1 Minute Test - ScottA

[ScottA]

All,

Here it is, raw and unprocessed. a couple of sound notes I already recognize but will be working to remediate:
1. It's raining here, so there is some background that would not be normally present - I'm considering a booth
2. It's got reverb as the walls of my study are VERY reflective - Ordering a "box" for my mike to reduce that impact.. booth would help as well

Other than that, was a lot of fun, would love any additional feedback or coaching on how to improve sound quality!

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

Best,

ScottA

[sjmarky]

Welcome Scott

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 96kbps variable bit rate, but the other tech specs are all correct, so well done.

That is easily fixable. The real issues are the room reverb, which is severe, and the background noise, which is very high. I'm not sure what you mean that you are considering a booth, but if it's something like a Studio Bricks or Whisper Room, but they are extremely expensive. A booth in a converted closet like I use, much less so. I have tried the PortaBooth and Eyeball, and I can tell you that they will not come close to fixing your problem. Another possibility in addition to improving your recording space is a software solution. iZotope RX 11 Elements has both a De-Reverb plugin and Voice De-Noiser. It lists for $99, but they sometimes have sales for as little as $29. I used De-Reverb on your test with good results.

You didn't include the mic you are using. You may need to consider a stage mic like the Shure SM57 that will allow you to get really close, picking up less room reflections.

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

Try to isolate your mic from the noise, such as computer fan. If that isn’t entirely successful, use Audacity’s Noise Removal filter to reduce the background noise about 20dB. 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, 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.

[vviera]

All,

Here it is, raw and unprocessed. a couple of sound notes I already recognize but will be working to remediate:
1. It's raining here, so there is some background that would not be normally present - I'm considering a booth
2. It's got reverb as the walls of my study are VERY reflective - Ordering a "box" for my mike to reduce that impact.. booth would help as well

Other than that, was a lot of fun, would love any additional feedback or coaching on how to improve sound quality!

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

Best,

ScottA

Good to hear it was a lot of fun! If you thought the 1-minute test was fun, I bet you'll have a blast on Librivox!