While it isn't always 100% accurate, AI may have tips that can overcome this limitation...
"In PhotoStage 12.15, there doesn’t appear to be a separate “snap off” control documented in the help, but the built-in workaround is to hold Shift while dragging to override snapping temporarily. The audio track also has its own controls for Start Time and End Time, which can give you more precise placement than dragging on the timeline.
What to try
- Hold Shift while you drag the audio clip. NCH’s editing help for clip positioning says Shift overrides snapping while dragging.
- Use the audio adjustment controls instead of free-dragging. Right-click the audio clip and choose Adjust Duration; then set Start Time / End Time or use the red and blue timeline markers.
- If you want the clip to begin later, trim or shift the audio within the adjust dialog rather than trying to drag the whole clip by hand. PhotoStage’s audio help specifically supports trimming audio to match slideshow length and adjusting start/end points.
Why it may be jumping
PhotoStage’s audio system is designed so soundtrack/narration audio can be managed with automatic fades and overlap handling, which can make clips feel “sticky” when moved. The help also notes that overlapping sound clips can trigger a dialog offering to trim or push clips, which may contribute to the behavior you’re seeing.
If Shift doesn’t help
If holding Shift still doesn’t stop the snap, the most practical path is to use the Adjust Duration dialog and set the start point numerically or with the red marker, because the official help documents that as the precise way to place audio."
File a suggestion with NCH.