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Fixing Audio Issues: Ultimate ShoreTel WAV Converter Guide ShoreTel (now Mitel) VoIP systems rely on specific audio formats for voicemail greetings, auto-attendant prompts, and hold music. Using the wrong audio format causes distorted sound, static, or complete silence. This guide explains how to convert your audio files into the exact format ShoreTel requires. Why ShoreTel Requires Specific WAV Formats

Standard WAV files from smartphones or modern recording software use high-resolution formats. ShoreTel systems use legacy telephony compression to save bandwidth. If you upload a standard CD-quality WAV file, the system cannot read it.

To work properly, your audio must match these exact technical specifications: Format: CCITT u-Law (or A-Law for Europe) Sample Rate: 8.000 kHz (8,000 Hz) Bit Depth: 8-bit Channels: Mono (Single channel) Method 1: Convert Audio Using Audacity (Free & Recommended)

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor available for Windows and Mac. It is the most reliable tool for converting audio for ShoreTel systems. Step 1: Import and Resample Open Audacity. Go to File > Open and select your audio file.

Look at the Project Rate (Hz) box in the bottom left corner. Change this number to 8000. Step 2: Convert to Mono Click on the track to select it.

Go to the top menu and select Tracks > Mix > Mix Stereo Down to Mono.

If your track is already mono, this option will be greyed out, and you can skip this step. Step 3: Export to ShoreTel Format Go to File > Export > Export as WAV. Set the Save as type to WAV (Microsoft).

Set the Encoding dropdown menu to U-Law (or A-Law if required by your region). Name your file and click Save. Method 2: Convert Audio Using Online Tools

If you cannot install software on your work computer, you can use a browser-based audio converter.

Visit a reputable free online conversion site (such as AudioOnlineConvert or Convertio). Upload your source audio file. Change the output setting to WAV. Access the Advanced/Optional Settings: Change audio channels to Mono. Change the sampling rate to 8000 Hz. Change the audio codec/encoding to u-law. Click Convert and download the finished file. How to Upload the Converted File to ShoreTel

Once your file is correctly formatted, you must upload it via the ShoreTel Director management console. For Auto-Attendant Prompts Log into ShoreTel Director. Navigate to Call Control > Auto-Attendant. Select the specific Auto-Attendant menu you want to edit. Under the Menus section, locate the prompt option.

Click Import and select your newly converted u-Law WAV file. Click Save. For On-Hold Music Log into ShoreTel Director. Navigate to System Parameters > Music on Hold. Select the custom file option. Browse and select your converted file. Click Save to apply the changes system-wide. Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues The Audio Sounds Fast or High-Pitched

The Cause: The file was exported with a sample rate higher than 8000 Hz (like 11025 Hz or 44100 Hz).

The Fix: Re-open the original file in Audacity, change the project rate to 8000 Hz, and export it again. The System Rejects the File Upload

The Cause: The file is still in a Stereo format or uses PCM encoding instead of u-Law.

The Fix: Ensure you select “Mix Stereo Down to Mono” and specifically choose “u-Law” encoding during export. The Audio is Distorted or Fuzzy

The Cause: Telephony audio (8-bit) has low dynamic range. If the original recording was too loud, it will distort.

The Fix: Lower the gain or volume of the track in Audacity by -3dB or -6dB before exporting.

To help fix your specific audio problem, please let me know: What error message or audio symptom are you experiencing?

Which ShoreTel/Mitel platform version are you currently running?

What software do you currently have available to convert files?

I can provide exact step-by-step instructions for your specific setup.