Getting looped musics in Essentials (done!)

KillerMapper · Mar 15, 2015

We finally have a way to get looped music in Essentials with FMod!

Some people, including me, tried to use FMod for more controls over the sound, especially for the looping points which allow to have correctly looped music. RPG Maker VX ACE can do it using loop tags in audio files such as OGG but unfortunately RPG Maker XP doesn't. FMod is probably the best way to do it.

People from Community Script Project made a new script with FMod and this one is actually working fine with Essentials (unless you made some script change in the sound domain, maybe. Just try). You can grab it here:
http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=349496

Install it following the instructions. Now to get looped musics, you can use GiraPrimal's table (see the topic or look in the FMod script to figure out how do use it).
Or you can use the tags in OGG (maybe other formats are supported, I don't know). See here to know how to do that: http://www.rpgmakervxace.net/topic/3825-make-looping-bgm-part-1-ogg-vorbis/ . This method works perfectly and only requires Audacity which is free.

Now you can enjoy correctly looped BGMs in your game!

Big thanks for Nuri Yuri and CSP for this script!

Older and original post:

Spoiler:

Essentials lacks of a way to get correctly looped musics, and I would like to get it working. But since my knowledge about scripting is limited, I'm definitely stuck, and I need help.
(I know it's like asking other people to do the job, but I tried to do it myself for hours without success :/ ).

I've made some search about looping scripts, and the best seems to be FMod which can set loop points (+ better music system).
KaiserYoshi put on the suggestion thread a script made by GiraPrimal (from the new Community Script Project, made from PSP community), which uses FMod and a script to easily make looped musics. And it works! But partially with Essentials.

The main problem is when you changemap, the BGM immediately changes to the new one, then fades out (without FMod, the music fades out and then switches to the new one). I tried to have a look to pbCueBGM (this scripts is called when the player changes map) but I don't see where is the problem. Especially when it works without FMod.
What is strange too is that the problem won't happen on the map you started playing (after a save load).

I tried to fix that, but the best thing I could do is to replace pbCueBGM by pbBGMPlay in some places... Battle looped musics will still have some glitch, but it fixes champemaps by deleting the fade out (the music will just cut).

Without the loop script, the problem is the same so it's from FMod messing up with Essential code. And I don't know where it can be.

The scripts (place them above Main):

FMod (place it below Audio):

Code:

# Copyright (c) 2005, Kevin Gadd
#==============================================================================
# ** FModEx
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#  FMOD Ex binding by Kevin Gadd ([email protected])
#==============================================================================
unless $FMODEX
  $FMODEX=true
module FModEx
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Constants
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # FMOD_INITFLAGS flags
  FMOD_INIT_NORMAL = 0
  # FMOD_RESULT flags
  FMOD_OK = 0
  FMOD_ERR_CHANNEL_STOLEN = 11
  FMOD_ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND = 23
  FMOD_ERR_INVALID_HANDLE = 36
  # FMOD_MODE flags
  FMOD_DEFAULT = 0
  FMOD_LOOP_OFF = 1
  FMOD_LOOP_NORMAL = 2
  FMOD_LOOP_BIDI = 4
  FMOD_LOOP_BITMASK = 7
  FMOD_2D = 8
  FMOD_3D = 16
  FMOD_HARDWARE = 32
  FMOD_SOFTWARE = 64
  FMOD_CREATESTREAM = 128
  FMOD_CREATESAMPLE = 256
  FMOD_OPENUSER = 512
  FMOD_OPENMEMORY = 1024
  FMOD_OPENRAW = 2048
   FMOD_OPENONLY = 4096
   FMOD_OPENMEMORY_POINT = 0x10000000
  FMOD_ACCURATETIME = 8192
  FMOD_MPEGSEARCH = 16384
  FMOD_NONBLOCKING = 32768
  FMOD_UNIQUE = 65536
  # The default mode that the script uses
  FMOD_DEFAULT_SOFTWARWE = FMOD_LOOP_OFF | FMOD_2D | FMOD_SOFTWARE
  FMOD_TEST = FMOD_OPENMEMORY | FMOD_SOFTWARE
  # FMOD_CHANNELINDEX flags
  FMOD_CHANNEL_FREE = -1
  FMOD_CHANNEL_REUSE = -2
  # FMOD_TIMEUNIT_flags
  FMOD_TIMEUNIT_MS = 1
  FMOD_TIMEUNIT_PCM = 2
  # The default time unit the script uses
  FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT = FMOD_TIMEUNIT_MS
  # Types supported by FMOD Ex
  FMOD_FILE_TYPES = ['ogg', 'aac', 'wma', 'mp3', 'wav', 'it', 'xm', 'mod', 's3m', 'mid', 'midi']
  
  #============================================================================
  # ** DLL
  #----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  #  A class that manages importing functions from the DLL
  #============================================================================
  
  class DLL
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Public Instance Variables
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    attr_accessor :filename           # DLL file name for instance    
    attr_accessor :functions          # hash of functions imported (by name)
         
    Functions = {}
    Sys_C='System_Create'
    W32_LL = Win32API.new('kernel32.dll', 'LoadLibrary', 'p', 'l')
    FN='fmodex.dll'
    F='f'
    L='l'
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Object Initialization
    #     filename  : Name of the DLL
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def initialize(filename = FN)
      @filename = filename
      @handle = 0            # Handle to the DLL
      # Load specified library into the address space of game process
      
