diff --git a/voicegardens/static/voicegardens.js b/voicegardens/static/voicegardens.js
index 755b869..c907b0a 100644
--- a/voicegardens/static/voicegardens.js
+++ b/voicegardens/static/voicegardens.js
@@ -218,7 +218,11 @@ class GeneratedShape {
      **/
     // sound and properties passed into shape creation
     this.soundRecorded = soundRecorded;
-    this.soundAmplitude = soundAmplitude;
+
+    // ensure that erroneous minus amplitudes are at least given 0
+    if (soundAmplitude < 0) this.soundAmplitude = 0.0;
+    else this.soundAmplitude = soundAmplitude;
+
     this.soundDuration = soundDuration;
 
     // mouse hover awareness for sound playing