Realtime Tarkov audio compression/dynamic EQ

Tutorial Here:

Please listen through headphones at your normal gaming volume.

I've figured out a fairly simple method for processing Tarkov's audio in order to tame some of the sharper sounds. This is done in real time and can be easily switched on or off.

Nerd stuff:
The compression profile on the "Ears" in EFT is too aggressive and results in nasty transients that peak well-above ambient audio. Things such as footsteps, gunshots, reloading, and even medical kit usage all have painfully loud clicks and pops.

Typically one would use a compressor or limiter which I tried, but the result was too washed out and resulted in very "bouncy" audio as all frequencies were ducked regardless of their volume at the moment of the transient. After investigating with an EQ I narrowed down the issue to 10.1Khz (and a bit around 185Hz for footsteps).

Applying a dynamic EQ set to those bands with a very aggressive ratio drastically reduces the perceived harshness of the sounds mentioned. And importantly, it leaves the mid-range and mid-highs untouched. Finish it off with a touch of limiting at about -6db and the audio sounds full-bodied and powerful without the super loud peaks.

[vladmayak]

This worked excellently! Thank you! I tried some of the other solutions which were recently posted and didn't like the weird bouncy audio whenever it was switching between the highs and lows. The instructions you posted were really clear and easy to follow. Thanks again

[MIXANewstyle]

This video is excellent!
Keep up your work, we need you!)
Upload your presets, id like to compare them with the ones i came up with on my own. Footstep preset is the most fascinating thing in tarkov audio tuning)

[trax]

Hi, I tried following your setup, but the gun shot volume is still too high for my ears. How would I decrease it even more? I'm curious about all the settings, and would really appreciate if there was a small explanation on the choices for everything. Thanks have a good one! Awesome tutorial btw!

[rb]

I see. Interesting eq setup for the line. So you are only doing 2 bands mainly with an lite compressor on the whole line? And the 2 bands have their own compressor outside of rough rider?

Would it be possible to add Nova on a pre for voicemeeter? Cuz I never saw standalone setting per band of compression on the software I used before.

[MeuCanal]

Its not ear saver. You just want to change the way audio works in the game to get an advantage!