      @handle = W32_LL.call(filename)
      unless Functions[Sys_C]
      # System functions:
        self.import(Sys_C, 'p')
        self.import('System_Init', 'llll')
        self.import('System_Close', 'l')
        self.import('System_Release', 'l')
        self.import('System_CreateSound', 'lplpp')
        self.import('System_CreateStream', 'lplpp')
        self.import('System_PlaySound', 'llllp')
        # Sound functions:
        self.import('Sound_Release', 'l')
        self.import('Sound_GetMode', 'lp')
        self.import('Sound_SetMode', 'll')
        self.import('Sound_SetLoopPoints', 'lllll')
        self.import('Sound_GetLength', 'lpl')
        # Channel functions:
        self.import('Channel_Stop', 'l')
        self.import('Channel_IsPlaying', 'lp')
        self.import('Channel_GetPaused', 'lp')
        self.import('Channel_SetPaused', 'll')
        self.import('Channel_GetVolume', 'lp')
        self.import('Channel_SetVolume', 'll')
        self.import('Channel_GetPan', 'lp')
        self.import('Channel_SetPan', 'll')
        self.import('Channel_GetFrequency', 'lp')
        self.import('Channel_SetFrequency', 'll')
        self.import('Channel_GetPosition', 'lpl')
        self.import('Channel_SetPosition', 'lll')
      end
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Create a Win32API Object And Add it to Hashtable
    #     name      : Function name
    #     args      : Argument types (p = pointer, l = int, v = void)
    #     returnType: Type of value returned by function
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def import(name, args = '', returnType = L)
      Functions[name] = Win32API.new(@filename, 'FMOD_' + name, args, returnType)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Get Function by Name
    #     key       : Function name
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def [](key)
      return Functions[key]
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Call a Function With Passed Arguments
    #     name      : Function name
    #     args      : Argument to function
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def invoke(name, *args)
      fn = Functions[name]
      raise "function not imported: #{name}" if fn.nil?
      result = fn.call(*args)
      unless result == FMOD_OK or result == FMOD_ERR_CHANNEL_STOLEN or
        result == FMOD_ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
        if result==36
          Audio.se_clean unless $FMOD_CLEANING
        else
          print "FMOD Ex returned error #{result}.\n"
        end
      end
      return result
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Store Float as Binary Int Because Floats Can't be Passed Directly
    #     f         : Float to convert
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def convertFloat(f)
      # First pack the float in a string as a native binary float
      temp = [f].pack(F)
      # Then unpack the native binary float as an integer
      return unpackInt(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Unpack Binary Data to Integer
    #     s         : String containing binary data
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def unpackInt(s)
      return s.unpack(L)[0]
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Unpack Binary Data to Float
    #     s         : String containing binary data
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def unpackFloat(s)
      return s.unpack(F)[0]
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Unpack Binary Data to Boolean
    #     s         : String containing binary data
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def unpackBool(s)
      return s.unpack(L)[0] != 0
    end
  end

  #============================================================================
  # ** System
  #----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  #  A class that manages an instance of FMOD::System
  #============================================================================
  
  class System
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Public Instance Variables
    #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    attr_accessor :fmod               # Instance of DLL class (fmodex.dll)
    attr_accessor :handle             # Handle (pointer) to System object
    attr_accessor :maxChannels        # Maximum number of channels
    System_Create='System_Create'
    System_Init='System_Init'
    System_CreateSound='System_CreateSound'
    UX="U*"
    CX="C*"
    System_CreateStream='System_CreateStream'
    System_Close='System_Close'
    System_Release='System_Release'
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Object Initialization
    #     fmod            : An instance of DLL class
    #     maxChannels     : Maximum number of used channels
    #     flags           : FMOD_INITFLAGS
    #     extraDriverData : Driver specific data
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def initialize(theDLL, maxChannels = 32, flags = FMOD_INIT_NORMAL, extraDriverData = 0)
      @fmod = theDLL
      @maxChannels = maxChannels
      # Create and initialize FMOD::System
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(System_Create, temp)
      @handle = @fmod.unpackInt(temp)
      @fmod.invoke(System_Init, @handle, maxChannels, flags, extraDriverData)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Create FMOD::Sound (fully loaded into memory by default)
    #     filename        : Name of file to open
    #     mode            : FMOD_MODE flags
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def createSound(filename, mode = FMOD_DEFAULT_SOFTWARWE,struc=0)
      # Create sound and return it
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      result = @fmod.invoke(System_CreateSound, @handle, filename, mode, struc, temp)
      if result == FMOD_ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
        result2 = @fmod.invoke(System_CreateSound, @handle, filename.unpack(UX).pack(CX), mode, 0, temp)
        raise "File not found: \"#{filename}\"" if result2 == FMOD_ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
      end
      newSound = Sound.new(self, @fmod.unpackInt(temp))
      return newSound
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Create Streamed FMOD::Sound (chunks loaded on demand)
    #     filename        : Name of file to open
    #     mode            : FMOD_MODE flags
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def createStream(filename, mode = FMOD_DEFAULT_SOFTWARWE,struc=0)
      # Create sound and return it
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      result = @fmod.invoke(System_CreateStream, @handle, filename, mode, struc, temp)
      if result == FMOD_ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
        result2 = @fmod.invoke(System_CreateStream, @handle, filename.unpack(UX).pack(CX), mode, 0, temp)
        raise "File not found: \"#{filename}\"" if result2 == FMOD_ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND
      end
      newSound = Sound.new(self, @fmod.unpackInt(temp))
      return newSound
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Close And Release System
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def dispose
      if (@handle > 0)
        @fmod.invoke(System_Close, @handle)
        @fmod.invoke(System_Release, @handle)
        @handle = 0
      end
      @fmod = nil
    end
  end

  #============================================================================
  # ** Sound
  #----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  #  A class that manages an instance of FMOD::Sound
  #============================================================================
  
  class Sound
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Public Instance Variables
    #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    attr_accessor :system             # System that created this Sound
    attr_accessor :fmod               # Instance of DLL class (fmodex.dll)
    attr_accessor :handle             # Handle (pointer) to Sound object
    
