Tabletop Audio – A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Your TTRPG Experience with Sound

Nikolaus Wegscheider

September 15, 2025

To make your Dungeons & Dragons or other TTRPG sessions feel like an epic movie or a haunting adventure, there's one essential ingredient: Audio. Sound can transform your tabletop role-playing games into unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re battling dragons or exploring creepy dungeons, the right audio can make all the difference. Let’s explore what tabletop audio is, why it’s a game-changer, how to pick and use it, and where to find the best resources.

Introduction

What is tabletop audio?

Tabletop audio is all about using sound elements – think music, ambient noises, sound effects, and even voiceovers – to boost the atmosphere and immersion in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, or Call of Cthulhu. It’s like adding a soundtrack to your game, making every scene feel more vivid and immersive.

Why is audio important for TTRPGs?

Audio can elevate your RPG sessions by:

Enhancing immersion – Sound pulls players deeper into the world you’re creating.
Setting the mood – Music and ambience instantly shape the emotional tone of a scene.
Supporting the story – Audio highlights key moments and transitions in your narrative.
Controlling the game’s pacing – Fast or slow tracks help signal urgency or calm, guiding how players respond.

For instance, epic orchestral music can make a boss fight feel heart-pounding, while gentle forest sounds can create a calm, reflective moment. It’s not just about sound – it’s about making your players feel like they’re in the game world. As one game master shared on a forum, “The right music gave my players chills when they faced the final boss.” That’s the kind of impact any game master is looking for.

Purpose of this guide

This guide gives you an overview of how to integrate audio into your (narrative) tabletop game. We’ll cover the different types of audio, their benefits, how to choose and integrate them into your game, and the best resources out there. Whether you’re a newbie DM or a seasoned player, you’ll find practical tips and ideas to make your sessions more immersive.

Types of tabletop audio

Background music

Background music is the instrumental backbone of your game’s atmosphere. These tracks set the overall mood for different scenes. For example, a track with soaring strings and booming drums can make a dragon fight feel even more epic. Or for a peaceful village scene, soft flutes and gentle melodies add the right feeling. The key is to match the music to the emotion you want to evoke. TableTone, our adaptive audio app for TTRPGS, for example, automatically matches the right music to any scene, situation or mood.

Ambient sounds

Ambient sounds are the background noises that bring a location to life. They help players visualize the environment and feel like they’re really there.

Location-based ambiences – These are tied to specific places in the game world. Examples include: chirping birds in a forest, the bustling chatter of a city market, or the eerie echoes in a dungeon. In the TableTone app, these are called Locations.
Global ambiences – These can occur in almost any setting and are not bound to a specific location. Examples include: rain, a thunderstorm, or a bonfire.

Used together, both types of ambience add atmosphere and make your tabletop audio soundscape feel dynamic and alive. Pro tip: Choose ambiences that run at least a few minutes so the background never feels repetitive. With changing intensity from time to time is another great way to create dynamic ambiences.

Here's an example of how music and ambiences can play together:

Sound effects

Sound effects or one-shots are specific sounds tied to actions or events, adding realism and excitement. Think of the clash of swords, the whoosh of a fireball spell, or the creak of an old door. They can be unique to a character and boost their individual profile.

Voiceovers and voice modulation

Voiceovers are less common but can add a unique touch. These might be pre-recorded narration or character voices, like a deep, ominous voice proclaiming a prophecy or a narrator setting the scene for a new adventure. There is also voice modulation software like Voicemod that can change your voice into that of a dragon or some demonic npc – which can be very effective… and fun.

How audio benefits your tabletop RPGs

Enhancing immersion

Audio creates a multisensory experience that pulls players into the game world. When they hear the sounds of a bustling tavern or a howling wind, it’s easier to imagine themselves in the scene. It’s like stepping into a movie. That’s immersion at its best.

Setting the mood

The right audio can instantly set the atmosphere, whether it’s tense, joyful, or mysterious. Eerie music can make a horror scene spine-chilling, while upbeat tunes can energize a festival. Audio acts like a shortcut to the emotions you want your players to feel, helping them get into character faster.

Supporting the narrative

Audio can highlight key story moments or transitions. For example, dramatic music during a plot twist – like the reveal of a traitor – can amplify the impact. Or, a sudden shift to silence after a loud battle can underscore a moment of loss. Audio becomes a storytelling tool, reinforcing the narrative you’re weaving.

Improving game pacing

Audio cues can help control the game’s tempo. A fast-paced battle track can signal the start of combat, urging players to act quickly. Conversely, slow, ambient sounds can encourage thoughtful role-playing during exploration. By using audio strategically, you have another powerful tool to control your narrative.

Here's a quick look at how pros are using sound in games:

How to choose the right audio for tabletop games?

Choose audio that fits the scene’s mood – creepy for zombie horror, upbeat for halfling festivals. Check what your players enjoy and use clear, balanced sound. Tools like TableTone auto-adjust audio to match the game perfectly.

Matching audio to scenes

Pick audio that fits the theme and emotion of the scene. For a horror scene, go for eerie, dissonant music. For a lively city festival, choose more upbeat tracks. Think about the story you’re telling and how the audio can enhance it. In the TTRPG soundboard TableTone the music is automatically chosen by the engine to always perfectly fit the scene, the situation and mood.

