Voice chat transforms FiveM roleplay. Text-based communication works, but hearing another player's voice during a traffic stop or heist creates immersion that text can't match.
Voice Chat Options
pma-voice (Most Popular)
Built on Mumble protocol, pma-voice is the standard voice solution for FiveM. Features:
- Proximity-based audio (hear nearby players)
- Radio channels (walkie-talkie style)
- Phone calls (directional audio)
- Configurable ranges
- Individual volume control
TokoVoip
Older solution using a standalone app. Less popular now but some established servers still use it.
saltychat
Alternative using TeamSpeak 3 as a backend. Requires players to have TeamSpeak. Being phased out in favor of in-game solutions.
pma-voice Setup
Installation
- Download from the pma-voice GitHub
- Extract to your resources folder
- Add to server.cfg:
ensure pma-voice
# Voice configuration
setr voice_useNativeAudio true
setr voice_useSendingRangeOnly true
setr voice_defaultCycle "GRAVE"
setr voice_defaultVolume 0.5
Proximity Ranges
setr voice_proximity [
{"name": "Whisper", "range": 3.0},
{"name": "Normal", "range": 12.0},
{"name": "Shout", "range": 25.0}
]
Players cycle through ranges with a key (default: grave/tilde key). Whisper for private conversations, normal for regular talk, shout to be heard across the street.
Radio System
setr voice_enableRadio true
setr voice_maxRadioChannels 100
Players join radio channels (frequencies):
- Police on channel 1
- EMS on channel 2
- Mechanics on channel 3
- Custom channels for gangs, organizations
Phone Integration
pma-voice integrates with phone resources to provide:
- Private calls (audio only between callers)
- Proximity leak (nearby players hear muffled phone audio)
- Phone voice effects (slight distortion to simulate phone call)
Audio Zones
Create areas with special audio behavior:
Interiors
Indoor areas where outdoor players can't hear you:
exports['pma-voice']:addZone('legion_square_office', {
points = { vector2(x1,y1), vector2(x2,y2), vector2(x3,y3), vector2(x4,y4) },
minZ = z1,
maxZ = z2
})
Soundproofing
Some interiors should block all sound (interrogation rooms, offices):
exports['pma-voice']:setZoneSoundproof('interrogation_room', true)
Server Performance Impact
Voice chat uses bandwidth but minimal CPU:
- Each speaking player: ~30-50 Kbps
- At 64 players, 20 actively speaking: ~1 Mbps total
- Server CPU: Negligible (Mumble server handles encoding)
On Space-Node, the 1Gbps network connection handles voice traffic alongside game synchronization without congestion.
Troubleshooting
Players can't hear each other:
- Verify pma-voice is started before other resources that depend on it
- Check that NUI (CEF) is working (voice uses the browser component)
- Have players check their system microphone permissions
Voice cutting out:
- Server tick time too high (voice updates get delayed)
- Network issues between client and server
- Client-side frame rate too low (NUI processing delayed)
Echo or feedback:
- Players have speakers instead of headphones
- Push-to-talk not configured (constant open mic)
Voice chat is essential for serious RP servers. The setup takes 30 minutes and transforms the gameplay experience completely.