    System_PlaySound='System_PlaySound'
    Sound_GetMode='Sound_GetMode'
    Sound_SetMode='Sound_SetMode'
    Sound_GetLength='Sound_GetLength'
    Sound_SetLoopPoints='Sound_SetLoopPoints'
    Sound_Release='Sound_Release'
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Object Initialization
    #     theSystem       : The System that created this Sound object
    #     handle          : Handle to the FMOD::Sound object
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def initialize(theSystem, theHandle)
      @system = theSystem
      @fmod = theSystem.fmod
      @handle = theHandle
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Play Sound
    #     paused          : Start paused?
    #     channel         : Channel allocated to sound (nil for automatic)
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def play(paused = false, channel = nil)
      # If channel wasn't specified, let FMOD pick a free one,
      # otherwise use the passed channel (id from 0 to maxChannels)
      unless channel
        temp = 0.chr * 4
      else
        temp = [channel].pack('l')
      end
      @fmod.invoke(System_PlaySound, @system.handle, 
                (channel == nil) ? FMOD_CHANNEL_FREE : FMOD_CHANNEL_REUSE, 
                @handle,
                (paused == true) ? 1 : 0, 
                temp)
      theChannel = @fmod.unpackInt(temp)
      # Create a Channel object based on returned channel
      newChannel = Channel.new(self, theChannel)
      return newChannel
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Get FMOD_MODE Bits
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def mode
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Sound_GetMode, @handle, temp)
      return @fmod.unpackInt(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Set FMOD_MODE Bits
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def mode=(newMode)
      @fmod.invoke(Sound_SetMode, @handle, newMode)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Get FMOD_LOOP_MODE
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
    def loopMode
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Sound_GetMode, @handle, temp)
      return @fmod.unpackInt(temp) & FMOD_LOOP_BITMASK
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Set FMOD_LOOP_MODE
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
    def loopMode=(newMode)
      @fmod.invoke(Sound_SetMode, @handle, (self.mode & ~FMOD_LOOP_BITMASK) | newMode)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Return Sound Length
    #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    def length(unit = FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Sound_GetLength, @handle, temp, unit)
      return @fmod.unpackInt(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Set Loop Points
    #     first           : Loop start point in milliseconds
    #     second          : Loop end point in milliseconds
    #     unit            : FMOD_TIMEUNIT for points
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------    
    def setLoopPoints(first, second, unit = FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
      @fmod.invoke(Sound_SetLoopPoints, @handle, first, unit, second, unit)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Release Sound
    #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    def dispose
      if (@handle > 0)
        @fmod.invoke(Sound_Release, @handle)
        @handle = 0
      end
      @fmod = nil
      @system = nil
    end
  end

  #============================================================================
  # ** Channel
  #----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  #  A class that represents an FMOD::Channel
  #============================================================================
  
  class Channel
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Public Instance Variables
    #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    attr_accessor :system             # System that created the Sound
    attr_accessor :sound              # Sound using the Channel
    attr_accessor :fmod               # Instance of DLL class (fmodex.dll)
    attr_accessor :handle             # Handle (pointer) to Sound object
    
    
    Channel_Stop='Channel_Stop'
    Channel_IsPlaying='Channel_IsPlaying'
    Channel_GetVolume='Channel_GetVolume'
    Channel_SetVolume='Channel_SetVolume'
    Channel_GetPan='Channel_GetPan'
    Channel_SetPan='Channel_SetPan'
    Channel_GetFrequency='Channel_GetFrequency'
    Channel_SetFrequency='Channel_SetFrequency'
    Channel_GetPaused='Channel_GetPaused'
    Channel_SetPaused='Channel_SetPaused'
    Channel_GetPosition='Channel_GetPosition'
    Channel_SetPosition='Channel_SetPosition'
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Object Initialization
    #     theSound        : The Sound using this Channel object
    #     handle          : Handle to the FMOD::Channel object
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def initialize(theSound, theHandle)
      @sound = theSound
      @system = theSound.system
      @fmod = theSound.system.fmod
      @handle = theHandle
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Stop Channel and Make it Available for Other Sounds
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def stop
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_Stop, @handle)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Is the Channel Handle Valid?
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def valid?
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      begin
        result = @fmod.invoke(Channel_IsPlaying, @handle, temp)
      rescue
        if (result == FMOD_ERR_INVALID_HANDLE)
          return false
        else
          raise
        end
      end
      # If we get here then it's valid
      return true
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Is the Channel Playing?
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def playing?
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_IsPlaying, @handle, temp)
      return @fmod.unpackBool(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Get Channel Volume Level (0.0 -> 1.0)
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def volume
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_GetVolume, @handle, temp)
      return @fmod.unpackFloat(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Set Channel Volume Level (0.0 -> 1.0)
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def volume=(newVolume)
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_SetVolume, @handle, @fmod.convertFloat(newVolume))
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Get Channel Pan Position (-1.0 -> 1.0)
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def pan
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_GetPan, @handle, temp)
      return @fmod.unpackFloat(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Set Channel Pan Position (-1.0 -> 1.0)
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def pan=(newPan)
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_SetPan, @handle, @fmod.convertFloat(newPan))
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Get Channel Frequency in HZ (Speed/Pitch)
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def frequency
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_GetFrequency, @handle, temp)
      return @fmod.unpackFloat(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Set Channel Frequency in HZ (Speed/Pitch)
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def frequency=(newFrequency)
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_SetFrequency, @handle, @fmod.convertFloat(newFrequency))
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Is Channel Paused?
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def paused
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_GetPaused, @handle, temp)
      return @fmod.unpackBool(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Pause Channel
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def paused=(newPaused)
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_SetPaused, @handle, (newPaused == true) ? 1 : 0)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Get Current Playback Position
    #     unit            : FMOD_TIMEUNIT to return position in
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------   
    def position(unit = FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
      temp = 0.chr * 4
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_GetPosition, @handle, temp, unit)
      return @fmod.unpackInt(temp)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Set Current Playback Position
    #     newPosition     : New playback position
    #     unit            : FMOD_TIMEUNIT to use when setting position
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------    
    def position=(newPosition, unit = FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
      @fmod.invoke(Channel_SetPosition, @handle, newPosition, unit)
    end
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Dispose of Channel
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
    def dispose
      @handle = 0
      @sound = nil
      @system = nil
      @fmod = nil
    end
  end
  
