[OK]1 minute test recording Diana Romeo

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 3rd, 2024, 1:14 pm

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/librivox1minute.mp3

InTheDesert · Post by **InTheDesert** » April 3rd, 2024, 7:50 pm

DRomeo wrote: ↑April 3rd, 2024, 1:14 pm https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/librivox1minute.mp3

1 Minute Test Feedback:

Welcome to Librivox Diana and thanks for posting your test file. We look forward to you joining the community!

Reading Feedback:
You have a clear, bright voice.

Technical Feedback:

00:00 Librivox needs mp3 files with a constant bitrate of 128kbps. This file is 100kbps. Since that is not one of the standard mp3 bitrates, you probably selected 'variable' rather than 'constant' bitrate.
00:00 There was some hiss on the recording. It might be the result of a low input volume from the microphone which you have subsequently amplified to hit the Librivox volume range, in which case you might want to look into increasing the source volume (moving closer to the microphone or making sure the microphone is at full volume). Another solution you can apply is noise reduction. This will reduce the hiss after recording but it does degrade the quality of the audio. Be gentle on the amount (I'd say a maximum of 6dB reduction but less is better) - many people overdo it. Another option is a noise gate.

Once you've tweaked these settings, upload the file again using the same filename (uploading to the same filename is important when you are submitting Librivox files) and post in the thread and I'll check it for you again!

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 4th, 2024, 5:00 pm

Thank you I appreciate the feedback. I will make those tweaks now and upload again. Quick question- I've been told I have a low speaking voice in genera (volume not tone). I am already super close to the mic and the mic does not have a volume control. I've tried talking louder but it's so unnatural it's not sustainable and I don't want to sound like I'm shouting. Should I invest in a mic with volume control or do you have any other advice? New to this obviously so trying to figure it all out. Tx so much. Diana

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 4th, 2024, 5:00 pm

Thank you I appreciate the feedback. I will make those tweaks now and upload again. Quick question- I've been told I have a low speaking voice in genera (volume not tone). I am already super close to the mic and the mic does not have a volume control. I've tried talking louder but it's so unnatural it's not sustainable and I don't want to sound like I'm shouting. Should I invest in a mic with volume control or do you have any other advice? New to this obviously so trying to figure it all out. Tx so much. Diana

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 4th, 2024, 5:03 pm

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/librivox1minute.mp3

InTheDesert · Post by **InTheDesert** » April 5th, 2024, 8:51 am

DRomeo wrote: ↑April 4th, 2024, 5:00 pm Thank you I appreciate the feedback. I will make those tweaks now and upload again. Quick question- I've been told I have a low speaking voice in genera (volume not tone). I am already super close to the mic and the mic does not have a volume control. I've tried talking louder but it's so unnatural it's not sustainable and I don't want to sound like I'm shouting. Should I invest in a mic with volume control or do you have any other advice? New to this obviously so trying to figure it all out. Tx so much. Diana

The technical specs of your test are fine and you are ready to record! Make sure you use the same settings as your test in future recordings. For any future files you submit, make sure that the intro has 0.75 seconds of silence at the start and 5 seconds of silence at the end. Also check the required filename in the project thread.

The hiss was still there so I think the best way to deal with it would be with noise reduction after the event. A microphone with a volume control may or may not be a help to you - it depends what that volume control is doing. Either way, I'd suggest recording a few sections successfully before you look to upgrade your gear.

The best first step would be to take a section in a group project. You can find a list of open projects here (non-English here).

When you claim your very first section, don't forget to also post the name that you would like to appear in the catalog. Some people use their real name, a pseudonym or just a repeat of their forum username. You might prefer privacy or to use it as an opportunity to advertise yourself as a narrator.

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 5th, 2024, 12:06 pm

Great thanks so much!

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 28th, 2024, 4:56 pm

Wondering if I could ask you a question, You said you heard hissing on my 1 minute test. Since then I have downloaded checker and signed up for a section and learned more about how all this works. I am ready to do a recording to submit, I pass all the settings in checker but I have static here and there during my vocals only it seems. I've tried noise reduction and noise gate but it's still there. Someone suggested I change my cords but if it's only during the vocals I'm not sure that makes sense. I wondered if you had any suggestions? Any advice is greatly appreciated. tx Diana

Winnifred · Post by **Winnifred** » April 28th, 2024, 5:44 pm

DRomeo wrote: ↑April 28th, 2024, 4:56 pm Wondering if I could ask you a question, You said you heard hissing on my 1 minute test. Since then I have downloaded checker and signed up for a section and learned more about how all this works. I am ready to do a recording to submit, I pass all the settings in checker but I have static here and there during my vocals only it seems. I've tried noise reduction and noise gate but it's still there. Someone suggested I change my cords but if it's only during the vocals I'm not sure that makes sense. I wondered if you had any suggestions? Any advice is greatly appreciated. tx Diana

If you upload a sample, it might help us identify the issue. I’m wondering whether what you’re hearing might not be the kind of clicks I’m sometimes plagued by, which can be tackled with a plugin called the De-Clicker. If I could see your waveform, I could verify if that’s what it is.

Cheers,

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 29th, 2024, 4:57 am

okay tx, not 100% sure on how to share it here?

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 29th, 2024, 5:55 am

Actually, I guess I do ,the same way I uploaded the 1 min sample but do I cut and paste a portion of the track ?

InTheDesert · Post by **InTheDesert** » April 29th, 2024, 6:01 am

DRomeo wrote: ↑April 29th, 2024, 5:55 am Actually, I guess I do ,the same way I uploaded the 1 min sample but do I cut and paste a portion of the track ?

That's right.

DRomeo · Post by **DRomeo** » April 29th, 2024, 7:26 am

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/librivoxoneminutetest.mp3

InTheDesert · Post by **InTheDesert** » April 29th, 2024, 8:06 am

DRomeo wrote: ↑April 29th, 2024, 7:26 am https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/librivoxoneminutetest.mp3

A High Pass Filter effect set to 120Hz and -12dB should clean that hum up.

Winnifred · Post by **Winnifred** » April 29th, 2024, 1:48 pm

InTheDesert wrote: ↑April 29th, 2024, 8:06 am
DRomeo wrote: ↑April 29th, 2024, 7:26 am https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/librivoxoneminutetest.mp3
A High Pass Filter effect set to 120Hz and -12dB should clean that hum up.

Just out of curiosity, how do you get the -12dB? My Audacity only gives options from 6 to 48 dB, with no negative options.