diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundGroup.java b/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundGroup.java
index 5ed34dd4b..c3db82edc 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundGroup.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundGroup.java
@@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ public class SoundGroup
      */
     public void preloadClip (String path)
     {
-        _manager.getClip(_provider, path);
+        if (_manager.isInitialized()) {
+            _manager.getClip(_provider, path);
+        }
     }
 
     /**