Howto:Creating fine announcements and music on hold
Applies To
This information applies to
innovaphone PBX
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The innovaphone PBX allows playing audio files in Waiting Queues, Music on Hold and trough XML commands and so a bunch of “audio-scenarios” are possible; from simple once like customized MOH up to complex setups like small IVR’s. But often the sound quality is very poor when you call: music on hold with ugly sound, self-made IVR with nearly incomprensive messages does not really give “additional value” to your customer or improve the image. A pity because you are in front of a marvelous system which is able to do work perfect if the input is done well. So if you have “experience” with embarrassing voice prompts or worst music reproduction maybe it could help reading this article. If you just plan to offer audio services to your customer; read it too. If you are not sure about audio: read it! Remember that if the impression for a caller is disastrous the result will be de-marketing for your customer. So it could be better use tones and standard MOH.
One fundamental point is having good audio source files for all “audio services”. The best result is achieved using a professional speaker in a recording studio. If you have this type of quality in mind for your solution we are very happy, contact a recording studio and the result for the source will be perfect. But many customers want play a “house made” audio file, a quick and in most cases simple solution without any complication and delays trading with recording studios and stuff like that. Audio is available on each PC and so click and go solutions are frequently used. This article gives you some hints what to observe in producing reasonable good sounding “handmade” audio files. So here is how to simulate a professional appearance.
Important innovaphone is operating in the switching market and is not an “audio company”. This article tries just to help people who have even minor experience then us in creating audio files for telephony use (definitely a lot of people …). So do not expect from us the ultimate audio hint, anyway internet is full of that stuff. And if you are a PC freak some statements and tips are obsolete and you can and should use your own professional or alternative tools. All the software, free- and shareware we mentioned in this article is just to inform you: not to invite you to use it, we do not recommend any application. Inform yourself also always about the copyrights and relatives items. Remember that music is a “protected good” and you have to observe authors rights and generally the relative regulations in your country. In some countries playing any music on a “public” trunk line means also the obligation to pay charges. Note that even all the samples you find here are just samples for training purpose and not for production use. All trademarks and companies named in this article are used just as example. Innovaphone will not respond of them nor of the usage of those products. In the important section shouldn’t miss the thanks to Martin Streller ho reveals to me the most important Tips and Tricks.