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The killersound Technique: Optimizing Digital Audio for Flash Lite


Frank Gelat

Frank Gelat

www.killersound.com

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. MIDI Versus Digital Audio
  3. The Layered Sound Files
  4. The Results
Created:
15 April, 2005
User Level:
All

Just as Macromedia Flash has transformed the way in which we experience the web, Macromedia Flash Lite is poised to do the same for mobile devices. And part of this rich experience involves sound. Indeed sound is an integral part of any mobile device, providing alerts, ring tones, audio cues, and background music for a variety of entertainment uses. In this article, I will introduce you to the killersound technique—a creative way of using sound with Flash Lite 1.1 (which you may also use when working with Flash on the desktop). This technique enables you to reduce the file size associated with digital audio by up to 70%. It also provides much more variety to the auditory experience than a simple, short looping piece of audio. This technique is particularly useful for productions (such as games) that require longer background music tracks. In fact, the longer the required music track, the greater the benefit of using this technique.

Please note that you will be dealing with digital audio files (WAV or MP3) and not MIDI files in this tutorial. Not all Flash-enabled mobile devices currently support digital audio because of their size and demand for processing power. However, it is very likely that by the time this article is published, the majority of new mobile devices will support digital audio using better hardware (speakers), more memory, and faster processors. In addition, I am certain that the next version of Flash Lite will take advantage of this evolving technology and deliver even a richer mobile experience.

Requirements

To complete this tutorial you will need to install the following software and files:

Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004

Tutorials and sample files:

Prerequisite knowledge:

Intermediate knowledge of Flash, especially using audio in Flash, is helpful.

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About the author

Frank Gelat is Creative Director for killersound, a company based in Silicon Valley. The company creates and licenses original music and sound for use in new media such as the web, wireless devices, digital video, and other multimedia. Halfway through college, Frank left his engineering studies to learn music composition. He spent much of his time listening to and studying classical music and eventually earned his graduate degree in composition. Frank's credits include the creation of audio signatures and numerous compositions for various companies and agencies across the globe. For more information about killersound and its offerings, please call 1-800-554-6741 or visit the killersound website.