality video recording.
 ==Editing==
-We recommend using DaVinci Resolve for editing and converting video files. DaVinci Resolve is a free, professional-grade editing program, available here: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
+We recommend using Audacity for editing and converting audio files. Audacity is open-source and fairly easy to use, available here: https://www.audacityteam.org/
-Alternatively, you can use Shotcut, a simple open-source editor, available here: https://shotcut.org/
+===Export Settings===
-===Video Settings===
+The [[Lab Computer]] audio output is also set to 16 bit, 48kHz. We found that this is good enough for most applications; higher settings will increase file size with limited perceivable quality gains.
-The [[Lab Computer]] displays are typically set to 1920×1080 at 120Hz. We found that this is sufficient for most applications. There are possibilities to go higher.
+In Audacity, you can set up Macros to automate processing and exporting your audio files: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/macros.html
 ==Windows Settings==
-Windows 10 has a habit of automatically enabling '''video enhancements''' or unnecessary processing features, which can interfere with smooth playback. Therefore, please make sure these are disabled:
+Windows 10 has a habit of automatically enabling '''audio enhancements''' when connecting new speakers or headphones. These "enhancements" can distort your audio and cause timing issues. Therefore, please make sure they are turned off:
 ==Playback==
-=== PsychoPy ===
+=== Psychopy ===
-This is an example of a Python script that plays a .mp4 video file with high time accuracy. <syntaxhighlight lang="python" line> from psychopy import visual, core, prefs prefs.hardware['videoLib'] = ['avbin', 'ffpyplayer'] # Choose based on installed libraries
+This is an example of a Python script that plays a .wav file with high time accuracy.
-Create a window
+# Path to audio file
-win = visual.Window(fullscr=True, monitor="testMonitor", units="pix")
+audio_file = "voice.wav"
-Path to video file
+# Load audio
-video_file = "stimulus.mp4"
+# preBuffer – integer to control streaming/buffering -1 means store all
-Load video
+# Play audio
-movie = visual.MovieStim3(win, video_file, size=(1920, 1080), flipVert=False, flipHoriz=False, loop=False)
+audio.play()
-Play video
+# Wait for audio to finish playing
-while movie.status != visual.FINISHED: movie.draw() win.flip()
+core.wait(audio.getDuration())
-Close window
+# Close audio
-win.close() core.quit() </syntaxhighlight>
+audio.stop()

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-When using audio in your experiment, especially when presenting time-critical stimuli, special care should be taken to optimize the audio settings on multiple levels (hardware, OS, script), as many things can go wrong along the way.
+When using video in your experiment, especially when presenting time-critical stimuli, special care should be taken to optimize the video and audio settings on multiple levels (hardware, OS, script), as many things can go wrong along the way.
-This page outlines some best practices, however we advise to always consult a TSG member if you plan to run an audio experiment in the labs.
+This page outlines some best practices; however, we advise to always consult a TSG member if you plan to run a video experiment in the labs.
 ==Recording==
-When recording audio for stimuli material or as input for your experiment, please:
+When recording video for stimulus material or as input for your experiment, please:
-* Use a high quality microphone, with a [https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/support/a-brief-guide-to-microphones-whats-the-pattern/ polar pattern] suitable for your application.
+Use a high-quality camera, with settings appropriate for your application (e.g., frame rate, resolution).
-* Use a high quality recorder or audio interface, capable of recording at 24bit and 48kHz or higher.
+Use a high-quality recorder or capture device, capable of recording at 1080p (1920×1080) and 60fps or higher.
-* Place the microphone at an appropriate distance from your subject. Set the levels so the audio does not clip (exceeding maximum volume).
+Stabilize the camera and avoid automatic exposure, white balance, or focus during recording to prevent inconsistencies.
-* Record in a quiet environment.
+Record in a controlled environment with consistent lighting and minimal background distractions.
+You can use the facecam for high quality video recording.
