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Group: Moderators
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Original Thread / Instructions written by Marten Reed
We MMMugs use a program called Ventrilo (abbreviated to Vent) to communicate with each other before, during and after matches on CS:S, or whatever game we are all playing. Sadly, it's not as easy as pie to set up, but it's not too complicated. The first section will focus on the basic setting up of Vent, and then the second will be how to tweak it for better audio quality.
I would like to thank Ian (Slipstreem) for his help with this, and for writing the second section, and also to Brad (bradlewis) for initially helping me setup Vent. And as of 17th June '08, I'd also like to thank Brum for supplying the server information.
I would also like to point out that Vent is useful, even if you have no Microphone, as you can listen to your team. Without it, CS:S can be a bit of a pain, and you can be a burden on your team without it (especially in clan matches)
The Basics
Firstly, Vent must be downloaded. The Official Website. Installing it is easy.
Secondly, you must give yourself a name (Use either your clan name, or your first name). To do this, press the arrow button next to the username field. Do not worry about the other fields, they are not required. OK that, and go back to the main Vent menu.
Then, click the arrow next to server. Under "Select", press "new", and name the server. Use something like MMMugs, in case you decide to add other servers later on. The details for the host name, port number and password fields are as follows:
Host Name : voice404.inx-gaming.co.uk
Port Number : 4458
Again, the other options are down to personal choice (default is all ticked).
OK that, and you arrive back at the menu. A server has appeared in the box. Select it, click connect, and you will appear in the MMMugs vent channel Congratulations, you have gotten Vent working! Now, to tweak it and set it up properly.
Final stages of set up (If you are using a microphone)
Now we know that you can connect, we must get you talking! If you are in the server, disconnect (Press the disconnect button). Click setup. On the first page, on the left, you will notice a few options about PTT (Push To Talk). Make sure these options are enabled (You can leave the others at default):
Enable Outgoing Voice Communications
Use Push To Talk Hotkey
Also, make sure this option is disabled:
Play Key Clicks
As it can be quite irritating.
You will see a white box with a Key mentioned. This is the default hotkey. Hover your mouse over it, and click with the mouse button you want assigned to it, or press a key (you may need to have to click in the box to make it work). For example, mine is set up this way
This shows how pressing (and holding!) the center button on my mouse will allow me to talk.
Next is a very, very vital tip. Position your microphone carefully! If you are using a headset, have it positioned to the corner of your mouth. If you are using a standalone microphone, have it placed below your chin, and away from you (not too far though), again angled at the corner of your mouth. To get it set up perfectly, help from someone in the channel may be required.
Remember, have your microphone positioned at the CORNER of your mouth, NOT under your nose. The last thing you want to hear in a game is Darth Vader
Tweaking
Volume Leveling
If you find the difference in volume between individual players on Vent annoying, then open Vent and try the following.
1/ Click on "Setup"
2/ On the "Voice" tab, click on "SFX". If it's greyed-out then try selecting a different output device and/or ticking the "Use Direct Sound" checkbox.
3/ Click on "Compressor" and hit the "<-Add" button.
4/ Adjust the "Gain" slider to +9dB.
5/ Adjust the "Ratio" slider to 10.0 then click "OK".
6/ Click "OK" again on the "Special Effects: Setup-Voice" tab.
Job done!
If the resulting sound is distorted when testing with other users then try reducing the gain on the "Compressor" tab by a few dB, although using the suggested figure of +9dB was fine on the test systems.
There's a limit to how much volume-leveling this simple approach can give, so any player who still sounds quiet compared to others will need to increase their "Outbound" gain by a few dB.
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