PK3 Audio Booster

A Python script/program that boosts audio volume in pk3 files by a user-specified amount. Its meant to be used in tandem with this Brutal Doom Voice Pack Generator: https://reactorcore.itch.io/brutal-doom-voice-pack-generator

I recommend using 'volume boost 300%' in that above linked voice pack generator, then use this PK3 Audio Booster program with an additional '+500%' to get to Brutal Doom levels of loudness, otherwise the gunfire will drown out the voice clips.

Features

• Processes all pk3 files in the current directory
• User-configurable boost percentage (e.g., +200% for 3x volume)
• Preserves entire folder structure within pk3 files
• All non-audio files remain unchanged
• Supports mp3, wav, and ogg audio files
• Original pk3 files are not modified

Other Uses

Question: Does this technically work with any pk3 mod?

Answer: Yes, absolutely!

The program works with any pk3 file regardless of its internal folder structure.

Here's why:

PK3 files are just ZIP archives - They're standard ZIP files with a .pk3 extension, commonly used by id Tech engines (Doom, Quake, etc.)

The script preserves everything - When processing:

• It extracts the entire pk3 to a temporary directory
• Walks through all subdirectories recursively using os.walk()
• Boosts only the audio files (.mp3, .wav, .ogg) wherever they are
• Leaves all other files completely untouched
• Repackages everything with the exact same folder structure

No assumptions about structure - The script doesn't care if your audio files are in:

• /sounds/voices/
• /music/
• /some/deeply/nested/custom/path/
• Or even scattered across multiple folders

It will find and process them all while keeping everything else (textures, sprites, scripts, maps, etc.) in their original locations.

So whether it's a Doom mod, Quake mod, or any other pk3-based content with a unique folder structure, it'll work the same way!

Requirements

• Python 3.x (for running the script directly)
• ffmpeg installed and added to system PATH

Installing ffmpeg

Choose one method:

1. Via winget (recommended):

   winget install ffmpeg
   

2. Manual installation:

   • Download from: https://www.gyan.dev/ffmpeg/builds/
   • Extract the zip file
   • Add the bin folder to your system PATH

Usage

Option 1: Run with Python

1. Place your pk3 files in the same folder as boost_audio.py
2. Run: python boost_audio.py
3. Enter your desired boost percentage when prompted
4. The script will create new files with "_boosted" suffix
   • Example: YourPack.pk3 → YourPack_boosted.pk3
5. Move the boosted files where you need them
6. You can delete the originals or keep them for backup

Option 2: Build Standalone Executable

1. Run build_exe.bat to create a standalone executable
2. The executable will be created in the dist folder as PK3_Audio_Booster.exe
3. Distribute the .exe file to users (they still need ffmpeg installed)

Boost Examples

• +50% = 1.5x louder (~4dB)
• +100% = 2x louder (~6dB)
• +200% = 3x louder (~10dB) - Good starting point
• +300% = 4x louder (~12dB)
• +500-600% = Matches Brutal Doom levels

Notes

• Already boosted files (ending with _boosted) are automatically skipped
• The script will warn you if trying to boost by more than 1000%
• All audio processing is done in temporary directories
• Original files are never modified

Author & Links

Reactorcore & Claude https://linktr.ee/reactorcore

My itch.io page has lots of Doom II mods btw! Check em out! https://itch.io/c/3164246/mods-various