1 Minute Test [OK]

tnestleroad · Post by **tnestleroad** » February 5th, 2024, 9:04 am

Here is the link to my 1 minute test. https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_tnestleroad.mp3

Using Windows, an XLR mic with audio interface, and Audacity.

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » February 5th, 2024, 1:12 pm

Welcome Tara

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 settings are correct, except the bit rate which is 192kbps. And while the volume is in range, it is barely under the max at 91.9.

Make sure input gain slider in Audacity (upper right with the little mic icon) is well to the right. Then adjust the input gain on your interface 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 and enter an amount, or Effects>Loudness Normalization, choose RMS and enter -23db (Checker uses a different scale - this is the same as +89db).

When exporting your MP3 from Audacity, go to File>Export Audio. In the pop-up menu select:
Format: MP3 Files
Channels: Mono.
Sample Rate: 44100
Bit Rate Mode: Constant.
Quality: 128kbps.

These selections will be saved for future exports.

See the pinned post at the top of this forum for more information.

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.

Please make a new test recording and post it in a reply to this message. I will come back and review it for you.

tnestleroad · Post by **tnestleroad** » February 5th, 2024, 2:26 pm

sjmarky wrote: ↑February 5th, 2024, 1:12 pm Welcome Tara

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 settings are correct, except the bit rate which is 192kbps. And while the volume is in range, it is barely under the max at 91.9.

Make sure input gain slider in Audacity (upper right with the little mic icon) is well to the right. Then adjust the input gain on your interface 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 and enter an amount, or Effects>Loudness Normalization, choose RMS and enter -23db (Checker uses a different scale - this is the same as +89db).

When exporting your MP3 from Audacity, go to File>Export Audio. In the pop-up menu select:
Format: MP3 Files
Channels: Mono.
Sample Rate: 44100
Bit Rate Mode: Constant.
Quality: 128kbps.

These selections will be saved for future exports.

See the pinned post at the top of this forum for more information.

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.

Please make a new test recording and post it in a reply to this message. I will come back and review it for you.

Thanks! Here is the new test: https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_tnestleroad.mp3
Sorry I had it on ACX settings which I now realize are a little different.

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » February 5th, 2024, 3:25 pm

I figured as much. ACX overall volume is higher except the peaks, and the bit rate is 192.

Your audio meets LibriVox requirements, so you are good to go.

Happy narrating!