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Why is my audio file slightly longer than expected after uploading to Sonix?

This article explains why audio files uploaded to Sonix may appear slightly longer than expected.

Richard Tampus avatar
Written by Richard Tampus
Updated over a month ago

Important Notes

  • The extra time is usually caused by the re-encoding process, especially when working with compressed audio formats like MP3.

  • These additional seconds typically appear as silence or padding at the beginning or end of the file. This is a normal part of the encoding process and does not indicate an error within Sonix.

  • Billing is based on the displayed duration after processing, which may be slightly longer than the original recording.
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Step-by-Step Instructions

What Happens When You Upload an Audio File to Sonix

  1. Upload your file – You can upload formats such as WAV, MP3, or MP4.

  2. File processing begins – Sonix reads and analyzes the file’s encoded duration.

  3. Re-encoding (if applicable) – Compressed formats (e.g., MP3) may include extra seconds of silence at the start or end during conversion.

  4. Displayed duration – Sonix shows the processed file length, which may be a few seconds longer than your original file.

  5. Billing – Charges are based on the displayed duration after processing, including any added padding.
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Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Can I avoid the extra seconds?

To reduce the chances of padding, try uploading lossless formats like WAV, which are less likely to introduce extra time.

What if the added time significantly affects my billing?

If you believe the added duration has impacted your billing significantly, you can reach out to our support team at [email protected] for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sonix add extra time to my files?

No. Sonix does not alter your file length. The added time comes from the re-encoding process, not from Sonix itself.

Will the added time affect transcription quality?

No. Transcription focuses on the spoken content, so added silence has no impact on accuracy.

Can I remove the extra seconds before uploading?

Yes. You can use audio editing software to trim silence at the start or end of your file before uploading it to Sonix.

Related Articles

How do I upload a file to Sonix?

For further assistance, please contact Sonix support at [email protected] or through the chatbox located in the bottom right corner of our website.

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