EXTREMELY Headache-Inducing Ringing Sound during Alexander Resurrected

I'm not sure if there's been a thread made about this already, but I personally haven't seen this mentioned here or elsewhere and I think it's important to bring up. During the Gordius System phase during Alexander Resurrected, there's a very loud, unignorable ringing sound for the ENTIRE mechanic, it almost sounds like a dog whistle. This mechanic lasts for a pretty long time during the boss, and I feel like this should be removed or edited. If an entire arena can be changed because of "accessibility", I think this should too. I mentioned this to a couple friends that called me crazy for hearing it the first time but after I pointed it out, again, it's extremely hard to ignore.

merely for example, https://youtu.be/cOiHrLhhoEM starts at around the 2:31 mark when all the systems are activated. There are other similar sound effects that are phasing in and out as the mechanic is actually being worked on but the one I'm referring to plays throughout pretty much the whole thing.

Also to clarify, when I say " extremely headache inducing", I do not mean I'm getting an EXTREME HEADACHE, but moreso that it is EXTREMELY LIKELY to INDUCE a headache onto me, or at the very least, give me an uncomfortable feeling in my head or ears.

/mastervolume

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Originally Posted by lucatracy

I'm not sure if there's been a thread made about this already, but I personally haven't seen this mentioned here or elsewhere and I think it's important to bring up. During the Gordius System phase during Alexander Resurrected, there's a very loud, unignorable ringing sound for the ENTIRE mechanic, it almost sounds like a dog whistle. This mechanic lasts for a pretty long time during the boss, and I feel like this should be removed or edited. If an entire arena can be changed because of "accessibility", I think this should too. I mentioned this to a couple friends that called me crazy for hearing it the first time but after I pointed it out, again, it's extremely hard to ignore.

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Try first to see if it's not an audio issue with your system. I had similar issues with some SAM sounds a few years ago, and turns out it was my headset messing up with high-pitched sounds.

As for changing stuff for accessibility, it'll happen if enough people have this issue. So far I think you're the first person I've seen talk about that.

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Originally Posted by Kranel_San

/mastervolume

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Thanks genius, but muting my entire game, or having to change any volume setting mid boss, is not a solution to a sound effect causing literal headaches

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Originally Posted by Sekundessounet

Try first to see if it's not an audio issue with your system. I had similar issues with some SAM sounds a few years ago, and turns out it was my headset messing up with high-pitched sounds.

As for changing stuff for accessibility, it'll happen if enough people have this issue. So far I think you're the first person I've seen talk about that.

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The thing is my friends can hear it too, not sure if it actually affects them the same way it does to me or could to others though. I don't play with a headset and I watched a YT gameplay of the boss to make sure it wasn't just on my end and I can hear it in it too. But next time I have to do the raid, I'll see if I can have any free seconds to see which audio setting it's set to.

I have really sensitive ears and I haven't noticed anything, but maybe I'm getting old lol.

I would maybe see if using a different audio device has any effect on it, otherwise it might be good to try and reach out to support directly.

Why yes, make a thread to complain so they can nerf more unique stuff in Windhurst. We already lost the transparent platform because people complained.

I think you should at least link the YT video you watched & write down the timestamp where exactly this bothersome sound exists—mind you, it’s not necessarily for us other forummonger, but moreso for any of their staff if they happened to read this thread. Edit your first post and put it up there for better visibility.

If you just tell anybody “Oh X fight sound effect makes me dizzy…” without specifying which SFX in the span of 4-6 minutes encounter, you’ll just prolong the time window it takes for them to address the issue because now they need to wait for you to get back at them which SFX exactly you were referring to. No, saying which phase doesn’t narrow it down proper either because in a single minute there can be plenty of SFX playing at the same time, much less identifying the common thread.

Tl;dr drop the link & put a timestamp on your first post. You can edit it.

Yeah, asked around during my run, theres definitely a hum from the shield, but no one hears anything so bad its headache inducing. Gotta be blunt this might be one those actual "you" issues, something with your audio or your ears...

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Originally Posted by Kamudo

Why yes, make a thread to complain so they can nerf more unique stuff in Windhurst. We already lost the transparent platform because people complained.

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There's nothing "unique" about the sound effect in comparison to almost an entire arena. You're being purposefully dense to argue.

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Originally Posted by Hanayumi

Yeah, asked around during my run, theres definitely a hum from the shield, but no one hears anything so bad its headache inducing. Gotta be blunt this might be one those actual "you" issues, something with your audio or your ears...

