Solved How can I find out if a recorded file has any audio content?

[MetalMan228]

Hello all,

I want to know if there is a way to "open" a .WAV or .MP3, music file and see if there is actually any content there or if it is 49.7mb of empty space.

 

[Slartybart]

Any hex editor can open a file and show the contents in hexadecimal.

Try this one: Windows Hex Editor for Programmers, Power Users

 

[MetalMan228]

Wow, thats a very involved program!!

Seems like I would only use 1% of that program, and it would take a month to figure it out, lol

Anything easier anyone?

 

[whs]

Easiest would be to double click on the file and turn the speakers on.

 

[MetalMan228]

Yup, thats what i did and i hear nothing, but i did not know you could have a file with MB's of empty space.

An empty folder, yes, but a file?

Thats why I am a member here, since i don't know all the ins/outs of computers.

 

[whs]

Can you upload one of those empty files so that we could have a look at it. E.G. here: Free File Hosting :: Free File Hosting - Online Storage; Upload Mp3, Videos, Music. Backup Files

 

[MetalMan228]

I am set up with Dropbox if that will work for you.

All you need to do is click the link;

https://www.dropbox.com/s/p3237c2o8ixrpi5/01 - Unknown Artist - Mixer (2).wav?dl=0

 

[whs]

I got it. Will have a look.

 

[whs]

I ran your file thru Camtasia. There is indeed no sound on it. This is how your file looks:



This is how one of my good .wav files looks:

 

[fireberd]

I just checked that file with my audio editor (Goldwave) and there is no audio.

 

[whs]

Thanks Jack for confirming the sad state of the file.

 

[MetalMan228]

Very interesting. I was trying (again) to use my Jrivers Media center to record streaming Sirius internet radio that i subscribed to so i can listen to programing I miss being able to listen to on my regular Sirius satellite radio (hooked up to my stereo) due to work scheduling issues. I can use the URL function which records in MP3 or the Recorder/mixer function which record in .WAV

However, I cannot seem to get it to actually record anything, every file i get is blank. (no sound)

Thank you very much for verifying this for me.

I have installed Audacity (which is free) to record the streams, but it makes me mad that i cannot record with my "audiophile" program that i paid for and does do the same thing.

I mean it DOES record, but it will not actually capture the streams and i cannot figure out why.

I prefer the .WAV, which i can convert to .CDA so i can burn the program (with JRivers) to disk so I can play it on my main stereo system thru my Universal disk player.

 

[badcrc]

Hate to be a party pooper, but all this discussion of recording streams is getting a bit close to forum rule #4

4) No piracy or discussion of piracy allowed at all. Such as software, music, videos and other intellectual property violations (e.g. downloading youtube videos locally etc).

> don't shoot the messenger . . .

 

[whs]

I use WMCapture for screen recording and for audio recording of my on-line radio stations. I bought it for a small fee many years ago and have made at least 50 tutorials with it and recorded a lot of music. Never had any problems. Maybe you want to check their free trial. I think the pro version costs only $39.95.

 

[whs]

Hate to be a party pooper, but all this discussion of recording streams is getting a bit close to forum rule #4

4) No piracy or discussion of piracy allowed at all. Such as software, music, videos and other intellectual property violations (e.g. downloading youtube videos locally etc).

> don't shoot the messenger . . .

Party poopers are not welcome here.

 

[MetalMan228]

I specifically stated in my post that i pay for the service to avoid just what happened in prior posts to this thread. The Sirius internet radio is available for download, but only with smartphone apps, and since i am using a PC i needed a way to capture it.

100% legal.

I will be staying with the Audacity software, since i spent two days with fireberd and badcrc
learning how to use it, and it works rather well.

I was continuing to try and see if i could get software i DID pay for to work as advertised.

Thanks for everyone's help here.

Marking this solved.