Web Audio Review: Sonic Memo

Computing Platform: Windows and Mac (software runs in Flash and is browser based)

Who created it: Jay Jennings, a computer programmer located near Seattle, Washington.

How it Works: You record your MP3 file outside of SonicMemo. You type in the name of your sound file, choose a configuration of “Play” buttons, and the software creates the code to associate your sound file with the chosen button. You paste the code into your web page, and upload your MP3 file with the specially created Flash file as detailed in the notes.

Sonic Memo Web Audio Review:

Listen Now!
Hear an audio review of Sonic Memo! Click the Play button at right -> (1 min 16 sec)

Sonic Memo 2.3 is a great little program to help you stream MP3 audio over your website, with very few downsides or negatives. It's easy to use, and flexible for a wide variety of circumstances and desired appearances.

I found five really strong features to Sonic Memo 2.3, and only two areas that might make the program a little more user-friendly. Let's start with the strong positives:

First, Sonic Memo is the only downloadable web audio creation software that works on both the Mac and PC. Every other popular web audio program has been created only for the PC. This is a HUGE advantage for Sonic Memo. (Though AudioGenerator, InstantAudio, "Hear My Site" and other such services are also platform independent, they are not a software product you install on your computer.)

Second, you determine the quality of your audio. You must create your MP3 file outside of Sonic Memo, so you choose the bitrate and quality of the audio that the visitor hears. The Sonic Memo Users Guide and FAQ page provide helpful guidance on creating good MP3 files.

Third, Sonic Memo 2.3 "scrambles" (or "encrypts") the name of your MP3 file attached to the controller, so your audio doesn't get blocked by certain Firewall security settings. This is new to version 2 of the software, and probably one of the new version's biggest hidden advantages. See sample code below:

Fourth, Sonic Memo 2.3 offers the ability to create audio "QuickNotes". QuickNotes are special web pages that can feature a graphic image, a sound clip and text to promote or spotlight a certain product or service. QuickNotes are new to version 2.0, and a great tool that I feel is superior to the Audio Postcard feature available from other services. Why is it better? You get more space to write, plus, you get to personalize with an image of your choice. I've always felt the "PostCard" idea was a bit cheesy, so I'm all in favor of something I feel is a bit more professional.

View a sample QuickNote page created with Sonic Memo 2.0

Finally, the new version 2.3 features 54 different audio controllers (as opposed to the six available in the first version). There are three styles of buttons, available in two sizes, and available in 1-button, 3-button, and 5-button configurations. Two of the button styles are available in red, tan or blue. One style is available in any combination of colors. Examples below (no audio attached):

The ToolTips on the buttons ("Play", "Pause") are optional, as is the "Discover Sonic Memo" branding option which can contain your affiliate link. You can also define the page color and whether or not the audio plays immediately on page load.

But, with all this praise in this Sonic Memo web audio review, you may ask if there are any downsides to the program. Well...

One thing I would like to see with the program is "Browse" buttons on each field that requires a file name or a directory name. Having to type in file names and directory names is just a small bother, but you could easily misspell a word and wonder why your controller won't play your audio.

I also found it a bit challenging to find the correct controller to copy out of the directory where the 54 different controllers are stored. They have names like "a_smgelsh3d.swf", "a_smgelsh3b.swf", "a_smgelsh3n.swf" so you have to be careful about choosing the correct controller to match the code generated by the program.

With a little thought you can decipher the naming convention of the controllers. However, I recommend that you follow the instructions on page 5 of the manual and copy all of the controllers and other files to your web directory and FTP them up to your site so you'll never make an error in picking the wrong controller to match your HTML code.

I also think it would be helpful if the software came packaged with a simple cross-platform sound recorder and sound editor. I have a good one I use on my PC, but not everyone has a sound editor to fix mistakes in their audio without having to re-record.

Sonic Memo is probably NOT the software to use if you need to constantly get audio testimonials from customers. Since Sonic Memo is a program for your computer, and not a "service" provided by others, you will need to arrange a phone number and recording situation for audio testimonials.

Sonic Memo is also not the program for you if you are totally befuddled about "technical" issues such as how to record yourself on your computer, or how to FTP files, or even how to work with HTML.

Also, if you don't have FTP permission to your domain, or don't have some way to create directories or upload Flash files and sound files, either change your hosting service, find someone to handle the work for you, or don't buy Sonic Memo.

So, to summarize this Sonic Memo web audio review, there are five great features in Sonic Memo:

1. Sonic Memo is cross-platform
2. You determine the sound quality
3. Your audio file name is encrypted
4. You can make special QuickNote promotion pages, and
5. There are over 50 different audio controllers.

It would be helpful to have a "Browse" button and an easier way to find the required controller, but those are small issues that don't detract from the program's ease of use and excellent flexibility. Highly recommended!

Website: www.sonicmemo.com