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Respectfully, if they can make the somewhat extreme change they did to the Promathia arena because a "you issue" to maybe a couple people, I don't see what's so hard about removing the sound effect or editing it to not sound so high frequency. Clearly it wouldn't actually matter to the majority considering I'm being treated like I'm crazy for even hearing it, so I'm not sure why people are getting defensive or even somewhat hostile over something they never even knew was there.

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Originally Posted by Rein_eon_Osborne

I think you should at least link the YT video you watched & write down the timestamp where exactly this bothersome sound exists—mind you, it’s not necessarily for us other forummonger, but moreso for any of their staff if they happened to read this thread. Edit your first post and put it up there for better visibility.

If you just tell anybody “Oh X fight sound effect makes me dizzy…” without specifying which SFX in the span of 4-6 minutes encounter, you’ll just prolong the time window it takes for them to address the issue because now they need to wait for you to get back at them which SFX exactly you were referring to. No, saying which phase doesn’t narrow it down proper either because in a single minute there can be plenty of SFX playing at the same time, much less identifying the common thread.

Tl;dr drop the link & put a timestamp on your first post. You can edit it.

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Fair enough, I'll do that in a bit. Only concern is that these few examples also kind of have the same problem with SFX vomit and volume but I'll at least get a clip of just boss. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by RaionKansen

I have really sensitive ears and I haven't noticed anything, but maybe I'm getting old lol.

I would maybe see if using a different audio device has any effect on it, otherwise it might be good to try and reach out to support directly.

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Not sure if it's really an age thing or if this changes anything, but I am somewhat younger than what seems like the majority lmao. I always forget support is an option but by the looks of things, it's seemingly not worth it now..

I don't hear anything, but that isn't the first time people complained about "disturbing" sound design that didn't affect me. Back then, during the early days of Endwalker, people complained about scholars broil 4 having some weird, high pitched lalafell scream sounding bit at the end of the sound effect. I and other people didn't hear it, but the devs did end up adjusting the sound.

That being said, it's not like I don't have my own personal grievance with some sounds in this game. I despise the Type 1 and Type 2 sound effects you can use for chat messages because they give me an uncomfortable physical reaction. I don't know why, but it just does. There are some crafter sound effects too that I found unpleasing, like the goldsmiths grinding machines.

Honestly, I think in general that the devs have gotten really bad with keeping the sensory side of their art accessible. I used to have all battle effects by everyone enabled, but nowadays I only have mine active because I straight up can't see anything anymore due to all the fireworks and explosions that all jobs are dishing out. Some boss stages are also pretty bad with their choice of colors. The third fight of Pandaemonium is infamous for its heavy use of orange, for example.

Basically, what I'm saying here is that I agree with you that this needs to be changed.

I have not noticed and I have sensative hearing. I think the only solution is to reduce the volume.

I had no issues. Reducing volume of the specific environmental volume that's causing it seems the simplest solution. You can make a macro to do this which does /ambientsounds, so that you can disable the ambient volume. It's just one fight out of the whole game.

OOH! I think I know what you mean. Damn I'm actually glad I heard it lol as I've been having ear problems that have yet to be addressed within a sensible timeframe (thanks NHS) and it's been eating away at me that I'm losing too much range (I have very sensitive ears, but quite proud of it). It's not quite on the level of nauseating for me but it's in that l'il threshold of upper range piquing, there's a bit of a vibrational buzz to it.

That fight's got a lot of shrill sounds I have to say (I have yet to do that content). Hmm. Guess in the meantime you could uhhh... use ear plugs? In the lower db range. I do that sometimes to dampen unpleasant sound ranges too, while still being able to hear what matters. While using over-ear headphones. Since having this problem (the medical one) anyway.

ED: as a fun note, maybe we could have people replying to this thread take the "is it laurel or yanny?" test.~

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Originally Posted by Jeeqbit

I had no issues. Reducing volume of the specific environmental volume that's causing it seems the simplest solution. You can make a macro to do this which does /ambientsounds, so that you can disable the ambient volume. It's just one fight out of the whole game.

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Absent any action by SE, this is probably how you should handle it, OP. I have macros to mute /voice and /bgm for instances where these separate audio tracks irritate me, then I turn them back on when the irritation is passed. Audio that's giving you a headache is absolutely worth temporarily muting while the fight is going on.

Though yes, do make a video with the sound and time stamp it, then send it to support directly. Possibly in-game? They may adjust it. They do adjust audio from time to time, so it's not out of the question that they'd adjust this one if you bring it directly to their attention.

