Maggie's Test [OK]

[Maggie123]

Hi - Here is my "one-minute" test. I am using Audacity on Windows. My mic is a USB, mic/headset combo. Thank you in advance for your feedback!
Best,
Maggie123.

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_maggie123.mp3

[InTheDesert]

1 Minute Test Feedback:

Welcome to Librivox Maggie and thanks for posting your test file. We look forward to you joining the community!

Reading Feedback:
You have a soothing, pleasant voice.

Technical Feedback:

• 00:00 Librivox needs mp3 files with a constant bitrate of 128kbps. This file is 103kbps. Since that is not one of the standard mp3 bitrates, you probably selected 'variable' rather than 'constant' bitrate.
• 00:00 I think I would tend to describe this audio as 'overprocessed'. It's hard to describe what it is exactly - it can sound metallic or like there is a little reverb. Or that the 's' sounds are very prominent but other consonants are muffled. The cause is usually applying too many effects - particularly noise reduction which can rip out the mid-tones which give clarity. 2-6dB of noise reduction are usually all that is required. It could also be caused by exporting the file too early as an mp3 instead of performing your edits on the original recording. This can also be caused by the microphone itself (inbuilt microphone on a laptop, phone, tablet which will usually result in a muffled or 'boxy' sound). If the quality of your microphone makes you think it should sound better, make sure you have selected the correct microphone as your recording input and that you're not usung a different microphone that is available on your device accidentally. If you have a high quality microphone and you're not running post-processing on the file, the most likely cause is that you're speaking into the wrong side of the microphone.

Once you've tweaked these settings, upload the file again using the same filename (uploading to the same filename is important when you are submitting Librivox files) and post in the thread and I'll check it for you again!

[Maggie123]

Hello - Thank you for your feedback. Posted below is my second test. Since the first one had been a "raw" recording (no effects applied), I'm guessing the problem was with the mic. For this file, I applied the "normalize" effect and chose "constant" for the bit rate. I do hear background noise, but even with the noise reducer, I can't seem to get rid of it. Thanks again for your feedback!
Best,
Maggie

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_maggie_123.mp3

[InTheDesert]

Hello - Thank you for your feedback. Posted below is my second test. Since the first one had been a "raw" recording (no effects applied), I'm guessing the problem was with the mic. For this file, I applied the "normalize" effect and chose "constant" for the bit rate. I do hear background noise, but even with the noise reducer, I can't seem to get rid of it. Thanks again for your feedback!
Best,
Maggie

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_maggie_123.mp3

Reading Feedback:
I think you've managed to resolved the overprocessing which is great!

Technical Feedback:

• 00:00 Librivox needs mp3 files with a constant bitrate of 128kbps. This file is 192kbps.

Once you've tweaked these settings, upload the file again using the same filename (uploading to the same filename is important when you are submitting Librivox files) and post in the thread and I'll check it for you again!

[Maggie123]

Hi - Ok. Now I see where to change to the 128. My file is attached below. Hopefully the "third time is the charm!"
Thank you,
Maggie


https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_maggie_123.mp3

[InTheDesert]

Hi - Ok. Now I see where to change to the 128. My file is attached below. Hopefully the "third time is the charm!"
Thank you,
Maggie


https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_maggie_123.mp3

The technical specs of your test are fine and you are ready to record! Make sure you use the same settings as your test in future recordings. For any future files you submit, make sure that the intro has 0.75 seconds of silence at the start and 5 seconds of silence at the end. Also check the required filename in the project thread.

The best first step would be to take a section in a group project. You can find a list of open projects here (non-English here).

When you claim your very first section, don't forget to also post the name that you would like to appear in the catalog. Some people use their real name, a pseudonym or just a repeat of their forum username. You might prefer privacy or to use it as an opportunity to advertise yourself as a narrator.

[Maggie123]

Terrific! Thank you for your help!
Best,
Maggie