How to Use the Command 'vgmstream_cli' (with Examples)
The tool vgmstream_cli is a versatile command-line utility designed for playing and converting a wide range of audio formats typically found in video games. It facilitates the transformation of these specialized audio files into widely compatible WAV format, making it easier to work with game audio across different platforms. Developed with a focus on supporting diverse gaming audio formats, vgmstream_cli offers various functionalities, such as metadata extraction, loop management, and batch processing of files.
Decode an adc File to wav
Code:
vgmstream_cli path/to/input.adc -o path/to/output.wav
Motivation:
Decoding an adc file to a WAV file is essential when you want to play the audio on standard media players or use it in audio editing software that doesn’t support the adc format. Converting these files makes them more accessible and manageable for various purposes such as remixing, analyzing, or simply archiving in a universally accepted format.
Explanation:
vgmstream_cli: Invokes the command-line tool for playing and converting audio files.path/to/input.adc: Specifies the location of the source audio file in the adc format.-o path/to/output.wav: Directs the tool to output the result as a WAV file at the specified location.
Example Output:
Upon executing the command, the terminal generates a message indicating successful conversion, and a WAV file named output.wav appears in the designated path.
Print Metadata Without Decoding the Audio
Code:
vgmstream_cli path/to/input.adc -m
Motivation:
Extracting metadata without decoding the audio is useful when you wish to gather information about the audio file without altering or fully converting it. This process can quickly provide details like title, artist, coding format, and other attributes which are crucial for managing a large audio library or for preparing files for further processing.
Explanation:
-m: This flag instructsvgmstream_clito retrieve and display the metadata of the given audio file without processing the actual audio content.
Example Output:
The command outputs metadata to the terminal, typically including file format, duration, sample rate, and loop information, giving a comprehensive overview of the audio attributes.
Decode an Audio File Without Loops
Code:
vgmstream_cli path/to/input.adc -o path/to/output.wav -i
Motivation:
This use case is particularly important when working with game audio tracks that are designed to loop seamlessly. By decoding without loops, you can listen to or analyze the track in its entirety without repetition, which is beneficial for editing, archiving, or comparative analysis of audio content.
Explanation:
-i: This option disables looping, ensuring that the resulting WAV file is a single continuous pass of the audio data, which is ideal for non-looping use cases.
Example Output:
A decoded WAV file is produced without any loops, and the processing information confirms that the loop feature was omitted during conversion.
Decode with Three Loops, Then Add a 3s Delay Followed by a 5s Fadeout
Code:
vgmstream_cli path/to/input.adc -o path/to/output.wav -l 3.0 -f 5.0 -d 3.0
Motivation:
For creative or presentation purposes, audio tracks may need enhancement through additional loops, delays, or fadeouts. This process can enrich the listening experience by adding a fadeout effect and making the track feel more polished and refined, which is invaluable in creating soundtracks or ambient music for videos.
Explanation:
-l 3.0: Loops the track three times, extending the playtime which is useful for underscoring continuous gameplay segments.-d 3.0: Adds a delay of three seconds before the track starts fading, allowing a moment of silence or buildup.-f 5.0: Specifies a fadeout duration of five seconds, providing a smoother end to the audio piece without an abrupt halt.
Example Output:
The resulting WAV file contains a track that plays through three loops, followed by a gradual fade over the specified periods, indicated in the processing log.
Convert Multiple Files to bgm_(original name).wav
Code:
vgmstream_cli -o path/to/bgm_?f.wav path/to/file1.adc path/to/file2.adc
Motivation:
Batch conversion can expedite workload management when dealing with numerous audio files. By systematically transforming a collection of adc files, content creators or archivists can efficiently organize and prepare assets for various projects or storage.
Explanation:
-o path/to/bgm_?f.wav: Sets the output naming pattern to prepend ‘bgm_’ to the original filenames, organizing them in a cohesive manner.path/to/file1.adc path/to/file2.adc: Lists the source files to be processed in one operation, streamlining conversions.
Example Output:
Multiple WAV files named bgm_file1.wav and bgm_file2.wav are generated, appearing in the specified directory with maintained naming conventions for ease of identification and access.
Play the File Looping Endlessly
Code:
vgmstream_cli path/to/input.adc -pec | aplay --format cd --channels 1 --rate 44100
Motivation:
Looping audio infinitely is critical in scenarios such as video game testing or during live events where background music is recurring. This setup ensures continuous playback without user intervention, ideal for maintaining a consistent audio atmosphere.
Explanation:
-pec: Ensures perpetual looping and proper channel and frequency syncing.aplay --format cd --channels 1 --rate 44100: Pipes the output to aplay, specifying audio format, channel count, and sample rate for playback, matching the file’s metadata to prevent playback issues.
Example Output:
The track loops seamlessly and endlessly via the playback system, with terminal output showing active playback conditions and current loop count.
Conclusion
The command vgmstream_cli provides a powerful suite for managing video game audio formats with flexibility. By understanding and utilizing its various functionalities, users can efficiently convert, manage, and enhance audio tracks for diverse applications, from entertainment to professional audio workflows.