A true definition of a first world problem. “This part annoyes me and should be changed to cater me and f$&@ everyone else”.

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Originally Posted by lucatracy

Thanks genius, but muting my entire game, or having to change any volume setting mid boss, is not a solution to a sound effect causing literal headaches

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This is quite literally the only solution outside of SE bending over backwards for you. I know it's not fun to deal with these headaches but sometimes you have to make some adjustments yourself, especially if it's a really easy one like this.

Weirdly I didn't have any problems the times I have ran the instance, but watching that video was really grating on my ears. I hope they change it.

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Originally Posted by lucatracy

There's nothing "unique" about the sound effect in comparison to almost an entire arena. You're being purposefully dense to argue.

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Let's see...
"Eyes hurty, pls SE nerf the arena so its no longer transparent because it makes it hard for me in particular to see :("
"Ears hurty, pls SE nerf Alexander Resurrected sounds so it no longer hurts me in particular. :("

Doesn't seem like I'm being dense

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Originally Posted by Kamudo

Let's see...
"Eyes hurty, pls SE nerf the arena so its no longer transparent because it makes it hard for me in particular to see :("
"Ears hurty, pls SE nerf Alexander Resurrected sounds so it no longer hurts me in particular. :("

Doesn't seem like I'm being dense

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It does seem that way, think for a moment.

While I personally don't hear anything, these two things obviously aren't the same. The transparent arena was cool and enhanced the aesthetics of the raid, therefore removing it had a downside. This supposed ringing sound that OP is talking about however could hypothetically be adjusted without making any aspect of the raid worse, much like the similar situation that occurred with Honey B Lovely.

I have not noticed any ringing sound in that fight. Are you certain it's not some sort of audio glitch?

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Originally Posted by Underscore

It does seem that way, think for a moment.

While I personally don't hear anything, these two things obviously aren't the same. The transparent arena was cool and enhanced the aesthetics of the raid, therefore removing it had a downside. This supposed ringing sound that OP is talking about however could hypothetically be adjusted without making any aspect of the raid worse, much like the similar situation that occurred with Honey B Lovely.

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Exactly this, also considering the fact that the arena was something every player was able to see vs a sound effect that seemingly only certain people can hear or make out. Yet somehow I'm some evil monster that needs SE to "bend over backwards for me" for a highly minimal change that doesn't actually affect the majority.

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Originally Posted by JerryBerrry

A true definition of a first world problem. “This part annoyes me and should be changed to cater me and f$&@ everyone else”.

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I like how you're trying to make me seem sensitive, while insinuating that a change or adjustment this small is going to piss everyone else off. You and "everyone else" didn't even know the sfx was there until I brought it up, none of you will be hurt if it were to get adjusted.

OP, have you considered that maybe you have tinnitus? The thing about is is many pitches of sounds can cause these issue, like a ringing in the ear, headaches, even nausia. I get it for certain sounds.

One of the sounds that causes me tinnitus is a common sound in Minecraft. Consider this, that tinnitus has to be pretty unique to me, or millions of people would be getting a headache from the sound. I can edit the audio files in that game fortunately, although I guess the trouble is in XIV there's no legit way to do it. But mostly- these are issues we got to deal with our own in some way like averting your hearing or playing around with different sound drivers or equalizers. I know for instance higher quality headphones (and therefore drivers) has reduced the amount of high pitched noises that could cause tinnitus with me.

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Originally Posted by lucatracy

Exactly this, also considering the fact that the arena was something every player was able to see vs a sound effect that seemingly only certain people can hear or make out. Yet somehow I'm some evil monster that needs SE to "bend over backwards for me" for a highly minimal change that doesn't actually affect the majority.

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Not an evil monster. That's a bit of an absurd overreaction (at least to the people who aren't trolling you; there IS one absolute troll in this thread). But it is true that "mute the sounds while fighting Alexander" is VASTLY easier for you to do than "Turn the monitor off while fighting Promethia" is for the people who that arena was making ill. Just the nature of human senses that sight is our primary.

Still, I do hope they can alter that sound.

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Originally Posted by Astronis

Not an evil monster. That's a bit of an absurd overreaction (at least to the people who aren't trolling you; there IS one absolute troll in this thread). But it is true that "mute the sounds while fighting Alexander" is VASTLY easier for you to do than "Turn the monitor off while fighting Promethia" is for the people who that arena was making ill. Just the nature of human senses that sight is our primary.

