If you are new to using A/V at the Naka-Kon Mainstage Cosplay Contest, or would like some pointers on video and audio editing for your entry, this document is here to help! All A/V submissions must adhere to the Mainstage Cosplay Contest rules and the rules of Naka-Kon, and all audio/ video submissions will be reviewed to ensure they are appropriate.
General Information
All files must be submitted in the indicated format (MP3 or MP4). Alternate files or links such as YouTube videos, Audacity, .PTF files etc. will not be accepted. Files will only be accepted during the timeline. Files will not be accepted on-site.
Please note all audio and video will be screened prior to the contest, with general inspection for playability, quality, and adherence to the rules. It is the contestant's responsibility to provide A/V information in the correct format by the deadline. If utilized, A/V will be considered as part of the contestant's performance score.
Audio
Audio must be submitted in MP3 format only. If you are using video in addition to your audio, see the “Video” section. For best results, please export all audio files to mp3 at 320kbps.
General Audio Tips
- Use the highest quality audio you can find. What sounds good on your computer may not sound as good on the mainstage.
- Check your audio multiple times. Make sure your transitions, audio selections or other elements of your track sound correct. Any rough transitions, hard breaks or other issues will be more apparent when played over the speakers at-kon. We will not be able to make any adjustments at-Kon, so please utilize headphones when checking your audio and make sure it sounds to your liking.
- When combining multiple elements, ensure both are panned to the center. Some software will default to placing your first element on the left side and second on the right.
- Sound mixing software recommendations:
- Setting levels:
- Using headphones, play your track and make sure nothing is clipping.
- Turn the volume on your headphones down and listen again. Everything should still sound clear.
- Turn the volume back up, adjust levels, repeat as needed.
Music
Naka-Kon Mainstage Cosplay Contest Contestants are able to submit their own music. If you do not submit audio, the cosplay team will randomly select music for you so you will not need to walk in silence. Contestants will not be able to change pre-selected audio). Please note that if you win the Holiday Matsuri Winter Cosplay Championship Delegate award, you may later have to make changes to your audio/ video for the parameters of those contests.
Voice Recording
Contestants are welcome to use vocal recordings (from themselves or trusted others at the discretion of the contestant to add personalized dialogue to their performance.
Voice Recording Tips
- Use an external microphone for best results. Microphones built into your phone/ laptop pick up sound from your voice and other environmental sounds and may not have great clarity.
- Record in the smallest room you can to eliminate environmental noise.
- Be aware of A/C and heaters/ other “house noises” that may get recorded.
- Consider placing pillows or blankets by the door to reduce noise.
- Some libraries such as the Lawrence Public Library and the Olathe Public Library have free studios and some equipment you can use.
- Don't try to get everything done in one take. Record each line multiple times and mix them together at the end.
Video
New for the 2026 convention year, Naka-Kon will allow Mainstage Cosplay Contest contestants to utilize the center background screen for video to enhance their cosplay contest performance with video. Please note the two side screens will not be available.
Video Specs:
- Video must be in an MP4 container.
- Video must be 1080p (16:9) resolution.
- Acceptable codecs: AVC (h264), HEVC (h265). Other codecs may not be playable.
- The physical dimensions of the display are 6,000mm x 3,372mm or approximately 19.5 ft x 11 ft.
- If you wish to use both video and audio: provide one MP4 file containing exactly one video and one audio track with the above specifications.