Considering player preferences

Not all players enjoy the same audio. Some love a full cinematic soundscape, while others prefer minimal background noise to focus on role-playing. Chat with your group beforehand to gauge their preferences.

Optimizing audio quality and setup

Great audio can elevate your game – poor audio can ruin it. Invest in a reliable sound system that delivers clear, balanced output at low volumes. The better the equipment, the less volume you’ll need to create impact. This helps keep narration and player dialogue crystal clear while still immersing everyone in the scene.

How to integrate audio into my game?

There are many different ways to integrate audio into your RPG, including online soundboards, mobile apps, or simply popular music platforms.

Tools and software for audio control

There are tons of tools to help you manage audio during your sessions. Far more than we can list here. So here are just a few. Note: not all solutions might be useful for both in-person and VTT.

Online browser-based soundboards

Browser-based starter soundboard: A one-time purchase software with over 100+ sounds and customizable features like sound uploads.
Web Sound-Pad-style mixer: Drag-and-drop layering with customizable loops, ambient tracks and one shot sounds.

Mobile apps

TableTone (iOS & Android) – Our adaptive soundboard focuses on fast scene switching, layered ambience + SFX, and studio-quality music across Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror. Built for maximum immersion and for Game Master so you can stay “in the story,” not beburied in menus. → How TableTone works · Download & learn more.‍
Subscription libraries with system tie-ins – Large, regularly updated catalogs with adventure-specific “moods,” triggerable one-shots (spells, traps, stingers). Look for official soundsets for popular systems plus a browser-controlled “online player.” Best for plug-and-play content and remote tables.‍
Mixer-style soundboards (build-your-own scenes) – DAW-like control on your phone: stack loops, ambience, music, and stingers; save custom sets; trigger sequences; and shift scenes on the fly. Ideal for GMs who want granular control without a laptop. ‍
Bring-your-own-audio players – Flexible soundboards that let you import local files and blend them with ambient beds and one-shots. Perfect if you already own SFX/music libraries and want a single mobile controller.‍
Generative/procedural ambience engines – Instead of fixed tracks, these produce evolving soundscapes to reduce repetition across long sessions; some even sync with smart lights.‍
Curated ambience players & lightweight soundpads — Emphasize ready-to-use, pre-composed ambiences (often in 5–10 minute loops) with a simple pad for quick stings. Minimal setup and an ultra-short learning curve if you want “press play” atmosphere.

Streaming platforms and media players

VLC or iTunes: Of course, using any audio player if you have the music is a valid option.
Youtube: There are plenty playlists with music and ambiences particularly created for tabletop adventures like Tabletop RPG Music
Spotify: Just like Youtube, there are many playlists curated specifically for tabletop gaming. Going from there, you can easily create your own for different game scenarios.

Voice modulation

Try Voicemod, Voice AI oder the voice changer from Lala. Nice add-on that won't replace ambiences or a soundtrack.

Video game and movie soundtracks

Video game and fantasy movie scores are already composed for drama and offer music for different scenes—exploration, tension, or battles—that often mirror the situations you’ll face in TTRPGs.

Preparing playlists or soundboards

Get organized by preparing playlists or soundboards for different scenarios. For example, create a “Combat” playlist with epic tracks, an “Exploration” playlist with ambient sounds, and a “Social” playlist with tavern chatter. Here's an example of an awesome YouTube combat music compilation:

Mix different sources

For advanced users, live mixing lets you adjust audio in real-time to match the game’s flow. You can add rain to the forest and trigger spell sounds all at the same time to give everything more depth. Modern TTRPG soundboard apps make that fairly easy. Practice and experiment beforehand to get the hang of it. Pro tip: Start with the basics like local ambiences or just music and go from there. Add some sounds for key moments.

Special considerations for in-person vs. online games

In-person games

Use speakers to play audio, but make sure the volume doesn’t drown out players’ voices. Place the speakers so that everyone can hear clearly. Test the setup in the room to avoid echoes or distortion. And as mentioned above, audio quality is key.

Online games

Integrate audio through virtual tabletop platforms like Roll20 or Foundry VTT, which support music playback. Alternatively, share audio via Discord using bots or screen-sharing. Discord hack: Create a Discord account for audio and invite it to the session. This gives you more control over the audio playback. Also, be mindful of latency – test your connection beforehand to ensure smooth playback.

Key Takeaways

The right audio can elevate any tabletop RPG session from good to unforgettable—but only if it’s used with intention. Match sound to the scene, keep layers balanced and subtle, and prepare quick-access sets for different play modes like combat, exploration, and social encounters. Always align your choices with your players’ preferences, and make sure your setup is reliable so that tech doesn’t break immersion. Start simple, gather feedback, and refine your library over time. With this approach, audio becomes a seamless storytelling tool—supporting the flow of your game instead of distracting from it.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tabletop Audio?

Why is Audio Important For TTRPGs?

Audio can take your RPG sessions to the next level by enhancing immersion, setting the mood, supporting the story, and controlling the game’s pacing. For instance, epic orchestral music can make a boss fight feel heart-pounding, while gentle forest sounds can create a calm, reflective moment. It’s not just about sound – it’s about making your players feel like they’re in the game world. As one game master shared on a forum, “The right music gave my players chills when they faced the final boss.” That’s the kind of impact any game master is looking for.