Still, I do hope they can alter that sound.

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Was honestly being a bit dramatic with it intentionally, but I wasn't actually referring to those with the actual temporary solutions. Didn't even know a macro was possible until someone here mentioned it, admittedly, plus I'm trying to refrain from reply spamming unless I have something actually new to say.

And that's fair enough, I meant that this change would be far less noticeable for already said reasons, I don't mean to downplay how the stage made people felt even though I admittedly haven't looked into it much other than it giving some people motion sickness. As super cool as it was, I don't have any super strong feeling about it like those who have been super vocal against the change.

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Originally Posted by SalamanderIX

OP, have you considered that maybe you have tinnitus? The thing about is is many pitches of sounds can cause these issue, like a ringing in the ear, headaches, even nausia. I get it for certain sounds.

One of the sounds that causes me tinnitus is a common sound in Minecraft. Consider this, that tinnitus has to be pretty unique to me, or millions of people would be getting a headache from the sound. I can edit the audio files in that game fortunately, although I guess the trouble is in XIV there's no legit way to do it. But mostly- these are issues we got to deal with our own in some way like averting your hearing or playing around with different sound drivers or equalizers. I know for instance higher quality headphones (and therefore drivers) has reduced the amount of high pitched noises that could cause tinnitus with me.

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I actually did think about this possibility, but I don't believe I do. I don't have anything that affects my day-to-day life regarding sounds and I've also never felt this way about a sound in a game before, or while watching something. It gives me the same feeling that watching "CAN YOU HEAR THIS DOG WHISTLE? TEST!!!" videos make me feel after a certain point, if that's any more context whatsoever.

Now I'm actually curious if anyone else with tinnitus feels similar to the way I feel or hear it or if it makes them feel worse than I do... Or not at all? I don't think this thread is going to get far at all but I'll hope someone else brings it up or comments on it too.

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Originally Posted by lucatracy

And that's fair enough, I meant that this change would be far less noticeable for already said reasons

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Oh I'm sorry for misunderstanding! Yes, that's very true, I doubt most people would even be aware of it if the devs changed the sound.

Looking at your other replies regarding high pitched sounds, it's probably a bit much just for this one sound, but an equalizer that can lower the levels of very highest treble might be worth looking at if you have issues with high pitched noises in other games.

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Originally Posted by lucatracy

I actually did think about this possibility, but I don't believe I do. I don't have anything that affects my day-to-day life regarding sounds and I've also never felt this way about a sound in a game before, or while watching something. It gives me the same feeling that watching "CAN YOU HEAR THIS DOG WHISTLE? TEST!!!" videos make me feel after a certain point, if that's any more context whatsoever.

Now I'm actually curious if anyone else with tinnitus feels similar to the way I feel or hear it or if it makes them feel worse than I do... Or not at all? I don't think this thread is going to get far at all but I'll hope someone else brings it up or comments on it too.

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I have tinnitus now since whatever's happened to me, but what you describe with a dog whistle I get when bats are echolocating in the surrounding area lmao. I know that's a strange comparison to make, but I've just incidentally lived in like three different places that have had resident bats, this being no exception. I know they're there without even seeing them because of the strange sensation their impossible to actually hear sounds create in my ears. It's been like that since long before I got tinnitus, as far as I remember really.

I also have a bit of misophonia when it comes to... for a lack of a better description "squelchy" sounds. Frisson with music and such. Just really easily stimulated ears I guess.

I personally do suffer tinnitus at times, but the one you linked isn't the trigger for me. It does gets gyrating if I listen to it for way longer though.

However for some reason it's not that audible from my own gameplay (I just got out from one a couple of hours ago!) like I hear it from your linked vid - just putting that one out. I'm unsure what causes this discrepancy.

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Originally Posted by lucatracy

Thanks genius, but muting my entire game, or having to change any volume setting mid boss, is not a solution to a sound effect causing literal headaches

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I think it is when it's just 1 single boss that does it, personally
Nobody else might have the same issue as you do so changing it wouldn't be fair

I had recorded a run of this boss without music and ambient sound, and while I can hear the noise in the linked video, I can't hear it in my own video. Maybe muting just the ambient sound in the volume settings would work for this particular noise? It actually took me a long time to remember to unmute the ambient sound afterwards because it's typically things like rushing water, the hum of electricity, wind noise, etc and I didn't notice it was gone until I was fishing at a waterfall that wasn't making noise lol.