Frequently Asked Questions
This is very inconsistent for Windows users. Many users have problems with sound in Java, and there seems to be no common link. It happens with a variety of browsers and soundcards, and the only thing they have in common is Java. First you can try a different browser (IE vs Firefox) to see if it works.
The only consistent way to get sound is to install the Java Sound Bank into your Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
Download the high quality sound bank at http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/sound/soundbank-deluxe.gm.zip and copy the .gm file to your JRE/lib/audio folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.x.x\lib\audio). If the audio folder doesn't exist, just create it in the lib folder, and copy the sound bank into it.
Check here for more information http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/sound/soundbanks.html
Q: Why do the Instruments sound fuzzy and distorted?A: Installing the Java Runtime also installed the shipped sound bank of instruments along with it. I'm not sure why they ship this low quality sound bank with Java. I assume it's to provide MIDI sound on systems with no MIDI synthesizer. There are a number of things you can do.
1. If you have a good sound card you may just want to remove the sound bank entirely. It is found in the folder where the JRE was installed (ex: C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.x.x\lib\audio). Either delete, move them somewhere for keeping, or rename the .gm files to a filename that doesn't end in .gm (i.e. .bak).
2. If there are no .gm files on your system, then you are already using the built in sounds on your soundcard. You may want to try point 3. The built in sounds on your sound card should be relatively clean. If they are not, try adjusting the MIDI volume or try using a different set of speakers or headphones.
3. Download the high quality sound bank at http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/sound/soundbank-deluxe.gm.zip and copy the .gm file to the same location found in point 1. If the audio folder doesn't exist, just create it and copy the sound bank into it. Java will automatically use the best one available. Check here for more information http://java.sun.com/products/java-media/sound/soundbanks.html
Q: I have passed the level I am working on, why will Prolobe not graduate me to the next level?
A: Some users are behind firewalls or use popup stoppers which block certain types of scripts. When Prolobe can't execute these scripts, it appears as if nothing happens after graduating. Prolobe doesn't use popups, so you may want to disable your popup stopper for this website.
Q: Why is Prolobe so difficult for me?
A: Making mistakes is how you learn here. The more mistakes you make, the more training you are actually doing. Each mistake is an opportunity to compare the correct pitch pattern with the incorrect one, which will train you to discern their different patterns and eventually sort them all out. Don't let your accuracy discourage you! Even though Prolobe displays a competitive ranking, you need to stay focused and advance through the levels at your own pace. The individuals who reach the highest levels with the lowest accuracy will be the ones who improve the most.
> 99% - Stellar ear, no training necessary at
this level
> 90% - Amazing ear, very little improvement needed if any
> 80% - Good ear, the ear is developed very well
> 70% - Fine ear, the ear is developed well
> 60% - Decent ear, the ear is starting to open
< 60% - Average ear, the ear has not been opened
Q: I am an accomplished musician or want to be, so why is Prolobe so difficult for me?
A: You don't need absolute pitch to be a great musician. Having a trained ear is only going to make you more proficient at understanding what you hear, and you need to apply that to music yourself. See the question above this one.
A: After several years of running, the information gathered will be compiled into a thesis and used as evidence in the development of absolute pitch, and because I think it's cool.
A: Because I think it's cool.
Q: Do you send out spam or sell any information I provide you?
A: No way! I know how it feels. Please look at the Terms of Service for more information