---
title: "Audio Asset Pipeline"
description: "Audio pipeline index with category status, generation tools, bus architecture, and sprint scope"
type: design
status: active
---

# Audio Asset Pipeline

Status: **Active** — Sprint 7 (first audio sprint)

## Summary

| Category | File | Total | Planned | In-Progress | Placeholder | Final |
|----------|------|-------|---------|-------------|-------------|-------|
| Ambient | [ambient.md](ambient.md) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SFX | [sfx.md](sfx.md) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UI | [ui.md](ui.md) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| **Total** | | **12** | **10** | **0** | **0** | **0** |

Update counts when asset status changes.

## Palette

See [palette.md](palette.md) for the sonic identity: two sonic families (insert-tech / organic), station palette (functional warmth), generation approach, bus architecture.

## Generation Tools

- **Stable Audio Open:** Self-hosted, >200ms organic sounds. ~47s ceiling per generation.
- **Manual synthesis:** <200ms insert-tech sounds. Audacity / Python oscillator.
- **Post-processing:** LUFS normalization, EQ carving, crossfade loops (3-5s overlap).

## Bus Architecture

5 player-facing buses (see palette.md for full spec):

| Bus | Content |
|-----|---------|
| Music | Future — empty |
| Ambient | Station hum, zone overlays |
| World SFX | NPC footsteps, doors, conversation murmur |
| Player Actions | Player footsteps, combat |
| UI Sounds | Cursor, implant, chimes, recognition |

## Sprint Scope

### Sprint 7 (#440 — 8 assets)
- 4 UI sounds: cursor hover, fog recognition, implant open, weapon aim (sketch)
- 2 UI sounds: monologue chime normal + urgent (PLACEHOLDER — Sprint 8 redo)
- 2 mix specs: dialogue dip, confrontation dip (documentation, not audio files)

### Sprint 8+ (D-038 — 6 remaining assets)
- 4 ambient loops: station base, workplace layer, bar layer, corridor layer
- 2 SFX: footstep metal walk, footstep metal run
- Monologue chime redo (priority #1)

## Decision References

- D-038: Audio in v0.1 scope
- D-018: Three-range sound model
- D-045: Environmental neutrality