end

#==============================================================================
# ** FMod
#------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#  A higher level module to access FMOD Ex
#==============================================================================

module Audio
  SLP_TIME=0.01
  #============================================================================
  # ** SoundFile
  #----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  #  Represents a Sound file (BGM, BGS, SE, etc.) and associated Channel
  #============================================================================
  
  class SoundFile
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Public Instance Variables
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    attr_accessor :name                     # File name
    attr_accessor :sound                    # FModEx::Sound object
    attr_accessor :channel                  # Channel playing sound
    attr_accessor :volume                   # Volume in RPG::AudioFile format
    attr_accessor :pitch                    # Pitch in RPG::AudioFile format
    attr_accessor :looping                  # Sound loops
    attr_accessor :streaming                # Sound is streamed
    attr_accessor :length                   # Sound length in milliseconds
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    # * Object Initialization
    #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
    def initialize(name, sound, channel, volume, pitch, looping, streaming, length)
      @name = name
      @sound = sound
      @channel = channel
      @volume = volume
      @pitch = pitch
      @looping = looping
      @streaming = streaming
      @length = length
    end
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Instance Variables
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  @fmod_dll = FModEx::DLL.new               # The FMOD Ex DLL
  @fmod = FModEx::System.new(@fmod_dll)     # The global System object
  @fmod_se = []                             # Array of Sound Effects
  @rtp_folder = nil                         # Name of RTP folder
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Path of RTP Folder From Registry
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.getRTPFolder
    if @rtp_folder
      return @rtp_folder
    end
    open_key = Win32API.new('advapi32.dll', 'RegOpenKeyExA', 'LPLLP', 'L')
    query_value = Win32API.new('advapi32.dll', 'RegQueryValueExA', 'LPLPPP', 'L')
    close_key = Win32API.new('advapi32', 'RegCloseKey', 'L', 'L')
    key = 0.chr * 4
    # Open a HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE with KEY_READ attribute and save handle in key
    open_key.call(0x80000002, 'Software\Enterbrain\RGSS\RTP', 0, 0x20019, key)
    key = @fmod_dll.unpackInt(key)
    type = 0.chr * 4
    size = 0.chr * 4
    # Query to get string size
    query_value.call(key, 'Standard', 0, type, 0, size)
    data = ' ' * @fmod_dll.unpackInt(size)
    # Query the string value itself using size
    query_value.call(key, 'Standard', 0, type, data, size)
    @rtp_folder = data.chop
    close_key.call(key)
    # Make sure the directory ends with a backslash
    @rtp_folder += "\\" if @rtp_folder[-1].chr != "\\"
    return @rtp_folder
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Return Proper File Name (With Extensions)
  #     name            : Name of the file
  #     extensions      : Extensions to add to file name
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.checkExtensions(name, extensions)
    if FileTest.exist?(name)
      return name
    end
    # Add extension if needed
    extensions.each do |ext|
      if FileTest.exist?(name + '.' + ext)
        return name + '.' + ext
      end
    end
    # File doesn't exist
    return name
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Valid File Name
  #     name            : Name of the file
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.selectBGMFilename(name)
    name = name.gsub("/", "\\")
    # See if file exists in game folder
    localname = self.checkExtensions(name, FModEx::FMOD_FILE_TYPES)
    # See if file exists in RTP
    commonname = self.checkExtensions(getRTPFolder + name, FModEx::FMOD_FILE_TYPES)
    if FileTest.exist?(localname)
      return localname
    end
    if FileTest.exist?(commonname)
      return commonname
    end
    # An invalid name was provided
    return name
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Play a Sound File Then Return it
  #     name            : Name of the file
  #     volume          : Channel volume
  #     pitch           : Channel frequency
  #     position        : Starting position in milliseconds
  #     looping         : Does the sound loop?
  #     streaming       : Stream sound or load whole thing to memory?
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.play(name, volume, pitch, position, looping, streaming)
    # Get a valid file name
    filename = self.selectBGMFilename(name)
    # Create Sound or Stream and set initial values
    sound = streaming ? @fmod.createStream(filename) : @fmod.createSound(filename)
    sound.loopMode = looping ? FModEx::FMOD_LOOP_NORMAL : FModEx::FMOD_LOOP_OFF
    channel = sound.play
    volume = volume * 1.0
    pitch = pitch * 1.0
    file_length = sound.length(FModEx::FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
    sound_file = SoundFile.new(filename, sound, channel, volume, 
                                pitch, looping, streaming, file_length)
    sound_file.channel.volume = volume / 100.0
    sound_file.channel.frequency = sound_file.channel.frequency * pitch / 100
    sound_file.channel.position = position
    return sound_file
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Stop and Dispose of Sound File
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.stop(sound_file)
    unless sound_file and sound_file.channel
      return
    end
    # Stop channel, then clear variables and dispose of bgm
    sound_file.channel.stop
    sound_file.channel = nil
    sound_file.sound.dispose
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Return Length in Milliseconds
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.get_length(sound_file, unit = FModEx::FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
    return sound_file.length#(unit)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Check if Another Sound File is Playing
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.already_playing?(sound_file, name, position = 0)
    # Get a valid file name
    filename = self.selectBGMFilename(name)
    if (sound_file)
      # If the same sound file is already playing don't play it again
      if (sound_file.name == filename and position == 0)
        return true
      end
      # If another sound file is playing, stop it
      if sound_file.channel
        self.stop(sound_file)
      end
    end
    # No sound file is playing or it was already stopped
    return false
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Check if Sound File is Playing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  def self.playing?(sound_file)
    unless sound_file and sound_file.channel
      return false
    end
    return sound_file.channel.playing?
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current Sound File Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.get_position(sound_file)
    unless sound_file and sound_file.channel
      return 0
    end
    return sound_file.channel.position
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Seek to a New Sound File Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.set_position(sound_file, new_pos)
    unless sound_file and sound_file.channel
      return
    end
    sound_file.channel.position = new_pos
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current Sound File Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.get_volume(sound_file)
    unless sound_file
      return 0
    end
    return sound_file.volume
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set Sound File Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.set_volume(sound_file, volume)
    unless sound_file and sound_file.channel
      return
    end
    sound_file.volume = volume * 1.0
    sound_file.channel.volume = volume / 100.0
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set Loop Points
  #     first           : Loop start point in milliseconds
  #     second          : Loop end point in milliseconds (-1 for file end)
  #     unit            : FMOD_TIMEUNIT for points
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.set_loop_points(sound_file, first, second, unit = FModEx::FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
    unless sound_file and sound_file.channel
      return
    end
    # If second is -1 then set loop end to the file end
    if second == -1
      second = sound_file.length - 1
    end
    # Set loop points and reflush stream buffer
    sound_file.channel.sound.setLoopPoints(first, second, unit)
    sound_file.channel.position = sound_file.channel.position
    return sound_file
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Play ME
  #     name            : Name of the file
  #     volume          : Channel volume
  #     pitch           : Channel frequency
  #     position        : Starting position in milliseconds
  #     looping         : Does the BGM loop?
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_play(name, volume=100, pitch=100, position = 0, looping = false)
    return if self.already_playing?(@fmod_me, name, position) and Audio.me_playing?
    # Now play the new BGM as a stream
    @fmod_me = self.play(name, volume, pitch, position, false, true)
    Thread.new do
      if @fmod_bgm
        paused=@fmod_bgm.channel.paused
        @fmod_bgm.channel.paused=true
      else
        paused=false
      end
      loop do
        unless @fmod_me
          break
        end
        unless Audio.me_playing?
          break
        end
        sleep(SLP_TIME)
      end
      if @fmod_bgm
        @fmod_bgm.channel.paused=paused
      end
    end
    return @fmod_me
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Stop and Dispose of ME
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_stop
    self.stop(@fmod_me)
    @fmod_me = nil
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Return ME Length in Milliseconds
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_length(sound_file)
    self.get_length(@fmod_me)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Check if a ME is Playing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  def self.me_playing?
    return self.playing?(@fmod_me)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current ME Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_position
    return self.get_position(@fmod_me)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Seek to New ME Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_position=(new_pos)
    self.set_position(@fmod_bgm, new_pos)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current ME Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_volume
    return self.get_volume(@fmod_me)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set ME Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_volume=(volume)
    self.set_volume(@fmod_me, volume)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set ME fade
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.me_fade(time)
    return unless @fmod_me and Audio.me_playing? and !@fading_me
    @fading_me=true
    Thread.new do
      vol=Audio.me_volume
      cnt=(time/1000.0/SLP_TIME).to_i
      cnt.times do |i|
        Audio.me_volume=(vol-(vol*i/cnt))
        sleep SLP_TIME
      end
      Audio.me_stop
      @fading_me=false
    end
  end
  
