Put
Your
Music on
the
Web!
 Web
Audio Workshop |
Have you written a musical and want to promote it on the Internet, but don't know
how to do it? Use this page as a starting point for putting audio files on the Web.
You'll find links to other sites with more detailed information.
Overview
Converting Your Music to Electronic Files
Audio Software Recommendations
Putting Audio Files Onto Your Web Page
Links
To make your music available to viewers on the Internet you have to convert your audio file into an electronic file that can be either downloaded by the viewer or accessed as streaming audio. There are several different audio file formats that can be used. The following is a partial list of the more important file types:
.WAV -- This is a high quality format with a variety of uses. .Wav files can be used to make audio CDs, and can easily be converted into MP3 and other audio file formats (if you have a conversion program.) They also have the advantage that, when placed on a Web page, they can be downloaded and listened to by virtually anyone visiting your site, because most browsers have built-in plug-ins that allow for playing of .wav files. The main problem is that the files are quite large and require considerable download times.
.MP3 -- This stands for MPEG-3 and currently represents the best compressed audio format available. It provides audio quality on a par with .wav files, but uses considerably less space. MP3s are currently the standard file format for downloading of high quality music on the Internet. The disadvantage, however, is that they still require relatively long download times. Net surfers may be willing to wait to download one of their favorite songs, but may not be willing to wait to download music they are not familiar with (i.e., your music).
RealAudio -- Real provides the Net standard for what is called "streaming audio." Instead of having to wait for the entire file to download before being able to listen to it, streaming audio sends packets of information over the Net in a streaming fashion, which allows you to hear the music in real time. The advantage is clear-- impatient Net users don't have to wait to listen to your music, and they can preview as much as they want.
There are disadvantages, however. Most importantly, the sound quality is not as good as .wav or MP3 files. Furthermore, whereas MP3 files can be downloaded and distributed to other listeners, RealAudio files are not as readily accessed for download. The other disadvantage is that visitors have to have the RealPlayer installed on their computer in order to play the songs. You will inevitably lose some potential viewers who do not have the program and who will not want to take the time to download and install it.Streaming MP3s -- This is a relatively recent development that you find mostly at MP3.com. I don't see any discernible audio improvement over RealAudio, but it does have the advantage that many Web visitors will already have an MP3 player installed on their computer that is capable of playing streaming MP3 files.
My personal view is that for showcasing your original musical it is preferable to use the RealAudio format. Viewers can preview your music without having to test their patience. Sound quality is good enough for reviewing the music, and if they like it they can request your tape or CD. RealAudio has really become the standard streaming audio format and is widely used in the Internet community.
Another recommended alternative, is to provide your music in multiple audio formats. You can have RealAudio and one other file format (MP3 or .wav) to allow for higher quality files.
Converting Your Music to Electronic Files
In order to create electronic files from your music, you'll need the right software program.
Converting to RealAudio -- Here's another advantage of RealAudio. Real provides a free program--called Real Producer--that has an easy interface for converting from a variety of sources. It will convert from CD, .wav files or even from the line input of your sound card (in the event your music is on tape). Get Real Producer here.
Converting to .Wav -- To convert to .wav files you can use, to a limited extent, the Windows Sound Recorder that's probably already on your computer. For more advanced creation and editing of .wav files, check out the Multimedia Shareware available on Netscape or CNET.
Converting to MP3 -- To convert to MP3 you will have to get an MP3 encoder. Once again, check out the Multimedia Shareware on Netscape or CNET. You'll also need a good MP3 player. Though there are many around (and RealPlayer now provides for playing of MP3 files), WinAmp has by far been the most popular pick (and in my estimation is the best).
Audio Software Recommendations
It is important to note that audio software programs are not all the same. When choosing between various programs, you'll need to use them and judge for yourself which ones you prefer (based on such considerations as sound quality and ease of use). If you want to save yourself some time, you might consider my own recommendations.
Note: These are all free shareware programs.
Converting to RealAudio -- Real
Producer
Converting to .wav from CD -- Music
Match Jukebox
Converting to .wav from line input -- Acid Wave
Editing of .wav files -- Acid
Wave
Converting to MP3 from CD -- Audio
Grabber
Converting to MP3 from .wav file --
Music Match Jukebox
(You can find better programs, but I've had a hard time finding a good one that doesn't
disable after a relatively short trial period.)
To find these programs search the Multimedia Shareware area of Netscape or CNET.
If this fails, use your favorite search engine to locate other possible download sites.
Putting Audio Files Onto Your Web Page
Once you've created your electronic audio files, you'll need to know how to put them on your Web page such that visitors can either download them or access them in streaming audio. I will provide an overview, and provide links to pages that give more detailed instructions.
STEP 1 -- Upload your audio file to your Web site. You'll need an FTP Program, such as Cute FTP. Real Producer provides a Web publishing wizard, but I've found it easier to just upload the required files manually.
STEP 2 -- Insert HTML language on your Web page that points to the file location. The user's browser will automatically bring up a screen to prompt for downloading.
EXTRA STEP for REALAUDIO -- Accessing streaming RealAudio requires one additional step. Instead of the HTML pointing directly to the audio file, you have to create a RAM file, which in turn will point to the required audio file. You can point directly to the RealAudio file (.rm), and the Web browser will download that file (which can be previewed by Real Player), but it will not be streaming.
Here are links to sites with more detailed instructions:
AT&T Worldnet Multimedia Information -- Getting started
The WURD on Sound -- Tutorials, with cut and paste HTML
CNET Builder -- More basic information
RealAudio Tutorials -- In-depth tutorials on RealAudio
Introduction to QuickTime -- Apple's approach to audio
DEV Search -- Search engine specifically for Web builders
Shareware Music Machine -- Great audio-related message board
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