Recorded .aif files play static in [sfplay]

sbessey's icon

I have recorded my voice and saved it out as an .aif file. When trying to play the file back, I receive only static and hissing. Saving my voice out as a .wav file works and this issue is on both Mac/ PC using the newest 32 bit version of Max (6.1.4).

I have attached the zip files with some aif and wav files. I used my application that I am developing in Max for work to record and save my voice. I also downloaded a .aif file from the web to test and that plays fine. My guess is that I am not saving certain data needed for playback, but whats odd is that the files play in iTunes perfectly. The data is there, its the playback that is the problem.

Also found something interesting. If you send "speed 3" to [sfplay] object, changing the speed to 3, it plays properly.

Any thoughts on what I am missing?

Note: the zip files to download are aiftest1.zip and AgogoBell.zip.

aifTest.zip
zip
AgogoBell.zip
zip
aifTest1.zip
zip
Roman Thilenius's icon

is that intended that these .aif files are of 22 khz and 8 bit?

if yes, then there might be a bug of sfplay~ with playing 8-bit-linear files with 2-channels for some reason.

sbessey's icon

There is no reason why they are 8 bit and 22khz. That is just how they were saved. It sounds like I have incorrect settings. What would you recommend for settings? 44khz at 16 bit?

sbessey's icon

But I will say this, the file that is working properly is the 8 bit type with 22 hz sample rate.

sbessey's icon

And it will play if the speed is set in increments of 3 (e.g. 3, 6, 9, 12)

Ben Bracken's icon

I can reproduce the fact that test.aif does not play back as it does in the Finder.

Its not clear to me how you are saving the files. Could you send a note to support with a simple patch for both recording and playback that reproduces the issue?

Thanks,
-Ben

Roman Thilenius's icon

plays fine for me in max4 OSX 10.4.9, and according to soundhack and hex edit the file header is correct.

sbessey's icon

@Roman Thilenius, Thanks Roman,I could not get any .aif I recorded to load in either PC or Mac (10.5.8 and maverick)

@Ben Bracken,Here is the functionality I use for recording, playing, and saving. I may have left an important feature out, which you will see in here. Here are the steps to recreate the issue:

- Record your voice.
- Recording a composition using the "a" key to play back your recorded voice.
- Save the file as .aif and load it in patcher attached to my first post and you will hear hissing and static.

savingTest.maxpat
Max Patch
sbessey's icon

Update: I tested this on the newest version of Max (6.1.5) and this still occurs.

Anyone have any ideas?

sbessey's icon

It seems that no matter what I record to aiff files, they do not play back in Max. This includes played notes and custom sample wav files.