diff --git a/code/audio.cpp b/code/audio.cpp
index 669b1d4..821f464 100644
--- a/code/audio.cpp
+++ b/code/audio.cpp
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ void playSound(int sid, float x)
 	if ((!engine.useSound) || (!engine.useAudio))
 		return;
 
-	int channel;
+	int channel = -1;
 	static int freechannel = 4;
 
 	switch(sid)