  
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Play BGM (or ME)
  #     name            : Name of the file
  #     volume          : Channel volume
  #     pitch           : Channel frequency
  #     position        : Starting position in milliseconds
  #     looping         : Does the BGM loop?
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_play(name, volume=100, pitch=100, position = 0, looping = true)
    return if self.already_playing?(@fmod_bgm, name, position)
    # Now play the new BGM as a stream
    @fmod_bgm = self.play(name, volume, pitch, position, looping, true)
    if @fmod_me and Audio.me_playing?
      @fmod_bgm.channel.paused=true
    end
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Stop and Dispose of BGM
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_stop
    self.stop(@fmod_bgm)
    @fmod_bgm = nil
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Return BGM Length in Milliseconds
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_length(sound_file)
    self.get_length(@fmod_bgm)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Check if a BGM is Playing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  def self.bgm_playing?
    return self.playing?(@fmod_bgm)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current BGM Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_position
    return self.get_position(@fmod_bgm)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Seek to New BGM Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_position=(new_pos)
    self.set_position(@fmod_bgm, new_pos)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current BGM Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_volume
    return self.get_volume(@fmod_bgm)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set BGM Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_volume=(volume)
    self.set_volume(@fmod_bgm, volume)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set Loop Points
  #     first           : Loop start point in milliseconds
  #     second          : Loop end point in milliseconds
  #     unit            : FMOD_TIMEUNIT for points
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_set_loop_points(first, second, unit = FModEx::FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
    @fmod_bgm = self.set_loop_points(@fmod_bgm, first, second, unit)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set BGM fade
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_fade(time)
    return unless @fmod_bgm and Audio.bgm_playing? and !@fading_bgm
    @fading_bgm=true
    Thread.new do
      vol=Audio.bgm_volume
      cnt=(time/1000.0/SLP_TIME).to_i
      cnt.times do |i|
        Audio.bgm_volume=(vol-(vol*i/cnt))
        sleep SLP_TIME
      end
      Audio.bgm_stop
      @fading_bgm=false
    end
  end
  
