Volume too low when importing audio files

Apr 14, 2014

Hello,

After importing voice over audio files (.aif) into storyline, I discovered the volume is too low. I read several conversations in the forums about this issue, but am unsure if a definitive solution has been arrived at. I tried increasing the volume in the storyline software, but (as warned) this has resulted in the background noise increasing as well. Is there anything I can do either with the audio files or within Storyline to make the sound louder and clearer?

Thank you!

3 Replies
Christine Hendrickson

Hi Kelly,

Just curious - where did you record the audio files? Have you tried recording from within Storyline itself? 

Are you able to open the original files in the same program where they were created and adjust the volume level at all, or save for a different format? 

Are you able to play the audio files outside of Storyline? If so, how's the volume there? You could try playing the audio and record the sound from your machine (not mic) if the volume is loud enough when playing it as a standalone sound file.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks!

Christine 

Kelly Gordon

Hi Christine,

Many thanks for the prompt reply. The audio files were recorded in Garage Band, edited in SounTrack Pro then fixed/balanced in waves. When I play the files in iTunes, the sound is clear and at a audible volume.

I've been troubleshooting back and forth with my colleague who recorded the files and have found that if he converts the original stereo audio master file into a mono file the sound problem I was having is fixed! 

He suggested that perhaps Articulate was  trying to do the same thing as it imports the audio, perhaps to save on file size, by taking the stereo file and unsuccessfully converting it into a mono file. Just curious, is there perhaps a Preference setting to keep the original stereo audio file intact?

Thanks again,

Kelly

Christine Hendrickson

Hi Kelly,

That's pretty awesome! Nice job on your part and on your colleague's part :)

Most of the media that's inserted does get converted, but it really depends on the format. It does make sense that if it's getting converted again that it would cause some variation in volume or quality, but again, it depends on what's going on behind the scenes for those specific files.

Although Articulate Storyline and Articulate Studio '13 support a wide range of audio file formats (AAC, AIF, AIFF, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA), not all codecs and bitrates are supported. If you encounter issues with your audio, we recommend converting your audio files to 16 bit 44 KHZ PCM WAV for best results. You shouldn't need to do this now, since your colleague was able to get this working for you, but it might be a good idea to keep that in mind for future projects with audio.

And just in case you need it:

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you have any other trouble with this.

Thanks and have a great day!

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