Create a Parameter 1. Right-click next to the Timeline tab above the Timeline ruler
Note
By default FMOD Studio creates Events with only the Timeline displayed. Different Event Parameters can be added as required.
Definition of Parameters
A Parameter is a controller designed for the manipulation of arbitrary values designed specifically for a project. FMOD Studio utilizes parameter values to control the states and values of a variety of audio effects and signal processors.
3. Enter the desired name for the new Parameter
4. (Optional) Enter the desired range for the new Parameter
An Event can include multiple Parameters and the nature of those Parameters can be fully defined by the user. Parameters can be used to represent controllers connected to data in a game project. RPM, Speed and engine load are all common Parameter types associated with vehicle sounds. Footstep surface type, hit-points and ammunition might be relevant to an FPS style project, while time of day, weather, seasons and geographical locations could all be controlled to create the dynamic ambiances of an open world game project. There is no limit to what a user can define as a Parameter to control playback behaviour.
Defining Parameter types and the most appropriate measurement scale is an important part of initial planning prior to Event creation. Because of its nature and method of workflow, FMOD Studio will almost always provide a variety of different methods to achieve similar output playback. While this does mean that it sometimes requires a bit of experimentation to produce the most useful result it also means that if one particular method is not working exactly as required there will almost certainly be another approach that might offer better options.
Important
An Event is not limited to including Sound object on either the Timeline or a Parameter. A single Event could include multiple sounds across multiple Audio Tracks in the Timeline tab that are trigger as time progresses, while simultaneously including Modules on a Parameter that are triggered when appropriate Parameter values are received. This functionality allows for very complex sound creation scenarios.
Note
Each newly created Parameter will have a tab just like the Timeline. Click on the tabs to switch between Parameters and Timeline as required.
The Timeline Parameter
Introduction
The Timeline Parameter is the default setup for Events created in FMOD Studio and measures time.
Topic
The Timeline functions in a very different manner to other Parameters. The most obvious
characteristic of the Timeline is that it not only does it measure time with its values but it forces the cursor to advance through time as part of the play process. This behaviour is very common among linear editing programs.
The Timeline incorporates the Logic Track that allows the creation of Loop Regions and Sustain Points. The nature of these functions require a time based Event in which to work. The Timeline also includes the Time display that corresponds to the value of the cursor as it moves along the Timeline. Aspects of Time based Events
There are several aspects of time based Events that need to be understood to avoid unexpected playback behaviour. The non-linear nature of FMOD Studio means that even the Timeline does not always reflect the standard passing of time during playback.
Time Locked sounds
Time Locked sounds are Sound Modules that contain a single consistent and predictable sound file that will playback in a predictable manner. The Trigger Region for a Time Locked sound will actually display the wave form of the sound file. Files that are not timelocked cannot display the wave form for the simple reason that there is no consistent wave form to display. A Multi Sound Module is an example of a non-timelocked sound. The fact that a Multi Module can contain any number of sound files means that it is impossible for Studio to display a single wave form.
Time Locked sounds also display different playback behaviour to non-timelocked sounds. Because of the state of a Time Locked sound it is possible to place the cursor on the Timeline at any point within the range of the sound and trigger the sound from exactly that point. FMOD is aware of the exact nature and timing of that trigger region as it is locked and so can commence playback from the point that corresponds to the cursor position in relation to the waveform.
This is not possible with non-locked modules. The cursor intersecting with any point of a non-locked trigger region will always trigger the sound from the beginning of the sound file.
Loop Regions and Time
Loop Regions by their very nature alter the playback behaviour of an Event and its components including how time is calculated. The Time Display on a Timeline will indicate the position of the cursor on the Timeline, not the actual real time that has passed. So, if an Event is created with a Loop Region on a Timeline with values of 0.00 to 5.00 seconds the display will cycle through the values from 0-5 and then repeat as the cursor loops.
Because it is possible to have multiple Loop regions and Sustain Points in an Event the actual values shown in the Timeline Display can vary greatly.
Timeline Value Display Note
The Distance Parameter
Introduction
The Distance Parameter is a unique and specific type of Parameter available for FMOD Studio Events. Distance Parameters allow for Modules and Effects to be influenced directly by the relative distance between the sound source and the listener.
Topic
FMOD Studio has certain behaviour that is assigned to an Event upon creation. By default events are 3D sound objects that include functions in relation to how the sound works in a 3D space depending on the relationship between the sound source and the listener. The Distance Parameter allows designers to add further functionality based on this distance information. Modules and Effects can be added to a distance Parameter and the value of distance can be used to define playback behaviour