  
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Play BGS
  #     name            : Name of the file
  #     volume          : Channel volume
  #     pitch           : Channel frequency
  #     position        : Starting position in milliseconds
  #     looping         : Does the BGS loop?
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_play(name, volume=100, pitch=100, position = 0, looping = true)
    return if self.already_playing?(@fmod_bgs, name, position)
    # Now play the new BGS as a stream
    @fmod_bgs = self.play(name, volume, pitch, position, looping, true)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Stop and Dispose of BGS
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_stop
    self.stop(@fmod_bgs)
    @fmod_bgs = nil
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Return BGS Length in Milliseconds
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_length(sound_file)
    self.get_length(@fmod_bgs)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Check if a BGS is Playing
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  def self.bgs_playing?
    return self.playing?(@fmod_bgs)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current BGS Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_position
    return self.get_position(@fmod_bgs)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Seek to New BGS Playing Position
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_position=(new_pos)
    self.set_position(@fmod_bgs, new_pos)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Current BGS Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_volume
    return self.get_volume(@fmod_bgs)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set BGS Volume
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_volume=(volume)
    self.set_volume(@fmod_bgs, volume)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set Loop Points
  #     first           : Loop start point in milliseconds
  #     second          : Loop end point in milliseconds
  #     unit            : FMOD_TIMEUNIT for points
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_set_loop_points(first, second, unit = FModEx::FMOD_DEFAULT_UNIT)
    @fmod_bgs = self.set_loop_points(@fmod_bgs, first, second, unit)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Set BGS fade
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgs_fade(time)
    return unless @fmod_bgs and Audio.bgs_playing? and !@fading_bgs
    @fading_bgs=true
    Thread.new do
      vol=Audio.bgs_volume
      cnt=(time/1000.0/SLP_TIME).to_i
      cnt.times do |i|
        Audio.bgs_volume=(vol-(vol*i/cnt))
        sleep SLP_TIME
      end
      Audio.me_stop
      @fading_bgs=false
    end
  end
  
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Play SE
  #     name            : Name of the file
  #     volume          : Channel volume
  #     pitch           : Channel frequency
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.se_play(name, volume=100, pitch=100)
    if @fmod_se.size > @fmod.maxChannels
      #msgbox_p 0
      se = @fmod_se.shift
      #msgbox_p se
      self.stop(se)  if self.playing?(se)
    end
    # Load SE into memory and play it
    @fmod_se << self.play(name, volume, pitch, 0, false, false)
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Stop and Dispose of all SEs
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.se_stop
    for se in @fmod_se
      self.stop(se) if self.playing?(se)
    end
    @fmod_se.clear
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Get Rid of Non-Playing SEs
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
      def self.se_clean
      $FMOD_CLEANING=true
    for se in @fmod_se
      unless self.playing?(se)
        self.stop(se)
        @fmod_se.delete(se)
      end
      end
      $FMOD_CLEANING=false   
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Check if There's Some SE in SE Array
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  def self.se_list_empty?
    return @fmod_se.empty?
  end
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Dispose of Everything
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------  
  def self.dispose
    self.bgm_stop
    self.bgs_stop
    self.se_stop
    @fmod.dispose
  end
end
end
module FMod
  include Audio
end

The loop script (place it below FMod):

Code:

#=======================================================================
# ■ Loop data of music
#
# Contains the data indicating the start and the end of a
# loop for the indicated music.
# Compatible with all versions of RMXP and PSP
# Requires FModEx and fmodex.dll file to the project root
#=======================================================================
# ■ HOW TO USE ?
# Modify LOOP_TABLE by adding an entry of the following form :
# [ "Audio/xxx/File_name", debut, fin ]
# - The chain is simply the path of the file
# (Without the extension!)
# - debut : Point de début de la boucle, en millisecondes
# - fin : Point de fin de la boucle, en millisecondes
#
# When you read an in-game music, this script will automatically
# search corresponding data loop.
#-----------------------------------------------------------------------
# ■ NOTES
# - It is not necessary to add a file to the table if 
# the file haven't loop, or if the loop covers the entire file.
# - Add in preferably BGMs or BGSs
# - Use Audacity (or others) and your ears for get the 
# start and end values.
# - Important : Avoid accents in files name.
#=======================================================================

module Audio

LOOP_TABLE = [

# [ "Audio/xxx/File_name", debut, fin ]
# Add here


# Note: Think add a comma after each "]"
# (Except for the last line and the "]" below).
]

# Do not change the next lines only if you know what you are doing

def self.find_in_loop_table(file)
for i in 0...LOOP_TABLE.size
if LOOP_TABLE[i][0] == file
return i
end
end
return nil
end

def self.bgm_play(name, volume=100, pitch=100, position = 0, looping = true)
return if self.already_playing?(@fmod_bgm, name, position)
@fmod_bgm = self.play(name, volume, pitch, position, looping, true)
if @fmod_me and Audio.me_playing?
@fmod_bgm.channel.paused=true
end
i = self.find_in_loop_table(name)
unless i == nil
#print("Found | #{LOOP_TABLE[i][1].to_s} -> #{LOOP_TABLE[i][2].to_s}")
self.bgm_set_loop_points(LOOP_TABLE[i][1], LOOP_TABLE[i][2])
end
end

def self.bgs_play(name, volume=100, pitch=100, position = 0, looping = true)
return if self.already_playing?(@fmod_bgs, name, position)
@fmod_bgs = self.play(name, volume, pitch, position, looping, true)
i = self.find_in_loop_table(name)
unless i == nil
self.bgs_set_loop_points(LOOP_TABLE[i][1], LOOP_TABLE[i][2])
end
end

end

I hope we can do something with this, so Essential can finally have looped musics!

Thanks for the help!

Luka S.J. · Mar 15, 2015

Ok, so first off, FMod is a great tool to use if you want good Audio in your games. The seamless looping is a huge point many RMXP games lack. Not to mention you can isolate Audio channels and split BGM tracks into instruments, getting perfect control of what to play, and when. You can swap BGMs to the precision of a millisecond with it, and other neat things. I use FMod...a lot, granted it may not be for a Pokemon Essentials project, but I think the same thing could apply.

