My one minute test! [OK]

[ClueChaser]

Hello forum! Here is my one minute test!
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_samueldgraham.mp3

Microphone: Realtek (built in to computer)
Recording software: Audacity
Operating System: Windows 11

I would love to know what you guys think!

[sjmarky]

Greetings Samuel

I reviewed your test sample, and you have some work to do. LibriVox requires audio that is 128kbps constant bit rate, 44.1kHz sample rate, mono, and between 86db and 92db, preferably 89-90. Your test audio is 320kbps, stereo, volume too high at 98.4db and suffers from severe background noise. This is likely due to using a built-in mic which is picking up a huge amount of fan noise.

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.

Honestly, you really should get an external mic that you can better isolate from the noise. Your background noise level needs to be reduced by 25 to 30db, which is too much to attempt with Audacity Noise Removal, although you are free to give it a try. 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.

[ClueChaser]

Greetings Samuel

I reviewed your test sample, and you have some work to do. LibriVox requires audio that is 128kbps constant bit rate, 44.1kHz sample rate, mono, and between 86db and 92db, preferably 89-90. Your test audio is 320kbps, stereo, volume too high at 98.4db and suffers from severe background noise. This is likely due to using a built-in mic which is picking up a huge amount of fan noise.

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.

Honestly, you really should get an external mic that you can better isolate from the noise. Your background noise level needs to be reduced by 25 to 30db, which is too much to attempt with Audacity Noise Removal, although you are free to give it a try. 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.

Thank you! I will make another test recording!

[ClueChaser]

sjmarky and Forum:
Here's my new test!
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_samueldgraham.mp3

Software: Audacity
Mic: External Mic, came with sound reduction
OS: Windows 11

[ClueChaser]

Sorry. It's me again. I watched an online tutorial!
16-bit, mono, 44100 HZ, constant, 128, +8 DB!
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test3_samueldgraham.mp3

[sjmarky]

Okay, getting there. Bit rate correct and within range, although on the high side at 91.3db. The +8db adjustment is too much. As a result there is clipping throughout, meaning the wave form exceeds the maximum of the recording track, causing distortion. There is also too much background noise. It sounds mechanical, like a fan.

successful, use Audacity’s Noise Removal filter to reduce the background noise about 15db. 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

Be sure to enable Background Noise in Checker, and leave at least 5 seconds blank at the end.

Try those approaches, then another test please.

[ClueChaser]

sjmarky:
+3 or 4 DB is about right. Another test coming!

[ClueChaser]

Okay, getting there. Bit rate correct and within range, although on the high side at 91.3db. The +8db adjustment is too much. As a result there is clipping throughout, meaning the wave form exceeds the maximum of the recording track, causing distortion. There is also too much background noise. It sounds mechanical, like a fan.

successful, use Audacity’s Noise Removal filter to reduce the background noise about 15db. 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

Be sure to enable Background Noise in Checker, and leave at least 5 seconds blank at the end.

Try those approaches, then another test please.

Here's my latest test, with Checker and Audacity! I think I did it!
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test4_samueldgraham.mp3

[sjmarky]

Okay, you are good to go.

Happy narrating!

[ClueChaser]

Thank you!

[ClueChaser]

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_cluechaser.mp3
Here is my one minute test! I've been reading up on the wiki, and I hope I did it right.

-ClueChaser

[sjmarky]

Welcome Clue

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

Happy narrating!