Abstract: A method of retrieving a file available for access via a network-implemented information retrieval system where the file includes audio content and has characteristics associated with the file and each characteristic having a variable level. The method includes setting the level of one of the characteristics for the file via a visual indicator of the level which indicates an increase or a decrease in the level by movement between a first points and a second point, a baseline located between the first point and the second point. The method also includes input, into the network-implemented retrieval system, a query including the set level. The method further includes receiving a query result including a reference to preview the file, the file is associated with an access condition; and previewing the file via selecting the reference.