Hi George,
Thanks for your submission. First off, have you heard of
Checker? You can check the technical specifications of your files against LibriVox standards using the program. We require the technical specifications outlined in the LibriVox wiki
here. There are currently a number of technical issues with your files. Usually, these sorts of issues are sorted out when you submit your 1-Minute Test. You can see Jo's feedback on your test
here. With that said, here are my PL notes for this recording:
1.
The bit rate is 76 kbps variable and should be 182 kbps constant. To fix the bit rate, watch
this video or follow these instructions:
1. Go to File / Export Audio
2. Select Format Options in the lower right corner
3. Select the following settings: Constant, 128 kbps, Force export to mono
4. Press OK
N.B. There is no need to adjust the file format each time you save a recording as these settings will persist.
2.
The volume of your file is too low at 84.5 dB. We aim for about 89 dB, with an acceptable range of 87-91 dB. You can adjust the input volume before recording to avoid using the amplify feature in Audacity during post-processing. The input volume is the level at which your recording device is receiving your voice while you read. You want to avoid having it set too low or too high. (In your case, it seems the input volume is set too low.) For more information on how to set the input volume, visit
this page in the LibriVox wiki.
Adjusting the input volume will help in the future, but Section 13 will need to be amplified, as it has already been recorded. In Audacity, select the whole recording. Click Effect > Amplify. In the Amplification box, enter the number +4.5. Verify that the file is around 89 dB using Checker.
N.B. Amplification also increases the volume of any background noise. Based on the current quality of the file, I don't anticipate background noise being a problem. However, if you discover that there is significant background noise after you increase the volume of the file, you can use the noise-cleaning feature in Audacity to reduce the noise. To perform noise cleaning, follow the instructions
here.
3.
The recording should be in mono sound, not stereo sound. When you record in stereo, the recording program will create 2 tracks, one for each ear of the earphones. Recording in mono means that you will only have one track, and both earphones will play the same track. This reduces the size of the audio file. Note that Audacity records in stereo by default, which is likely why your file is recorded that way. To make Audacity record automatically in mono, you have to set your preferences by following these instructions: Go to Edit > Preferences, and choose the Audio I/O tab. On the top right corner, in the Channels drop-down menu, select 1 (Mono), and click OK.
Now, again, changing your preferences will fix the problem for next time, but the files that have already been recorded will need to be manually changed to mono. Follow these directions: Select both tracks. Click Tracks > Mix > Mix Stereo Down to Mono.
4.
At the beginning of the recording, your voice is extremely difficult to understand. It sounds like you are sitting far away from the microphone, and there are a lot of clicks and sibilants (harsh, loud "s" sounds - see more
here). However, the sound quality improves from 04:16-09:07. I'm not sure what you did differently, but could you please re-record the beginning of the file using that new technique so that listeners can hear what you are saying? Also, please re-record the outro. ("End of Section 13.")
5.
There is too much silence at the beginning of the recording. There should be less than 1 second of silence, and there is currently almost 5 seconds of silence.
6.
There is too little silence at the end of the recording.. There should be 5 full seconds of silence, and there is currently only 4 seconds of silence.
7.
Repeat at 04:59 ("if only I can see my ch . . . chief"). Repeat at 08:19 ("im . . . impressed"). Multiple errors from 11:16-11:22 ("and then declare that they are under no obligation"). Multiple errors from 11:45-11:47 ("or if he would not notice").
8.
White noise from 07:05-07:06.
Once you have made the above changes, re-upload using the same file name. Post in this thread when you have uploaded the edited file. Don't forget to include the duration.
can do?can do?