What is "spark" ?

"spark" is a sound engine for windows (9x/ME/NT/2K/XP). It provides powerful sample, streaming, and module playback functions for multimedia projects, games or anything else. What makes "spark" unique is that it can work without Direct-X (using standard windows WaveOut interface) while all features (streaming playback, 3D sound sources, etc.) are still available ! Beside the WaveOut mode, "spark" is able to utilize the newest features of Direct-X.

What are the key features of "spark" ?

- 4 output modes (mono, stereo, surround, DirectSound and DirectSound+EAX 1.0.)
- The output device can be DirectSound, or (in mono, stereo and surround modes) windows WaveOut device.
- Works with Direct-X 8, Direct-X 3, or without Direct-X.
- 3D sound sources (position, velocity, volume, frequency, dopplerfactor etc. can be given.)
- Streaming playback, even for 3D sound sources.
- Sound source and sound preset parameters (volume, frequency) can be changed in real-time.
- Fast seeking to any position, even in streaming sounds.
- Built-in interpreter for script-based sound scene description.
- All sound file formats can be loaded from file or from memory location.
- Possibilty to use samples generated from program code.
- High-speed MMX optimized mixers.
- Linear interpolation and volume ramping for best quality
- Supported file formats: WAV (PCM, or compressed), ITS (Impluse tracker sample), OGG (Ogg Vorbis file), XM (FastTracker 2 extended module) and RDG (Enterprise RockDigi file).

What are the requirements of "spark" ?

- At least pentium I class CPU.
- Windows 9x/ME/NT/2K/XP
- Needs Direct-X 3 or Direct-X 8 for DirectSound modes.

How can I use the "spark" soundystem ?

"spark" has been distributed in two forms: you can use either static (.lib) or dynamic (.dll) libraries. Appropriate header files are provided to use these libraries in C and C++. There is also an API to use the spark soundsytem in Delphi.

Is "spark" free ?

The spark soundsystem is free for non-commercial use (but please drop me a mail if you use it. you may can get some support :) For commercial use, unlimited license is available for very low price. Write me for more details.


As usual, spark is provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. The author shall not be held liable for any damage to you, your computer, or to anyone or anything else, that may result from its use, or misuse. You use it at your own risk.

All trademarks and other registered names in this document and in the files of the software development kit are the property of their respective owners.

"Spark soundsystem" Copyright Vincze Béla György, 2000-2003
Ogg Vorbis routines Copyright (c) 2002, Xiph.org Foundation