Distorted audio in Markers

Hi Marilyn,

I've seen a few reports of audio not playing at all when added to a Marker, but I've not heard reports of it sounding distorted and muffled. I'd be interested to see your file, if you don't mind sharing it here. 

In the mean time, you can try adding the audio to an empty layer, then add a trigger to show the layer when the user clicks the marker. Does that seem to make a difference in the audio quality?

I thought the markers would be easier than creating layers and triggers.
I'm new at this.
I can't share the file as its proprietary company info. But like I said,
the sound files played fine outside of Storyline. This was a brand new
Storyline 360 project with the current version, setting up a brand new
basic layout slide. I followed the steps shown in tutorial, adding audio to
markers. Should be nothing to it. It's just not working as it's supposed to.

Alyssa, I just tried importing audio a few different ways. I added to the
slide. I tried another way by creating a layer and a trigger to play the
audio when user clicks. Every time the imported audio played, didn't matter
how it had been added, the audio was distorted and very low in volume so
nearly inaudible.

So something is wrong either a corruption with my Storyline or my computer.
Any suggestions on how to trouble shoot why I can't import audio?

Hmm, so that rules out it being an issue with Markers specifically. Have you tried importing the audio into a brand new Storyline file? If so, how does it sound there?

I understand that you're not able to share your file publicly in the forums. You also have the option to send it to us privately here. Our Support Engineers keep all files confidential, and they're happy to sign an NDA if you wish. 

I did try starting over with same result. I'm going to try recreating an
audio file. I might have missed something. If that's not it I'll send a
storyline file. Thanks for the link.

That's a good plan, Marilyn! Keep me posted. :)

I tried recreating the audio files. I am pulling the audio off of video in Premiere Pro. It was originally at 48000 Hz in Premiere. It seemed to allow me to export it as uncompressed 16 bit 44100 khz wav. I also tried exporting as 16 bit, 44100, IMA ADPCM.  All sounded fine played through a media player. I then cut the file into small clips in Audacity for the storyline project making sure each file was at 44100 khz 16 bit wav. Also tried as MP3s. But I can't make these files work in storyline. So, that's what the problem is. Are you aware of the right way to pull audio out of Premiere so it's in a usable file format?  Thanks. 

Hey Marilyn,

I don't have experience using Premiere specifically, but our Support Engineers would have much more expertise to provide on this kind of issue. You can reach out to them directly using the link I shared there.

And just to be sure, are your project files and audio files all saved to your local hard drive? 

Yes, I'm on the local drive. So, it looks like the problem was my wav files
were in stereo. I couldn't change that in Premiere Pro or Audacity but I
managed to in Audition. Then I cut them up for Storyline in Audacity and
the exported wavs worked. Lots of steps to pull audio off a video file!
Thanks for you help.

Wow, great find! Thanks for sharing the solution with us, Marilyn. And hopefully that'll be a time-saver for anyone who encounters a similar issue in the future. :)