Can't play a WAV file

Audacity 3 Help Forum Windows
1

Hi there!

I have this audio file (attached) that I can’t play. If I try to open it with Audacity it gives me an error message and suggests to “import raw”. If I import raw all I get is static.
I’m using windows 7, audacity 2.0.5, and I have FFmpeg.

In the properties of the file it says that the length is 13:57, and that the bit rate is 16kbps.
On a different forum someone checked the file and told me as follows:

According to the fmt chunk in the WAV header, the audio data is encoded using a format named WAVE_FORMAT_VOICEAGE_AMR_WB from VoiceAge Corporation. That is not a commonly used format on desktops, but is more commonly used in mobile devices. You need to install an audio codec that supports that format

When I contacted VoiceAge by email I got the following response:

AMR-WB is an standardized speech compression technology co-developed by VoiceAge and supported by multiple vendors. VoiceAge does not make end products. Please look-up products integrating the AMR-WB technology from other parties to resolve your issue.

Any suggestion as to how I might get the file to play?

2

Audacity 2.1.0, VLC, QuickTime X and QuickTime 7 all fail.

Please look-up products integrating the AMR-WB technology from other parties to resolve your issue.

That seems like good advice.
Koz

3

IF this is what I think it is, it is encrypted…

4

So talk to the party that originated the file and see if they have an un-encrypted version.
Koz

5

The codec is in ffmpeg, according to the docs. So ffmpeg should be able to translate.

But this is a codec for cellphone use. And I don’t think it’s in use anywhere without encryption. But I’ve been known to be wrong before :confused:

6

Audacity can import AMR_WB using FFmpeg but I agree this is very likely an encrypted version of AMR-WB that VoiceAge sells for use on specific proprietary players. Therefore your best chance is to ask the person who gave you the file.

Gale

7

Thanks people.
It is possible that the file is encrypted and that the cellphone company from which it originated intends to hide information from its costumers (despite being lawfully obligated not to).