Testing your MP3 Soundtrack

Before your shoot, it is imperative that you test your audio file in the Audio Box by performing a dry run. This ensures your audio file is formatted correctly via Audacity. Simply using the test button on the Audio Box will not perform a true test, as that button is designed for shoot-site audio volume checks.

Load and sound-check your audio

1. Save the MP3 file to a USB drive. COBRA recommends the certified COBRA USB Drive. If you do not use this USB drive, you run the risk of issues such as skipping, poor audio quality, or even the audio stopping mid-show.
2. Place the USB drive into the Audio Box.
3. Plug one of the Audio Box audio outputs (Headphone, RCA, 1/4", Single XLR Unbalanced, or Dual XLR Balanced) into your sound system or a set of headsets/earbuds. To perform a sound check, press and release the TEST AUDIO button. For optimal battery life, we recommend setting the audio volume knobs to about 80%.

Dry run with the 18R2 (the true test)

Always dry-run your Audio Box with the 18R2 running the script. A dry run confirms your script file properly contains the Audio Box MP3 filename argument and that the audio is formatted correctly through Audacity.

1. Arm your 18R2 and go to the trigger channel, then press the trigger button you defined when creating your script. If you created your script using Finale Fireworks or Finale3D, your trigger channel is c00 and your trigger button is #1.
2. While the script runs, confirm the audio plays loudly and clearly throughout, with no skips or jumps.

Once your audio passes the dry run, you are ready for your show.