User:Simsmagic/How to Replace the SRB2 Vanilla Soundtrack

From SRB2 Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
To do
Add pictures for additional reference.

Not everyone is particularly happy with the default soundtrack packaged with SRB2, and wish to change portions of it; usually replacing a certain music file in the game with another one. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Download a Lump Editor

I personally recommend either XWE or SLumpED for this purpose, as I've found that they're the easiest to work with.

XWE Website

SLumpED Website

Note: You must have administrative privileges in order to install and use XWE. SLumpED, however, does not require them. If you are unsure whether you have these, ask the owner of the computer that you are using. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, please click here for additional installation instructions.

Step 2: Open "music.dta" in Your Selected Editor

If you're using XWE, you can just simply open it as it is. It is recommended that you back up your file beforehand in case you mess up, however. In SLumpED, you must first rename your file to "music.wad". This is because it's only programmed to recognize .wad files, and attempting to open up a .dta won't do you any good.

Step 3: Find the File that You Wish to Replace

Scroll down the list until you find the proper lump name. For a complete list of names, please see MusicSlots. When you have found it, delete it from the file. Warning: XWE will automatically save the file at this point. Make sure that you have found the correct lump before deleting!

Step 4: Import the New Music File

XWE:

SLumpED: Go to the toolbar and click the button labeled "Import from File". Select the new music file and press "Continue". Your new sound file will appear on the list. Now, rename the lump so that it matches the name of the one that you deleted in the previous step. Other than capitalization, the file name must be exactly the same, or else it will not play.

Step 5: Finishing Up

XWE: Since the file is saved automatically, you can simply close it and test it in gameplay. If nothing plays or it plays the MIDI version instead, try again until it's right.

SLumpED: Go back to the toolber and press the save button, and then close SLumpED. Alternativly, you can just press the "Close" button and it will ask you to save there. After that, rename your file so it is a .dta again. Then test it in game and see if it works. If not, keep trying.

Notes

  • You can also extract the sound lump to a seperate folder if you want to listen to the file outside of SRB2 if you so wish. However, the files are in a .ogg filetype and will not play in Windows Media Player.
  • Do not, under any circumstances, place anything other than a music file, sound file, or ENDOOM lump in music.dta. If you do so, SRB2 will crash upon loadup.
  • If you're replacing a sound file that only plays for a set amount of time, such as the Speed Shoes or Invincibility, make sure that your new file is a similar length to the original. Otherwise, your sound may get cutoff if it's too long or end early if it's too short.
  • You may not release your new file on the official SRB2 forums. Sound files are strictly forbidden and will not pass judgement.