diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/openal/OpenALSoundPlayer.java b/src/java/com/threerings/openal/OpenALSoundPlayer.java
index daf24e80..66e295f4 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/openal/OpenALSoundPlayer.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/openal/OpenALSoundPlayer.java
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ public class OpenALSoundPlayer extends SoundPlayer
     {
         _loader = loader;
         try {
-            _alSoundManager = new MediaALSoundManager();
+            _alSoundManager = createSoundManager();
             _group = _alSoundManager.createGroup(this, SOURCE_COUNT);
         } catch (Throwable t) {
             log.warning("Unable to initialize OpenAL", "cause", t);
@@ -334,6 +334,14 @@ public class OpenALSoundPlayer extends SoundPlayer
         return paths;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Creates our SoundManager.
+     */
+    protected SoundManager createSoundManager ()
+    {
+        return new MediaALSoundManager();
+    }
+
     /**
      * Extends sound manager to allow sounds to be pulled out of the locked map.
      */