Nick 1 min test

All languages: post your test recording here. Help check audio files.
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Nick1227
Posts: 6
Joined: September 14th, 2023, 1:27 pm

Post by Nick1227 »

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

Recorded with: Audacity

OS: Windows 10

Mic: Blue Yeti USB
sjmarky
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Joined: August 28th, 2006, 8:47 pm
Location: Sacto CA
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Post by sjmarky »

Welcome Nick

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 138kbps variable bit rate, stereo, and volume too low at 80.6db. There are also significant plosive sounds on all the P's.

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:
Image

If necessary, adjust the volume level before exporting by going to Effects>Amplify.

Reposition your mic so that it is off-center about 45 degrees. Add a pop filter or foam wind screen if necessary.

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.
"Bringing you yesterday's tomorrow...today!"

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Nick1227
Posts: 6
Joined: September 14th, 2023, 1:27 pm

Post by Nick1227 »

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_nick1227.mp3


Recorded with: Audacity

OS: Windows 10

Mic: Blue Yeti USB


Really sorry that it took so long, but here you go!
sjmarky
Posts: 4692
Joined: August 28th, 2006, 8:47 pm
Location: Sacto CA
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Post by sjmarky »

Okay, some improvement, but your audio is now 320kbps bit rate, and the volume is still low at 82.9dB.

I'm still hearing plosive sounds on the P's in Peter Piper. There is also a bit of room reverb.

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

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.

So, getting there, but another test, please.
"Bringing you yesterday's tomorrow...today!"

My website
My Librivox reader page
Nick1227
Posts: 6
Joined: September 14th, 2023, 1:27 pm

Post by Nick1227 »

Im going to try it again, but no matter what I do there are still plosives, I have read the wiki entry and I have a pop filter on my mic, please help me out here I feel like giving up.
Nick1227
Posts: 6
Joined: September 14th, 2023, 1:27 pm

Post by Nick1227 »

sjmarky
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Joined: August 28th, 2006, 8:47 pm
Location: Sacto CA
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Post by sjmarky »

Well, it's better. If your mic is oft one side about 45 degrees and angled that usually solves plosives, since your breath shouldn't hit the mic. Perhaps you are too close? Should be 8 to 12 inches.

If you haven't tried one, foam wind screens work very well, and are only about $5. They also don't get in the way. I use a "clown nose" on my mic. I think they would fit a Yeti.
"Bringing you yesterday's tomorrow...today!"

My website
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Nick1227
Posts: 6
Joined: September 14th, 2023, 1:27 pm

Post by Nick1227 »

So the test is still no good?
sjmarky
Posts: 4692
Joined: August 28th, 2006, 8:47 pm
Location: Sacto CA
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Post by sjmarky »

No, try to get the plosives down. It's a real problem for listeners.

Yes, another test please.
"Bringing you yesterday's tomorrow...today!"

My website
My Librivox reader page
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