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evmux Knowledge Base

How to Play Sound Effects

This guide shows you how to set up and trigger sound effects during your broadcast using the soundboard.

Quick Steps

  1. Click the Music tab in the left-side tabs panel (speaker/sound icon)
  2. In the Sound FX section, click a button to configure it
  3. During broadcast, click the button to play the sound
  4. Or use configured keyboard shortcuts

Detailed Steps

Step 1: Open the Music Panel

  1. Look at the left-side tabs panel
  2. Click the Music tab (speaker/sound icon)
  3. The panel has two sections:
    • Sound FX at the top - for sound effect buttons (caster buttons)
    • Music below - for background music

The Music tab with the six Sound FX pads highlighted, each showing a sound name and its length

Step 2: Assign Sounds to Pads

  1. Click on an empty pad
  2. Select an audio file from:
    • Your computer
    • Media library
  3. The sound is now assigned to that pad
  4. The pad shows the sound name

Supported formats: MP3, WAV, OGG

Sound length limit: Maximum 10 seconds per sound effect

Step 3: Play Sound Effects

Click to Play:

  • Simply click any pad to play its sound
  • The sound plays immediately
  • Click again to stop (if still playing)

Keyboard Shortcuts:

KeyPad
Ctrl+Shift+1Pad 1
Ctrl+Shift+2Pad 2
Ctrl+Shift+3Pad 3
Ctrl+Shift+4Pad 4
Ctrl+Shift+5Pad 5
Ctrl+Shift+6Pad 6

Pressing a bare number key does nothing. The shortcuts can be reassigned in Settings > Hotkeys.

Step 4: Adjust Sound Effect Volume

  1. Use the volume slider in the SFX panel
  2. This controls all sound effect volume
  3. Adjust relative to your other audio sources

Replace a Sound Effect

  1. Right-click on the pad (or click the menu icon)
  2. Select Replace
  3. Choose a new audio file
  4. The new sound replaces the old one

Remove a Sound Effect

  1. Right-click on the pad (or click the menu icon)
  2. Select Remove or Clear
  3. The pad becomes empty

Best Practices

Sound Selection

  • Keep sounds short (1-3 seconds ideal)
  • Use high-quality audio files
  • Avoid sounds that are too loud or jarring

When to Use Sound Effects

  • Transitions between segments
  • Celebrating achievements/wins
  • Emphasizing points
  • Adding humor or energy
  • Intro/outro moments

Volume Balance

  • Test sound effects before going live
  • Sound effects should be audible but not overwhelming
  • Typical level: 50-70% relative to speech
TypeExamples
TransitionsWhoosh, swoosh, ding
CelebrationsApplause, cheering, airhorn
AlertsBell, notification, chime
ComedyRimshot, sad trombone, boing
GamingLevel up, coin, power-up

Troubleshooting

Sound not playing?

  • Check if a sound is assigned to the pad
  • Verify browser audio permissions
  • Check the SFX volume isn’t at zero
  • Try re-assigning the sound

Sound too quiet/loud?

  • Adjust the SFX volume slider
  • Check if your source audio file is properly normalized
  • Use audio editing software to adjust the file

Wrong sound plays?

  • Verify which pad you clicked
  • Check keyboard shortcut assignments
  • Re-assign the correct sound to the pad

Tips for Streamers

  1. Pre-load your sounds - Set up all pads before going live
  2. Test levels - Do a sound check before streaming
  3. Don’t overuse - Too many sound effects can be distracting
  4. Match your brand - Choose sounds that fit your show’s style