UZDoom: XM Modules Don't Reset Properties On Replay

Hey guys, let's dive into a quirky issue some of you might have encountered while enjoying your favorite tunes in UZDoom. Specifically, we're talking about how XM modules behave when they loop or replay. It turns out, things aren't always resetting the way they should, and this can lead to some pretty noticeable audio oddities.

The Curious Case of the Creeping Tempo and Vanishing Volume

The main concern here is that certain properties within XM modules—particularly tempo and volume—aren't being reset to their initial values each time the music replays. Imagine you're cruising through a level in Junkfood 4, grooving to D_M24, and suddenly you notice the tempo dragging. It's like the song is slowly running out of steam, getting slower and slower with each loop. This isn't some artistic choice; it's a bug! The tempo should be consistent, but it's not resetting, leading to this gradual slowdown. And that's a real bummer.

But it's not just tempo. Volume levels can also misbehave. Some XM files out there don't explicitly reset the volume at the start of the track. This means that if the volume was adjusted during the previous playthrough, it might carry over, resulting in unexpected loudness or, more often, a track that fades into near silence after the first loop. This is super frustrating, especially when you're expecting a consistent audio experience throughout your gameplay session. Nobody wants their head-banging soundtrack to turn into a whisper!

Why This Happens

The root cause of this issue lies in how the XM player within UZDoom handles these module properties. It seems that the player isn't automatically resetting tempo and volume to their default states when a track replays. Instead, it's retaining the last known values, which can change dynamically during the song's playback. Think of it like this: if the song gradually decreases in tempo or lowers the volume, those changes stick around, accumulating with each loop until the music sounds nothing like it should. It is important to note that these problems are exacerbated in modules that do not explicitly define initial values for tempo and volume. A well-authored module should always start by setting these parameters to ensure consistent playback, but not all modules are created equal.

The Impact

The impact of this bug extends beyond mere annoyance. For level designers, it can completely undermine the intended mood and atmosphere of their creations. Music is a powerful tool for setting the stage and creating emotional resonance. When the music doesn't behave predictably, it can disrupt the player's immersion and diminish the overall gaming experience. Imagine crafting a tense, atmospheric level, only to have the music slowly grind to a halt, killing the suspense. Or picture a high-energy action sequence where the music fades into nothingness, leaving the player feeling deflated. These are the kinds of problems that this seemingly minor bug can cause.

For players, it simply means a less enjoyable experience. Music is a vital part of the gaming experience, and when it doesn't sound right, it can be distracting and frustrating. Instead of being fully engaged in the game, players might find themselves constantly adjusting volume levels or wondering why the music sounds so weird. This detracts from the fun and can even lead to players turning off the music altogether, which is a shame.

Technical Details

• Affected Game: All games using UZDoom.
• Operating System: Windows 10 (though likely affects other OSes as well).

Proposed Solution

The suggested fix is straightforward: ensure that the XM player resets both tempo and volume at the beginning of each playback. This would guarantee that the music always starts as intended, regardless of what happened during the previous playthrough. It's a simple change that would have a significant positive impact on the overall audio experience in UZDoom. For the developers out there, the fix involves modifying the XM player code to explicitly reset these values whenever a track is replayed. This might involve adding a function to store the initial tempo and volume settings and then recall them each time the track loops. Alternatively, the player could be instructed to read the initial values directly from the XM file header at the start of each playback.

Additional Considerations

While resetting tempo and volume would address the most pressing issues, it might be worth considering other properties as well. For example, panning and other effects could potentially suffer from similar problems. A comprehensive solution would involve identifying all relevant properties that can change during playback and ensuring that they are properly reset on each loop. It would also be beneficial to add some error handling to gracefully handle XM files that are missing essential information. If a module doesn't specify initial tempo or volume settings, the player could use default values to ensure consistent playback.

Let's Get This Fixed!

This issue, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact the overall gaming experience. By ensuring that XM module properties like tempo and volume are properly reset on replay, we can ensure that the music in UZDoom always sounds its best. Hopefully, the developers will take note of this issue and implement the suggested fix. In the meantime, keep an eye out for those slowing tempos and vanishing volumes, and remember that you're not alone in this audio adventure! Let's keep the feedback coming so we can make UZDoom the best it can be. Cheers, and happy dooming! Remember, this bug was observed in Junkfood 4 while playing D_M24. If you want to hear it for yourself! Here is the configuration:

No log was provided.