raysmyvoice 1-minute test recording

RaysMyVoice · Post by **RaysMyVoice** » April 22nd, 2024, 10:59 am

Here's my one minute test. I hope all Hobbit lovers will enjoy it! Specs are using: Audacity - MacBook Air - Blue Snowball Mic.

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » April 22nd, 2024, 11:10 am

Greetings Ray

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 104kbps variable bit rate. The volume is just barely within range at 86.2dB.

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 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 and enter an amount.

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 screen shots of these menus and settings.

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.
With Checker open, 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.

RaysMyVoice · Post by **RaysMyVoice** » April 25th, 2024, 9:54 am

Hello everyone - here's my second First 1-Minute Test Recording. The first missed the mark in a couple of technical ways, but after careful searches I hope the second try will meet all the specs. As a long time actor, I'm used to having a tech person handle these little pesky details. Old dog, new tricks!
My details are: Recording software: AUDACITY
Operating System: MAC
Mic Type: USB

My user name is: raysmyvoice
My (soon to be published website is: www.raysmyvoice.com

Can't wait to start working on some of these wonderful projects!!

Thanks
Ray

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » April 25th, 2024, 11:02 am

Hi Ray

You need to copy the link into your message so I can download it. Please don't put it in the message subject line.

RaysMyVoice · Post by **RaysMyVoice** » May 17th, 2024, 1:22 pm

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

Recording software - Audacity

Operating system - MAC

Mic type - USB

Many thanks, perhaps a bit of a kerfuffel over the first 2 submissions. Better luck this time, I hope!
Ray Fletcher
www,raysmyvoice.com
raysmyvoice@gmail.com

RaysMyVoice · Post by **RaysMyVoice** » May 17th, 2024, 1:31 pm

I just resubmitted my 1-Minute Test on my teaching macbook. Hope this one works. End of school year always hectic. Hope to hear that we're good to go over the summer months!
Thanks again

Ray Fletcher

www.raysmyvoice.com

raysmyvoice@gmail.com

sjmarky · Post by **sjmarky** » May 17th, 2024, 2:05 pm

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

Happy narrating!