Compare the imported narration with the untouched audio file. If both pitch and duration change, investigate sample-rate interpretation or an applied speed effect before rewriting the voice prompt. Correct resampling preserves the intended time and pitch; interpreting samples at the wrong rate can change both. Keep the original recording and use a supported conversion workflow rather than relabeling the file extension.
Establish a source reference
Record the original duration and listen to a recognizable phrase outside the project. Then compare the project item and timeline instance. If the source item is correct but only the timeline copy changes, inspect clip speed or time-remapping settings. If import itself changes playback, investigate how the file is being interpreted.
Audacity’s sample-rate documentation explains rate and conversion choices in its own workflow. Use equivalent supported controls in the actual audio application. Do not assume all narration must be assigned a different rate merely because the video project uses that rate.
Run a short conversion test
- Preserve the untouched audio source.
- Record its stated rate, duration and a clearly audible phrase.
- Inspect the project’s interpretation and any speed effects.
- Make a supported resampled copy if the delivery workflow requires it.
- Compare duration and pitch before replacing the project item.
Do not repair a misinterpreted file by dragging its end until it fits the scene. That can disguise the duration mismatch while leaving pitch or processing artifacts unresolved. Correct the interpretation first, then make any intentional performance retiming as a separate editorial decision.
Check alignment after replacing the asset
Verify the phrase’s entry and the final sentence against picture. Some editors preserve an old timeline offset or in-point when an asset is replaced. A corrected file can therefore still be placed incorrectly. Record which stage changed so later revisions do not reintroduce the problem.
Can changing WAV to MP3 fix it?
Renaming a file does not convert its audio data or metadata. Use a supported export or conversion operation and inspect the resulting file.
Is this always a sample-rate problem?
No. Intentional speed settings, interpretation errors and other processing can produce similar symptoms. The source-versus-project comparison narrows the cause. If pitch stays normal while duration changes, inspect time-stretching or edits as a different path.
Sources and scope
This is an original Imagild Editorial workflow guide, assisted by AI and reviewed against the linked sources on October 12, 2026. External tool procedures do not imply that Imagild provides those tools or guarantees their results.