Articulate Storyline Audio Compression issue
Oct 29, 2012
Hi there
I am having issues with audio quality when recording screens.
I notice that screen recordings end up with audio issues whenever I actually do something on the screen. It's as if Articulate Storyline's default is to record at a constant bit rate, so any movement in combination with the audio recorded results in additional audio compression and thus sound that sounds crackly or fuzzy.
I've tried this with my $50 Logitec headset and my $300 RODE line in microphone with digital transformer line in.
I cannot see where to adjust the record quality or to change from CBR to VBR recording and cannot see where I set preferences for audio quality.
The audio is not acceptable quality so am hoping someone out there can point me to an answer.
Cheers
KerryJ
33 Replies
Hi!
I'm not familiar with your microphones. Are they native USB mic's? Are you using Line In?
Hi Gerry
I did say the RODE's digital transformer was line in, the other mic I tried was a headset mic which has analogue 3.5 mm jacks rather than USB.
My main question is: is there is control over Articulate Storyline's audio compression settings?
Cheers
KerryJ
The only control I know of is when publishing, and that affects the output.
When the publishing dialog box comes up, click the link next to the works "Quality:" and you can set the audio bitrate for the output.
i suppose you could record your audio outside of Storyline and import in it. Here's the WAV preference for that: http://www.articulate.com/support/kb_article.php?product=st1&id=l23dl3g8esrl
For giggles, if you can, try a USB microphone and test it out.
I would never use a mic with analogue in. Sometimes the conversion from analog to digital by the computer results in some very scratchy or distorted audio. Best to keep everything digital.
Hi Gerry
I was aware of the publishing option, but thanks for trying.
The issue has nothing to do with the microphone. As I mentioned, I tried two different mics and had the same issue. Plus, I tried both mics with Audacity and had no issues. It is an Articulate compression issue.
I don't want to record the audio outside of Articulate or edit it with another program, I want a screen capture program that does it all in one hit.
Again, thanks for trying.
Cheers
KerryJ
Then I might consider filing a case with Articulate and see if they can get to the root of things.
Kerry:
When you publish, switch the audio bitrate to 64 or higher. I like 64 because I get a relatively small file size and good quality. Of course, the higher you set the audio bitrate, the larger the file.
I've noticed that when I preview my slides the audio is compressed, but when I choose the higher settings and publish, things sound as they should. Let me know how it goes.
Hi Kerry,
Did you get a chance to try out Daniel's suggestion? I haven't switched to Storyline yet but have felt some frustration with audio rendering by Presenter so I have some empathy. I am just a novice when it comes to sound engineering, but I have a yearn to learn and the experience and knowledge in this post is valuable.
Thanks,
Rick
Any other ideas surface? I am having the same issue as Kerry - in my case, it's stutters and starts/stops more than crackling. I've even tried to not type or click while speaking but it seems that even moving my cursor across the screen can randomly cause issues. I tried publishing with an audio bitrate of 64 but it didn't help.
I hate to have record the audio separately but...
I don't have any problems with audio quality when I record just sound, by the way.
Appreciate any advice.
- Ann
Hi, Ann:
So the issues only occur when you are doing a screen recording?
Hi Daniel,
Yes, that's correct - only when I do screen recordings. Sound quality is fine when I record audio only within Storyline.
Ann
Hi Ann,
Really sorry you're having trouble with the audio. Out of curiosity, have you tried recording and checking the audio in a different, new Storyline file? It's possible the current file you're working on has some kind of corruption that's affecting the audio...
Hi Peter,
I tried creating a new file and the audio does seem better - there's the occasional little "blip" when I click but it sounds okay and it doesn't interrupt the audio. I will try doing a full recording and see how it goes. Thanks for the suggestion.
Ann
Oh, cool! Let us know how it goes...
Sigh... I guess my first try was too short of a sample to reveal the issue and once again, I am experiencing gaps in sound and quality issues with the audio when I do screen recordings. I'm going to go ahead and record a separate audio file to play over the video but if you have any other ideas on how to troubleshoot this, I'm very interested since for recording "snippet" type content, I'd rather go the faster route and do my audio and video at the same time.
Thanks,
Ann
Shoot, sorry, Ann. The only other suggestion I'd make, is to check your audio quality settings when you publish, and try increasing the bitrate up from the default 48kbps, as mentioned near the top of this thread.
Or, if you'd like, we'd be happy to take a closer look at it. You can submit a case, including your .story file, using this link so our support team can assist you further.
Thanks!
I have experienced the same issue, and can find no workaround. I have opted for full studio recording to meet the quality requirements of the client. This is not feasible in all circumstances I understand. But ultimately if the client wants high audio quality in a rapid authoring tool like SL, they have to pay for studio time. If not, they have to live with what is available recording on a PC.
The audio issues while performing a screen recording has to do with ongoing memory issue with SL. Look at our CPU usage while performing a screen recording....I had the same issue. You may have to opt for studio recording. Most clients though will understand this as a cost outlay. Is the client refusing to pay for studio time?
I don't feel that this compression issue is solved yet.
If there is a functionality it should work properly.
Please, Articulate Demand Manager and Developer Hereos, make it happen!
Hi Florian! Can you describe the particular issue that you are having? I cannot find any reference where you mentioned audio issues like this before. If you'd like to share your files, you can send them here.
Hey Leslie,
it's the same one like Kerry has: Audio playback quality is bad when recording with screen recording functionality - no matter if you customize audio bitrate up to 160 kps during publishing. This does not appear when recording just audio.
Thanks!
Florian
Hi Florian! I would suggest that you go ahead and submit a case so that our support team can have a look. No one in this thread opened a case, so I have no definitive update to provide you with.
Hi Leslie,
I did so today.
Thanks,
Florian
Thanks Florian! I see where you submitted your case (#00355148 for my records) and you should be hearing from someone soon. I will follow along in the progress as well. Thanks for the update.
Hi Florian! Just following up again and I see where Jayem sent you an e-mail on 9/9. Have you received this e-mail? It would be coming from support@articulate.com in case you need to check Junk/Spam.
Hi Leslie,
I checked my mailbox again but it seems that there is no email from articulate.
Besides, sorry for the late reply.
Best, Florian
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