What is a VOC?
A VOC file is any sound effect or voice in Dark Forces. Doors closing or opening, anyone talking, blaster noises, and even cutscene sounds and voices are all examples of VOC files. A VOC can only be an 8-bit mono sound and no higher than 16,000 Hz (I think). Anything better quality than that will not play at all in DF. Dark Forces stores their VOCs in the 'Sounds.gob' file.
What program(s) do I need?
Goldwave from www.goldwave.com, and some kind of WAV file and editor (ex: Windows' Sound Recorder).
How do I get started?
First you need to either have a WAV already picked out, or record one yourself with a microphone on your PC. Save the WAV and open up Goldwave. Click 'File' then 'Open'. Change the 'Files of type' to 'Wave (*.wav)' and find your WAV in whatever folder you left it in.
How do I compile my WAV into a VOC?
Now after you open up your WAV in Goldwave, make sure it sounds okay and then click 'Save'. Change 'Save as type' to 'Voc (*.voc)' and also change 'File Attributes' to '8-bit, mono, unsigned and hit 'Save'. Your new VOC should be completed now.
Some things that make good VOCs are:
The longer a VOC file is in DF, the more space it eats up. VOC files are very space-consuming, so keep each one atleast under 60 seconds if possible. If you're planning on putting the VOC in a level, keep it short and small so your level doesn't run out of memory, too.
If you want examples of some decent, good, and some horrible VOCs, download some at www.df-21.net.
Why is my VOC this way?
If you have any problems with your VOC, there can be a huge number of possibilities and reasons. My suggestion is to go back and start over again untill it comes out right like you wanted. The best solution is trial and error.
For questions, help, or comments simply e-mail me at: tj13x@yahoo.com.
It may take several days or weeks for me to reply to you. If I don't answer you within a month, mail me again. Questions, no matter how stupid or ignorant, will not be turned down by me. Good luck and may editing the Force be with you!