The way I've arranged looping points is not by having a table...yuck...that would require you to have to manually go through the song, and seek the loop position. The way I've set it up, is that you have two BGM tracks. One that has the full song, and one that is just the little intro of the song. The game then returns the length of the intro and full BGM in milliseconds, and sets those two values as the loop beginning and loop end respectively. This makes setting the loop points automatic, and does not require you to fill in a table. If you're making your own music, that's even better since you have full control over which sections you're exporting into the music file when compiling it (something I like and do a lot).

Code:

module Audio
  def Audio.bgm_fade(time)
    return if @me_playing or !FMod::bgm_playing?
    @bgm_fading_out = true
    time = time * 1.0
    @bgm_fade_decrement = FMod::bgm_volume / (time * Graphics.frame_rate)
  end
end

def pbBGMPlay(param,volume=100,pitch=nil)
  return if !param
  param=pbResolveAudioFile(param,volume,pitch)
  
  first=getPlayTime("Audio/BGM/"+param.name+"_intro")

  second=getPlayTime("Audio/BGM/"+param.name)
    
  FMod.bgm_play("Audio/BGM/"+param.name,volume,param.pitch)
  FMod.bgm_set_loop_points(first*1000, second*1000)
end

def pbCueBGM(bgm,seconds=1.0,volume=100,pitch=nil)
  return if !bgm
  bgm=pbResolveAudioFile(bgm,volume,pitch)
  playingBGM=FMod.bgm_name
  return if bgm.name==playingBGM
  if playingBGM && FMod.bgm_volume>0
    Audio.bgm_fade(seconds/8)
    if !$PokemonTemp.cueFrames
      $PokemonTemp.cueFrames=(seconds*Graphics.frame_rate)+2
    end
    $PokemonTemp.cueBGM=bgm
  else
    pbBGMPlay(bgm)
  end
end

This is how I have set up my calls and transitions for the bgm. And I'd assume that it would work for Essentials too, since the original Audio set-up I used from my project was similar to what is used in Essentials. I adjusted it a bit to work with the $PokemonTemp from Essentials, but I haven't actually tested it out. It might need some further tinkering to use flawlessly, but I think it's a good starting point.

KillerMapper · Mar 15, 2015

Thanks for you help. Your method is nice. I tried to implement it but I ran into a first error while loading my savegame (game menu loaded fine since there is no music here):

Code:

Exception: NoMethodError
Message: undefined method `bgm_play' for FMod:Module
LoopMusic:17:in `pbBGMPlay'
Game_Map_:127:in `autoplay'
PokemonField:2112:in `pbAutoplayOnSave'
PokemonLoad:398:in `pbStartLoadScreen'
PokemonLoad:326:in `loop'
PokemonLoad:459:in `pbStartLoadScreen'
Main:6:in `main'
Main:49:in `mainFunctionDebug'
Main:27:in `mainFunction'
Main:27:in `pbCriticalCode'

(I put your scrip into a section named LoopMusic)

I fixed this one by replacing the FMod script given by KaiserYoshi (which has been modified by GiraPrimal) by another one I found in a RMXP project I had on my computer.
The game launched fine, the music loops correctly but at a changemap I ran into another error:

Code:

Exception: NoMethodError
Message: undefined method `bgm_name' for FMod:Module
LoopMusic:24:in `pbCueBGM'
Game_Map_:109:in `autoplayAsCue'
PokemonField:2103:in `pbAutoplayOnTransition'
PokemonMap:790:in `setCurrentMap'
Game_Map_:424:in `update'
Scene_Map:37:in `updateMaps'
Scene_Map:36:in `each'
Scene_Map:36:in `updateMaps'
Scene_Map:102:in `update'
Scene_Map:101:in `loop'

My FMod script doesn't have bgm_name, and a ctrl+shift+F shows me that bgm_name is only in your script and in the Audio script as Audio_bgm_name. Can you show me the FMod script you use?

This tutorial has a dead link for the script.

Luka S.J. · Mar 15, 2015

I just use the standard FMod script that was on the HBGames forums. It is pretty much the same thing as what you have (without that part of the code with the loop tables). I have made a lot of adjustments to it, of course, to suit my needs and my style of usage. I just don't exactly remember what I changed/added.

Code:

module FMod
  #--------------------------------------------------------------------------
  # * Gets Current BGM name
  #-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  def self.bgm_name
    return nil if !@fmod_bgm
    return @fmod_bgm.name
  end
end

I may or may not have added that BGM name retrieval portion, I honestly don't remember. I know that I added a lot of channel manipulation, pitch altering, and other shenanigans to it, so I apologize that something was missing. But like I said, this is what I used in my project, and I haven't tested it in Essentials.

I derped hard. No idea why I put the SoundFile class there.

KillerMapper · Mar 16, 2015

Don't worry, it's fine! :p

So I can now change map, but I have now the sames problems that I had few months ago with FMod: battle musics randomly not playing (or just for some frames, not even a second), same for some maps BGM. All BGM plays normally without FMod (not looping of course).

There is something between Essentials and FMod that makes it not working, and I never found why...

KaiserYoshi · Mar 16, 2015

I have an idea : the problem come to the fade isn 't it ? Why not add a little delay before the BGM/BGS play in the FModex ?
And thanks for the attention for this problem.

Regards KaiserYoshi

Luka S.J. · Mar 16, 2015

I already addressed the issue with the fading in pbCueBGM (as far as I am aware). The only difference I can see with the battle BGM manipulation is that it uses $game_system to pause and resume the music.