 ==Editing==
-We recommend using Audacity for editing and converting audio files. Audacity is open-source and fairly easy to use, available here: https://www.audacityteam.org/
+We recommend using DaVinci Resolve for editing and converting video files. DaVinci Resolve is a free, professional-grade editing program, available here: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
-===Export Settings===
+Alternatively, you can use Shotcut, a simple open-source editor, available here: https://shotcut.org/
-The [[Lab Computer]] audio output is also set to 16 bit, 48kHz. We found that this is good enough for most applications; higher settings will increase file size with limited perceivable quality gains.
+===Video Settings===
-In Audacity, you can set up Macros to automate processing and exporting your audio files: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/macros.html
+The [[Lab Computer]] displays are typically set to 1920×1080 at 120Hz. We found that this is sufficient for most applications. There are possibilities to go higher.
 ==Windows Settings==
-Windows 10 has a habit of automatically enabling '''audio enhancements''' when connecting new speakers or headphones. These "enhancements" can distort your audio and cause timing issues. Therefore, please make sure they are turned off:
+Windows 10 has a habit of automatically enabling '''video enhancements''' or unnecessary processing features, which can interfere with smooth playback. Therefore, please make sure these are disabled:
 ==Playback==
-=== Psychopy ===
+=== PsychoPy ===
-This is an example of a Python script that plays a .wav file with high time accuracy.
+This is an example of a Python script that plays a .mp4 video file with high time accuracy. <syntaxhighlight lang="python" line> from psychopy import visual, core, prefs prefs.hardware['videoLib'] = ['avbin', 'ffpyplayer'] # Choose based on installed libraries
-# Path to audio file
+Create a window
-audio_file = "voice.wav"
+win = visual.Window(fullscr=True, monitor="testMonitor", units="pix")
-# Load audio
+Path to video file
-# preBuffer – integer to control streaming/buffering -1 means store all
+video_file = "stimulus.mp4"
-# Play audio
+Load video
-audio.play()
+movie = visual.MovieStim3(win, video_file, size=(1920, 1080), flipVert=False, flipHoriz=False, loop=False)
-# Wait for audio to finish playing
+Play video
-core.wait(audio.getDuration())
+while movie.status != visual.FINISHED: movie.draw() win.flip()
-# Close audio
+Close window
-audio.stop()
+win.close() core.quit() </syntaxhighlight>

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 We recommend using the following export settings:
 * File format: .wav (PCM).
-* Sample Frequency: 44.1kHz.
+* Sample Frequency: 48kHz.
 * Bit depth: 16 bit.
-The [[Lab Computer]] audio output is also set to 16 bit, 44.1kHz. We found that this is good enough for most applications; higher settings will increase file size with limited perceivable quality gains.
+The [[Lab Computer]] audio output is also set to 16 bit, 48kHz. We found that this is good enough for most applications; higher settings will increase file size with limited perceivable quality gains.
 When using multiple audio files in your experiment, make sure they all use the same settings for consistent playback in your experiment.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:12, 20 March 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	~~{{Under construction}}~~
	When using audio in your experiment, especially when presenting time-critical stimuli, special care should be taken to optimize the audio settings on multiple levels (hardware, OS, script), as many things can go wrong along the way.		When using audio in your experiment, especially when presenting time-critical stimuli, special care should be taken to optimize the audio settings on multiple levels (hardware, OS, script), as many things can go wrong along the way.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 This page outlines some best practices, however we advise to always consult a TSG member if you plan to run an audio experiment in the labs.
-==Audio Stimuli==
+==Recording==
-Bij het gebruik van audio bestanden is het belangrijk om ervoor te zorgen dat de bronnen gelijke instellingen hebben, zodat het afspelen consistent en van hoge kwaliteit is.
+You can use our [[Sound Recording Lab]]s for high quality voice recording.
-Advies voor het instellen van gelijke instellingen voor audio bestanden:
+==Editing==
-*1. '''audiobewerkingsprogramma''': Gebruik '''Audacity''' voor het bewerken en beheren van de audio bronbestanden. Audacity is een gratis en open-source audiobewerkingsprogramma dat een breed scala aan functionaliteiten biedt.
