How the New Steam Controller Plays Music Without a Speaker
You may have heard that Valve’s new Steam Controller can ring like a telephone or perform the Wilhelm scream. But did you know it can sing songs, too? Thanks to the controller’s haptic motors, enthusiasts have already found a way to make it play recognizable tunes—from the Super Mario Bros. 2 ground theme to the iconic Portal track “Still Alive,” and even the heavy riffs of Doom.
The secret lies in the trackpads. The haptic motors, typically used for feedback as your thumb glides over the pads, can vibrate at specific frequencies—essentially acting like a small speaker. This allows the controller to produce audio without any built-in speaker hardware.
Understanding Haptic Feedback in the Steam Controller
Valve’s second-generation Steam Controller uses advanced haptic motors that provide nuanced vibrations. These motors can simulate button presses even though the trackpads don’t physically click. By controlling the frequency and intensity of these vibrations, creative tinkerers have unlocked a hidden audio capability.
Why Haptic Motors Work for Audio
- Frequency control: Haptic motors can produce a range of frequencies, similar to a speaker driver.
- Direct feedback: The vibration is transmitted through the controller’s body, creating audible sound waves.
- No speaker needed: This method bypasses the need for a dedicated audio component.
Using Steam Haptics Singer to Play MIDI Tracks
Developer CrazyCritic89 created an open-source tool called Steam Haptics Singer, available on GitHub for Windows and Linux. This program converts MIDI files—simple digital music files containing note instructions—into haptic vibrations that your Steam Controller or Steam Deck can play.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Controller Sing
Getting your controller to play music requires a bit of tinkering, but the process is straightforward for those comfortable with basic terminal commands.
What You’ll Need
- A Steam Controller (first or second generation) or a Steam Deck
- Steam Haptics Singer software (download from GitHub)
- MIDI files (available from various online archives)
- A computer running Windows or Linux (or desktop mode on Steam Deck)
Installation and Setup
Download the appropriate version of Steam Haptics Singer for your operating system. On a Steam Deck, you’ll need to enter desktop mode. Extract the files and open a terminal in the directory. Follow the instructions provided on the GitHub page to connect your controller and load a MIDI file.
Once the software is running, the haptic motors will begin vibrating in patterns corresponding to the MIDI notes. The result is a recognizable melody emanating from your controller—no external speakers required.
Valve’s Plans for Official Sound Customization
Currently, Valve does not offer a native way to customize the Steam Controller’s sounds through Steam. In a recent interview, Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that while customization and configurability are possible in the future, the team is not focused on it right now. He suggested that if demand grows, Valve might release an SDK or a dedicated tool for everyone to use.
Precedent for Community-Driven Features
Valve has a history of adopting community innovations. After Steam Deck users sideloaded custom boot videos, Valve made it an official feature—even adding a section in the Steam Store for boot videos. A similar path could be taken for haptic audio customization if enough users show interest.
What This Means for Tinkerers
For now, Steam Haptics Singer fills the gap. It empowers users to experiment with their hardware, turning a standard controller into a musical instrument. Whether you want to hear the Doom soundtrack or a classic Nintendo tune, the tool makes it possible.
Tips for Getting the Best Audio Quality
While haptic audio is inherently limited compared to a traditional speaker, you can optimize your experience with a few simple adjustments.
Optimize Your Setup
- Use simple MIDI files: Tracks with fewer simultaneous notes produce clearer vibrations.
- Hold the controller firmly: Good contact with your hands helps transmit sound more effectively.
- Experiment with volume: Adjust the intensity of haptic feedback in Steam settings for louder output.
- Try different surfaces: Placing the controller on a hard surface can amplify the sound.
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