Code:

class Game_System
  
  def bgm_pause(fadetime=0.0) 
    pos=FMod.bgm_position rescue 0
    if fadetime>0.0
      Audio.bgm_fade(fadetime)
    end
    @bgm_position=pos
    @bgm_paused=true
  end

  def bgm_resume(bgm) 
    if @bgm_paused
      return false if !FileTest.audio_exist?("Audio/BGM/"+ bgm.name)
      @playing_bgm = bgm==nil ? nil : bgm.clone
      first=getPlayTime("Audio/BGM/"+bgm.name+"_intro")
      second=getPlayTime("Audio/BGM/"+bgm.name)
      
      FMod.bgm_play("Audio/BGM/"+bgm.name,bgm.volume,bgm.pitch,@bgm_position)
      FMod.bgm_set_loop_points(first*1000, second*1000)
      
      @bgm_position=0
      @bgm_paused=false
    end
  end

end

Just something I threw together quickly. Try it out.

KaiserYoshi · Mar 16, 2015

I don't see that, i'm sorry.
For avoid an error, this script : places above main or replaces in game system ? (sorry for my low level)

Regards KaiserYoshi

KillerMapper · Mar 16, 2015

I added your latest code.

So far, the issues I still have:
-the map I load plays a looped BGM fine. When I change map, it will play its BGM, but another map won't play it. It's random, not map or music related. Also if I do quickly chamgmaps like map A > map B > map A > map B, (where map B BGM fails), it will eventually play map B's BGM.
- BGM in battles sometimes stop playing quickly after it start.

It's not specifically related to the Cue script since battle doesn't use it.

Do you think it would be possible to keep the minimal code from FMod to only get the loop points?
Maybe we should try to check all the methods used by Essentials and replaced by FMod, and see what changed compared to Audio...

KillerMapper · Mar 21, 2015

I think the best thing to do now it to make FMod compatible with Essentials. I just made a new and unmodified Essentials project (V15.1) and add the FMod script Luka linked. Then I made some tests:
- map BGM works, they fade out correctly. Sometimes it won't play, but it's very rare, 99% of time it will play.
- battles BGM are broken, the BGM either doesn't play or plays for less than a second. Sometimes, it will play correctly. This is for wild, trainer, safari, event battles. I noticed double battles are less buggy, I got the best results here. But I can't tell you why.
- other BGMs seem to work. I tried Pokémon evolution and it played nicely.
- about other sounds (BGS, ME and SE), I didn't noticed problems.

I used the musics provided by Essentials, so MIDI format. I didn't tried other formats yet (OGG, VAW, MP3... even if I aim to use OGG most of time).

Now to find why battles BGM don't work properly...

KillerMapper · Apr 19, 2015

I just found this post on Reddit (by IIcolour_Spectrum): http://www.reddit.com/r/PokemonRMXP/comments/1tstpf/tutorial_give_evented_encounters_unique_music/

The thing to know is that ME pauses BGM when played. IIcolour_Spectrum uses this to get looped musics on a specific battle event (like a legendary). The music is made of 2 files: the intro part (as a ME) and the loop part (the BGM). The BGM is played, immediately followed by the ME if it's defined. The ME will immediately pause the BGM, play itself and then resume the BGM when it's finished.
Maybe it's possible to get it working for all the musics, using Luka's idea (checking if xxx_intro exists). That could be a Fmod-free alternative.

Erassus · Apr 19, 2015

The best way (actually what im using) is a BGM looped .OGG file with a bitrate of 128 kbps, around 100~900 KB per file.
Using a Intro ME/SE (depends or script or event) to the transition of the battle music.

I would post later an example, if i have time.

Intro of the Loop file, that takes around 5~10 seconds i think. Then the BGM file.

This only works for Battle BGM's, for Maps BGM, i think is not necessary intro's if you managed as well the looped file.

An example of BGM looped file that doesn't need intro cut: http://vocaroo.com/i/s18G0gzdXPst

KillerMapper · Apr 19, 2015

Some map BGM still have intro+loop parts. The gym theme for example. For now I get rid of the intro parts, but I'd like to get them.

Luka S.J. · Apr 19, 2015

Using an intro ME + BGM (as the main loop), is a terrible idea, and you'll never get that seamless transition that you would with FMod. Believe me, I know. I already tried that idea for my previous project. Using FMod is still your best bet, for properly looped ost.

KillerMapper · Apr 19, 2015

I would like to use FMod but I can't get it working correctly. It either messes up the battle BGM or the map BGM. I don't know how to fix this.

KillerMapper · May 24, 2015

http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=349496

This works with Essential. I can finally have looped musics in Essential!
LOOPSTART and LOOPLENGTH metadata tags added in oggs works with this script, so I don't even need to bother with multiple files. A simple tagged oggs is now enough.

I'm edited the first post to resume all the information.

Thanks everybody who helped to achieve this.

war202122 · Mar 5, 2017

There is a bug in FModEx. Sometimes my BGM is cut.

change the "se_play" method to the following will fix it:

def self.se_play(name, volume=100, pitch=100)
if @fmod_se.size > @fmod.maxChannels
Audio.se_clean
if @fmod_se.size > @fmod.maxChannels
#msgbox_p 0
se = @fmod_se.shift
#msgbox_p se
self.stop(se) if self.playing?(se)
end
end
# Load SE into memory and play it
@fmod_se << self.play(name, volume, pitch, 0, false, false)
end

Getting looped musics in Essentials (done!)

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KillerMapper

Helix Follower

Luka S.J.

Jealous Croatian

KillerMapper

Helix Follower

Luka S.J.

Jealous Croatian

KillerMapper

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KaiserYoshi

Luka S.J.

Jealous Croatian

KaiserYoshi

KillerMapper

Helix Follower

KillerMapper

Helix Follower

KillerMapper

Helix Follower

Erassus

I'm back.

KillerMapper

Helix Follower

Luka S.J.

Jealous Croatian

KillerMapper

Helix Follower

KillerMapper

Helix Follower

war202122