Guide: Separating Discord Audio and Limiting Game Volume

LimiterGuide.md

Guide: Separating Discord Audio and Limiting Game Volume

This guide will help you set up your audio system to:

1. Separate Discord audio from your system audio
2. Limit high volume sounds (like gunshots) in games without being affected by audio from Discord

Step 1: Install Equalizer APO

1. Download Equalizer APO from the official website.
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
3. When prompted to select audio devices, choose your main output device.
4. Restart your computer after installation.

Step 2: Install LoudMax VST Plugin

1. Download LoudMax VST from the official website, direct link here
2. Extract the ZIP file.
3. Copy the LoudMax64.dll file to C:\Program Files\EqualizerAPO\VSTPlugins\.

Step 3: Configure Equalizer APO with LoudMax

1. Open the Equalizer APO configuration editor.
2. Remove all default example setup in config.txt by using the red minus button for each effect.
3. Use the green plus button to add a new "VST Plugin" effect.
4. Browse and select the LoudMax64.dll file.
5. Use my settings as default starting point (see image below) and adjust to your preference.

Step 4: Install VB-Cable

1. Download VB-Cable from the official website.
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
3. Restart your computer after installation.

Step 5: Route Audio Correctly

1. Open control panel, go to Sound.
2. Go to Recording and right click select properties for "CABLE Output (VB-Audio Virtual Cable)".
3. Go to the "Listen", check "Listen to this device" and make sure "Default Playback Device" is listed for Playback through this device:
4. Open discord, and go to settings.
5. Set Discord's output to "CABLE Input (VB-Audio Virtual Cable)".

Step 6: Test Your Setup

1. Start your game and join a Discord voice channel.
2. Play the game and have someone speak in Discord.
3. Verify that:
   • Game audio is coming through your main output and is limited by LoudMax.
   • Discord audio is separate and unaffected by the limiter.

Troubleshooting

• If you can't hear Discord, make sure your main output device is set to listen to the VB-Cable input.
• If game audio isn't limited, check that Equalizer APO is correctly installed on your main output device.

Remember to adjust the LoudMax settings to find the right balance between limiting loud sounds and maintaining audio quality.