Recording on Windows 11 with Audiotechnica AT2020 condenser mic using Audacity.
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/aaron_hackett_1minute_test.mp3
Aaron Hackett 1 minute test [OK]
Welcome Aaron
I reviewed your test sample, and while it sounds good there are some technical changes needed. LibriVox requires audio that is 128kbps constant bit rate MP3, 44.1kHz sample rate, mono, and between 86db and 92db, preferably 89-90. Your test audio is 113kbps variable bit rate, and volume too low at 81.1db. There is also excessive background noise, which sounds mechanical.
Make sure the the input gain slider in Audacity (upper right with the little mic icon) is well to the right. Then adjust the input gain on your mic so your raw recording has wave forms that peak at about the 0.5 marks in the Audacity window:
If necessary, adjust the volume level before exporting by going to Effects>Amplify.
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
When exporting your MP3 from Audacity, be sure to check Bit Rate Mode - Constant, then select 128kb from the pull-down menu, and check Force Export to Mono.
You can pre-check your audio yourself by downloading the free Checker app: https://cgjennings.ca/projects/checker/
Passed with Warnings is a fail with regard to volume.
Go to Validation>Choose Validation Methods and check Background Noise. Be sure to leave 5 seconds blank at the end of your recording.
Please make a new test recording and post it in a reply to this message. I will come back and review it for you.
I reviewed your test sample, and while it sounds good there are some technical changes needed. LibriVox requires audio that is 128kbps constant bit rate MP3, 44.1kHz sample rate, mono, and between 86db and 92db, preferably 89-90. Your test audio is 113kbps variable bit rate, and volume too low at 81.1db. There is also excessive background noise, which sounds mechanical.
Make sure the the input gain slider in Audacity (upper right with the little mic icon) is well to the right. Then adjust the input gain on your mic so your raw recording has wave forms that peak at about the 0.5 marks in the Audacity window:
If necessary, adjust the volume level before exporting by going to Effects>Amplify.
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
When exporting your MP3 from Audacity, be sure to check Bit Rate Mode - Constant, then select 128kb from the pull-down menu, and check Force Export to Mono.
You can pre-check your audio yourself by downloading the free Checker app: https://cgjennings.ca/projects/checker/
Passed with Warnings is a fail with regard to volume.
Go to Validation>Choose Validation Methods and check Background Noise. Be sure to leave 5 seconds blank at the end of your recording.
Please make a new test recording and post it in a reply to this message. I will come back and review it for you.
Okay, you are good to go.
Happy narrating!
Happy narrating!