+We recommend using Audacity for editing and converting audio files. Audacity is open-source and fairly easy to use, available here: https://www.audacityteam.org/
-*2. '''Bestandsindeling''': Het wordt aanbevolen om gebruik te maken van het '''.wav''' formaat, omdat het een ongecomprimeerd formaat is en geen verlies van audiokwaliteit veroorzaakt.
+===Export Settings===
-*3. '''Bemonsteringsfrequentie''': Zorg ervoor dat alle audio bestanden dezelfde bemonsteringsfrequentie hebben. Dit verwijst naar het aantal samples per seconde in het audiobestand. Stel de bemonsteringsfrequentie van de bron in op '''44.1 kHz''', dit is ook de instelling van windows op de labcomputer.
+The [[Lab Computer]] audio output is also set to 16 bit, 44.1kHz. We found that this is good enough for most applications; higher settings will increase file size with limited perceivable quality gains.
-*4. '''Bits per sample''': Verwijst naar het aantal bits dat per sample gebruikt wordt.  Een hogere bitsnelheid resulteert in een betere audiokwaliteit, maar resulteert ook in grotere bestandsgroottes. Gebruik een bitsnelheid van '''16 bits''', dit biedt een goede balans  tussen geluidskwaliteit en bestandsgrootte.
+When using multiple audio files in your experiment, make sure they all use the same settings for consistent playback in your experiment.
-==Windows-audioverbeteringen==
+In Audacity, you can set up Macros to automate processing and exporting your audio files: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/macros.html
-Op Windows zetten we instelling '''"Enhance audio"''' uit. Het uitschakelen van audioverbeteringen geeft een nauwkeurigere en onvervalste weergave van het audio bestand. Deze instelling is standaard gedaan op de aangesloten speakers van de labcomputer, als u een extra speaker of koptelefoon aansluit zal deze instelling nog aangepast/uitgezet moeten worden.
+==Windows Settings==
-==Code voorbeeld==
+==Playback==
-=== Python ===
+=== Psychopy ===
-Hier is een voorbeeld van een Python-script in Psychopy dat een .wav bestand nauwkeurig afspeelt op basis van tijd:
+This is an example of a Python script that plays a .wav file with high time accuracy.
 <syntaxhighlight lang="python" line>
 from psychopy import sound, core
@@ Line 29: / Line 43: @@
 prefs.hardware['audioLib'] = ['PTB']
-# Pad naar het audiobestand
+# Path to audio file
-audio_file = "pad_naar_audio_bestand.wav"
+audio_file = "voice.wav"
-# Laad het audiobestand
+# Load audio
 # preBuffer – integer to control streaming/buffering -1 means store all
 audio = sound.Sound(audio_file,preBuffer=-1)
-# Speel het audiobestand af
+# Play audio
 audio.play()
-# Wacht tot het audiobestand is afgespeeld
+# Wait for audio to finish playing
 core.wait(audio.getDuration())
-# Sluit het audiobestand
+# Close audio
 audio.stop()
 audio.close()
 </syntaxhighlight>

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 13 June 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	==Audio ~~bestand~~==	+	{{Under construction}}
		+	When using audio in your experiment, especially when presenting time-critical stimuli, special care should be taken to optimize the audio settings on multiple levels (hardware, OS, script), as many things can go wrong along the way.
		+
		+	This page outlines some best practices, however we advise to always consult a TSG member if you plan to run an audio experiment in the labs.
		+
		+	==Audio Stimuli==

	Bij het gebruik van audio bestanden is het belangrijk om ervoor te zorgen dat de bronnen gelijke instellingen hebben, zodat het afspelen consistent en van hoge kwaliteit is.		Bij het gebruik van audio bestanden is het belangrijk om ervoor te zorgen dat de bronnen gelijke instellingen hebben, zodat het afspelen consistent en van hoge kwaliteit is.