1-Minute Test Recording by ZefEgan

ZefEgan · Post by **ZefEgan** » May 10th, 2024, 8:32 am

Hi LibriVox!

Here is my test recording: https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/1-Minute_Test_Zef_Egan.mp3

Please let me know what you think. I am recording on a Mac, without a microphone. Considering purchasing one, so open to recommendations on that front, too.

Thanks!

Zef

Winnifred · Post by **Winnifred** » May 10th, 2024, 6:01 pm

ZefEgan wrote: ↑May 10th, 2024, 8:32 am Hi LibriVox!

Here is my test recording: https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/1-Minute_Test_Zef_Egan.mp3

Please let me know what you think. I am recording on a Mac, without a microphone. Considering purchasing one, so open to recommendations on that front, too.

Thanks!

Zef

Welcome to Librivox, Zef!

Your voice is pleasant and animated, but your test volume is too low, and there's a fair bit of background noise. Both of these would probably be improved by having a mic.

You don't say which program you're using to record the test. If it's Audacity, check out this post for information (with screenshots) on how to increase the volume, and check out this post for information on how to tackle background noise after recording (and how to check for it).

Audacity has been updated since 3.4.2, but I'm hoping that all that information is still relevant.

Please re-record the test at a higher volume (between 86 and 92 dB) and post the link in a response to this post. I'll come back and check it out.

Oh, and I use a Blue Yeti (around $100 or so), and am very happy with it. I'm on a MacBook Air.

Thanks,

ZefEgan · Post by **ZefEgan** » May 16th, 2024, 8:15 am

Hi Winnifred,

Thank you for the feedback. Here is another test: https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/1-Minute_Test_Zef.mp3.

Let me know if I fixed the problems. Thanks!

Zef

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » May 16th, 2024, 9:19 am

Hi Zef (Winnifred is unavailable, so I'm following-up for her.)

Your settings and volume are correct, so well done. There is still too much background noise by about 15dB. It sounds mechanical, like a fan.

Try to isolate your mic from the noise, such as computer fan. If that isn’t entirely successful, use Audacity’s Noise Removal filter to reduce the background noise about 10dB. Noise removal instructions are available here: https://wiki.librivox.org/index.php?title=Noise_Cleaning. A video tutorial on Audacity noise removal is available here: https://youtu.be/rvhqw7zBmEo

I tried it with a setting of 15dB reduction on your test, and it came out good.

So try those approaches and one more test, please.

ZefEgan · Post by **ZefEgan** » May 18th, 2024, 8:43 am

Hi SJ,

Thanks for the feedback. I applied noise reductions.

There is no fan. I just live in New York City, so there's always noise.

Let me know if this works: https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/1-Minute_Test_Zef_Noisereduction.mp3.

Zef

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » May 18th, 2024, 9:51 am

Okay, the background noise is better with cleaning. The overall volume however, is too low by about 7dB. This may be volume loss as a result of the noise reduction. After NR, you may need to adjust the volume back up to compensate.

Adjust the volume level before exporting by going to Effects>Amplify and enter 7dB to start and submit the new test.

Almost there..

ZefEgan · Post by **ZefEgan** » May 20th, 2024, 6:45 am

Hi SJ,

Got it. Is this good: https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/1-Minute_Test_Zef_NoiseReduction_Amplify.mp3.

It sounds way too loud to me. But maybe that is the proper setting.

Zef

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » May 20th, 2024, 8:23 am

The overall volume is 88.3dB, so it is not too loud at all. Optimum is 89 (88 is fine).

You are good to go.

Happy narrating!

ZefEgan · Post by **ZefEgan** » May 20th, 2024, 10:34 am

Thanks so much for your help, SJ!

How do I tell what the overall volume is on Audacity so I can optimize in the future?

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » May 20th, 2024, 10:47 am

ZefEgan wrote: ↑May 20th, 2024, 10:34 am Thanks so much for your help, SJ!

How do I tell what the overall volume is on Audacity so I can optimize in the future?

Okay, it's a little bit confusing. Checker is measuring the overall average volume, and uses a 0 to +100dB scale. This is not standard. Almost all recording apps, including Audacity, use the scale 0dB (maximum volume possible) to -100dB (silence). The measurement is called RMS (root-mean-square, a fancy way of saying overall average).

+89dB in Checker is equal to -23dB RMS in Audacity. The +86 to 92dB range in Checker equates to about -18dB to -25dB RMS in Audacity. To find out your RMS select the track and go to Analyze>Measure RMS. I do a similar thing in Reaper - I never bother with Checker.

You can also adjust your volume to RMS. Select the track, then go to Effects>Loudness Normalization, choose RMS and enter -23db. Perfect volume every time. I always do this.