Using Component Audio (Chunks) and SyncTracks to Create Compelling Soundtracks with Small File Sizes - Page 12

More Tips and Tricks

• Because Chunks do not need to start on the same keyframe to stay in sync, they can be targeted more easily with mouse events and action scripting. If you create your soundtrack as a separate movie clip, you can use tell targeting to instruct your soundtrack movie to begin playing at a various keyframes, depending on user choices. This technique can make your soundtrack interactive to a whole new level.

• If a sync track is not desirable for your project, try using Chunks just like layers. Trigger them all at the same keyframe and then use volume envelopes to mute and unmute them as needed. Depending on your project requirements, you might find this method will save you time and/or file size compared with using the LAYERING method. Just remember that Chunks are pre-mixed, so they will not sound good if more than one plays at a given time.

• Chunks and Layers can be used in combination throughout a soundtrack to create endless possibilities. Layer a lead line on top of a breakdown...Mute the last bar of the A section and insert a bit of the percussion track to create a dynamic effect...Use layers to make a changing background track, and then on a mouse click, trigger sound effect along with the B section to make a stunning transition. Another benefit is that very often you might find one chunk that incorporates all the layers you want to use, significantly saving on file size

Companion FLA files for this and other DoReMedia tutorials are available free from DoReMedia's Resources Page, along with other articles, downloads, links, and tools.

Explore the DoReMedia Online Music Library and preview some of the newest interactive Sound Families. Our library is growing daily and we are continuing to accept requests for new styles or specific types of audio tracks. You can send your comments to info@doremedia.com.

Related tutorials

• Web Audio Primer: Getting Beyond Loops
• Web Audio Primer: The Building Block Approach for Creating Interactive Soundtracks
• Dynamic Audio Trilogy Tutorial 1: Creating Dynamic Soundtracks Using Layering and Macromedia Flash