Subtly Southern Reader [OK]

SubtlySouthernReader · Post by **SubtlySouthernReader** » May 18th, 2024, 2:43 pm

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

SubtlySouthernReader · Post by **SubtlySouthernReader** » May 19th, 2024, 5:15 am

Subtly Southern here ... apologizing for neglecting to fill you in on my setup.
I use Windows 10 and Audacity 3.5.1 with a USB microphone.
I look forward to any coaching Thank You

lightcrystal · Post by **lightcrystal** » May 20th, 2024, 1:01 am

SubtlySouthernReader wrote: ↑May 19th, 2024, 5:15 am Subtly Southern here ... apologizing for neglecting to fill you in on my setup.
I use Windows 10 and Audacity 3.5.1 with a USB microphone.
I look forward to any coaching Thank You

Hi SubtlySouthernReader!
Let's fix a few things and then you will be ready!

[1.] The volume is 83 dB. LibriVox requires a volume of 86-92 dB, ideally 89 dB.
[2.] There is a hissing background noise.

You should use The Checker tool to see if you have passed each time: https://www.cgjennings.ca/projects/checker/

[2.] is probably best dealt with first. It sounds like electronic noise. Is your microphone close to your computer fans? If so moving the microphone further away from the computer could help. Also it's good to check that the microphone is secure in the usb port or maybe try a different usb port.
[1.] You could try speaking a bit closer to the microphone. Or if the mic has a gain know turning up that gain a little.

See how that goes and if it doesn't work then I will suggest other options. Please note the above and post a new link below.

SubtlySouthernReader · Post by **SubtlySouthernReader** » May 20th, 2024, 1:16 pm

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_thesubtlysouthernreader2.mp3

lightcrystal · Post by **lightcrystal** » May 20th, 2024, 3:56 pm

SubtlySouthernReader wrote: ↑May 20th, 2024, 1:16 pm https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_thesubtlysouthernreader2.mp3

That is a lot better! A lot less background noise. Let's deal with the volume that is still needing an increase of about 5 dB more.

1. Press Ctrl and A to highlight the whole track.
2. Go to the "effect" at about the middle of Audacity.
3. Go to the Amplify on the drop down menu
4. A slider should appear and set it to 5 dB.
5. Press OK.
_________

Then we should reduce the background noise a bit more.

1. Drag mouse on track to select a few seconds of the track that are blank space e.g first two seconds or last two seconds. It might help to "zoom in" with the audacity + sign first.
2. Go to the "effect" again
3. Go down to "noise reduction".
4. click on get noise profile
5. Repeat 1 and 2 and open noise reduction again.
6. Press OK.

I am looking at this in Audacity 3.1.3 which is a bit behind your version but it should work. I don't normally use Audacity.
If you do the above and submit a new link below that should being us success!

SubtlySouthernReader · Post by **SubtlySouthernReader** » May 21st, 2024, 5:34 am

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_thesubtlysouthernreader3.mp3

lightcrystal · Post by **lightcrystal** » May 21st, 2024, 6:10 am

SubtlySouthernReader wrote: ↑May 21st, 2024, 5:34 am https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_thesubtlysouthernreader3.mp3

Hi Subtly Southern Reader!
That is much better with the background noise.
Technically you are minutely short of the required volume [you are 85.9 dB and the required range is 86 dB-92 dB] but that is SO close and you have got the right idea so you get a pass.
You have passed and are ready to record!