Use the SWA Export Xtra to export a standard audio file from SoundEdit 16 as a shocked audio file designed specifically for the web. When you create an audio file with the SWA Export Xtra, the new file is compressed to reduce the data to an amount that the Internet or your modem can handle. The file format of the new file is .SWA.

To use the SWA Export Xtra:

1	In SoundEdit 16 version 2, open the audio file you want to export.
2	Choose Shockwave for Audio Settings from the Xtras menu to configure the compression options.
3	Select the bit rate (kbps) you want from the Bit Rate drop-down menu. The bit rate determines both the streaming rate and quality of the output. A low bit rate produces a file that can stream at lower baud rates, but it loses some quality. A high bit rate produces high-quality files but also requires high baud rates for streaming. For example, a file at 160Kb per second produces very high quality audio, but also results in files that require a very fast internet connection. When choosing a bit rate, keep the system resources of your users in mind. Low bit rates are generally appropriate for the Internet, while higher bit rates are appropriate for intranet distribution. If you estimate that your users will have slower modem connections, choose a low bit rate. If you know your users will connect using fast T1 lines, you can afford to choose a higher bit rate and better quality. The following table suggests some example bit rates, but remember that the Internet is not guaranteed to deliver the bandwidth you might think it will. Choose this bit rate For a target audience using 64kbps - 128kbps T1 delivery 32kbps - 56kbps ISDN lines 16kbps 28.8 modem connections 8kbps 14.4 modem connections
4	Check the Convert Stereo to Mono check box if you want to convert a stereo file to mono. The SWA Export Xtra automatically converts a file to mono if you choose a bit rate of 32kbps or less.
5	Choose OK to close the Shockwave for Audio Settings dialog box.
6	Choose Export from the File menu to open the Export dialog box.
7	Choose SWA File from the Export Type pop-up menu.
8	Name the file, then choose Save.

The file is exported using the settings you specified in the Shockwave for Audio Settings dialog box.

When you name the file, you must follow the file naming conventions of the server from which the file will be played. Depending on the limits imposed by the file system of your server, you can use file names of up to 27 characters plus the .SWA file extension. Use a name of eight or fewer characters plus the .SWA file extension if this limit is imposed by your server. If the SWA file is streamed over the Internet, the file name is case-sensitive and neither spaces or special characters are allowed.

When preparing an audio file for export as a SWA file, the following guidelines are recommended:

• Work with 16-bit 22.050 or 44.100kHz files (22.050kHz recommended). When using pre-existing 8-bit or 11kHz files, upsample them to 16-bit 22.050kHz and leave them at this resolution when exporting to SWA format.
• Performing some EQ operations within SoundEdit 16 will improve the quality of SWA files encoded at modem speeds (8kbps and 16kbps). For example, some filtering of frequencies in the range of 4kHz to 8kHz (in the context of a 22.050 sample rate) can reduce crunch and distortion on certain files. More information on EQ is included later in this document.
• Close SoundEdit 16's Levels palette when exporting SWA files.
• 11kHz stereo source files are automatically converted to mono in all cases.
• Stereo source files should share common information on both channels. If the two channels carry unrelated information, there will be an uneven quality level between the channels.
• As a last step before doing your SWA Export, normalize the file to just under 100%, (95% usually works well). This gives the file a little extra headroom. Don't forget to save your file.