1-minute test: Patrick Regan

[ContinentalDrifter]

I've just uploaded a test recording, using GarageBand 10.4.3.

The URL is: https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/Patrick_Regan_-_LibriVox_test.mp3

[sjmarky]

Welcome Patrick

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 in stereo. There is also a bit too much room echo; you need a deader recording space.

Unfortunately, you will not able to use GarageBand for LibriVox recordings, since GB no longer supports mono. You will need to first select another recording app and then make a new test. Options for Macs include Audacity, OcenAudio, TwistedWave, Reaper, Audition and Studio One.

You can find advice on improving issues like room echo in the Librivox wiki:
https://wiki.librivox.org/index.php?title=Improve_Your_Recording

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.

[ContinentalDrifter]

Thanks for the feedback. I will consider following through.

Patrick

[ContinentalDrifter]

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_2_PATRICK_REGAN.mp3

Audacity, Mac, analog Rode NT1 microphone, Focusrite interface.

[sjmarky]

Okay, the room echo is much improved and the volume (minus the long blank space) is good. However the bit rate is 45kbps variable, and must be 128kbps constant,

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 so that all the comments are in one place. I will come back and review it for you.

[ContinentalDrifter]

I improvised a new setup for room acoustics and got a little better acquainted with audacity. See what you think. Thanks.

Patrick

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_3_-_PATRICK_REGAN_-_17May2024.mp3

[sjmarky]

Hi Patrick

The acoustics are OK, but could still be better. There is some room echo still.

There are borderline plosive sounds on the P's. Move your mic more off-center and/or add a pop screen or foam cover (which are cheap and work well).

The volume is below the 86 - 92dB range at 84.2dB. Raise the volume 5dB to about 89. One way to ensure perfect volume is before exerting our MP3 go yo Effects>Loudness Normalization, choose RMS and enter -23db (Checker uses a different scale - this is the same as +89db).

Are you using Checker? It will save a lot of time.

Another test in a reply to this message (please don't start new threads).

[ContinentalDrifter]

Thanks all. I've learned a few things, and I will be back someday, but for now I'm dropping it. In my current circumstances and with other priorities, I cannot devote the time and attention it would require to get established with LibriVox. Until then, thanks for all the books!