Audio issues with ECWolf core at different refresh rates

Libretro Cores
#1

Hi I noticed that the ECWolf core (Wolfenstein 3D) has some audio issues if the Refresh Rate is changed to anything other than the default 35 fps in the Core Options.

I first noticed this when setting it to 60fps on a reasonably low-end device and assumed it was performance related. But today I tried the same core on a more powerful CPU/GPU and the same issue exists.

So I then tried dropping it to lower refresh rates but the same issue exists.

The audio gets choppy and distorted like the timing is off.

I just wanted to check if anyone else has the same issues?

#2

you have to disable the VRR/Gsync/Freesync option in Retroarch. I set it at 90-100 and it run smoothly this way or else it would stutter and slowdown at anything above 35

#3

Thanks @petran791 I tried this but unfortunately it did not appear to make a difference.

The same audio issues happen if the frame rate is lower, but if it stays at 35 fps then there are no issues.

However, as I was checking the Freesync option in my monitor I realised it was set to 75Hz and not 60Hz. So I set ECWolf to 75 fps and there were no more issues.

The other device is a windows tablet and the screen is rotated to landscape; this gives it an odd refresh rate, something like 60.05Hz. As ECWolf will only let me choose 60 fps I still have the audio issue. But it’s a low-end tablet so I’ll put up with 35 fps.

It is odd that at 35 fps, regardless of refresh rate, there are no audio issues. Perhaps it is an internal timing from the game or something.

1 Like
#4

Just to add: I discovered some details on the ECWolf website: in the ‘Adaptive frame rate compensation’ section https://maniacsvault.net/ecwolf/wiki/Engine_quirks#Adaptive_frame_rate_compensation

“the Wolfenstein 3D engine calculates the number of 1/70 second moments that have passed in CalcTics into the variable tics”

This probably explains the 35 fps default (half of 70).