1-minute Test Recording

[CoachCoe]

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

Recorded on Audacity with Blue Yeti usb microphone on Mac

[Winnifred]

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

Recorded on Audacity with Blue Yeti usb microphone on Mac

Hi Cornelius,

Your voice is clear and animated, and most of your technical specs are correct. However, your volume is too low at 77.6 dB. The acceptable volume range for Librivox recordings is between 86 and 92 dB.
 
Here’s how to set recording volume to the correct place (you only need to do this once). Make sure 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, you can then further adjust the volume level before exporting by using Effects>Amplify in Audacity.
 
There's also a plugin for Audacity called ReplayGain that can tell you exactly how far your recording is from 89 dB. If it tells you your level is at or near zero, you’ll know that your volume is very close to the 89 dB ideal. But you don’t have to be that exact: if it gives you a number between +3 and -3, you're within the standard range for LibriVox. Instructions for installing and using this plugin are here.
 
If you want to doublecheck your own technical specs, including volume, you can also use the free tool Checker to pre-check your MP3 file before you upload it. With that tool, you can see the exact volume in dB of the recording. If it doesn’t fall within the acceptable range, you can go back to Audacity and use the difference as your value for increasing/decreasing the volume using Amplify (e.g., if it says your volume is 97 dB, you’d de-amplify by 8 to get to 89; if it says your volume is 85, you’d amplify by 4 to get to 89).

As there is a moderate level of background noise in your recording, I suggest that you re-record this test after setting your recording volume as outlined above. (If you just adjusted the volume, you’d also raise the level of background noise beyond a comfortable level.)

Post your rerecorded test in response to this post and I’ll come back and listen to it.

Thanks,