Web Audio Conversion Programs

There are so many web audio programs on the market today, you can find it confusing as to what the difference is between the various programs and services. On this page, I hope to help sort out the different options for you.

There are three popular ways to add streaming web site audio onto your site.

First, you can use a Flash controller button to play your high-quality MP3 file in streaming format to your visitors.

Second, you can have your WAV file, MP3 audio or microphone signal converted into Flash Audio format. The sound quality is not as great as the original MP3 or WAV file, but is acceptable for most web audio.

Third, you can use the "Real Audio" format. Real Audio provides high-quality streaming audio sound which approximates MP3 quality.

Below, I've summarized the most popular solutions for each of the three categories. I've also provided links to reviews I've made of many of the solutions.

Streaming MP3 Flash Players

The following programs/services create a Macromedia Flash button to stream your MP3 file on your website. The MP3 file is NOT converted in any way, so the sound quality of your web audio is dependent on your recording.

Sonic Memo
A program that lets you create links between your MP3 and the program's Flash controllers. Program is browser-based, so it works on both PC and Mac. You upload the files to your site. Over 50 controllers. Also lets you create "Quicknotes" to spotlight specific products and services.
• Cost: $97
• Read my review of Sonic Memo
• Visit their website

Web Audio Advisor
Our FREE Web Audio Starter Kit creates a link between your MP3 file and a FREE Flash controller. Program is browser-based, so it works on both PC and Mac. You upload the files to your site.
• Cost: FREE
• Learn more about our web audio starter kit

Hear My Site
A service in which you provide the developer with the name and location of your MP3 file, and they create a Flash controller to stream that MP3 file. You upload the files to your site to create streaming web audio.
• Cost: $47 one button, $15 each additional
• Visit their website

Flash Audio Converters/Players

The advantage of Flash audio is that your visitors will be able to hear your web audio whether they are on a PC or a Mac ... without needing to install any special drivers or audio players. The majority of web visitors (a reported 95%) have the Macromedia Flash player installed on their machine. Even if they don't, they will be prompted to add it so they can hear your web audio. It's a fast download.

The following programs and services convert your live recording or pre-recorded WAV or MP3 file into good quality "Flash Audio".

Audio Generator / Instant Audio
A service that lets you record your message by phone (or upload an MP3), and then converts your audio into a Flash Audio format. They host the resulting file, and give you the HTML code to link to it. Also has an "audio postcard" feature available.
• Cost: $29.95 per month, plus 14.9 cents per minute for phone access
• Read my review of Audio Generator
• Visit their website
• Visit their website

Audio Maker Pro
A program that lets you record your message via microphone, and then immediately converts your audio into a Flash Audio format. Nice selection of buttons. You upload the files to your site and copy the provided snippet of HTML code on your page to play the web audio.
• Cost: $97
• Read my review of Audio Maker Pro
• Visit their website

MP3 Sound Stream
A program that lets you take your MP3 or WAV file and convert it into a high quality Flash Audio format. Choose from 65 buttons.(!) Program provides two SWF files and an HTML document. You upload the SWF's to your site. You must then find and copy the HTML code off the provided document and place it in your desired page.
• Cost: $39.95
• Read my review of MP3 Sound Stream
• Visit their website

Sound Nails
A program that lets you take your MP3 file and convert it into a Flash Audio format. Similar to MP3 Sound Stream except only five choices of buttons. Program provides two SWF files and an HTML document. You upload the SWF's to your site. You must then find and copy the HTML code off the provided document and place it in your desired page.
• Cost: $10 for "Easy" version, $65 for "Pro" version
• Read my review of Sound Nails
• Visit their website

Real Audio Conversion

The Real Audio format offers high quality audio playback. Although the Real Player is not as well-distributed as Macromedia Flash Player, it is widely used, especially for music playback.

Instant Web Audio
You record a 3 minute message by phone and have it converted into Real Audio format for $19. They host the audio on their servers and provide you with the HTML to link to it.
• Cost: $19 for up to 3 minutes. Longer lengths available.
• Visit their website

Amazing Talking Website
You provide the 3-minute script, they provide the voice. A professional voice talent records your 3-minute message which is saved in Real Audio format (Java and Flash formats available).
• Cost: $197
• Visit their website

Make Your Own Real Audio recordings
Learn how to make your own Real Audio recordings using the FREE Helix Producer from Real.
• Cost: FREE
• (Instructions coming soon!)

Not sure which program will be best for your needs?
See the Web Audio Awards