one minute test [OK]

[Mela78]

Hi,

this is my one minute sample. It's recorded using audacity and the internal microphone of my mac.
Any feedback is welcome, I'm finding the tech side of this a bit difficult.

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

[Iunta4Ios]

Hi, thank you for your reply.
The book I wanted to read is "leggende sarde" - not the same one. However, if that one is not available I'll read something else. At the moment I'm struggling with the technical specs. I've just uploaded a one minute sample, but I'm not totally happy with it. I think I may have to learn to edit the sound. In particular I don't like having to listen to my breathing sounds along with the book.

Thank you very much for your support.

Hi Melania,
I listened to your one minute test.
The main purpose of the test is to check that the recording is technically corresponding to LVX specifications.
Just a few remarks copied from the testing program Checker":

• The file does not contain any underscores, ("_") which are used to separate the file name fields.   The correct name should be something as: test_recording_by_melania-....
  
  The bit rate should be 128 kbps. When in Audacity using "File-esporta audio a windows opens. You have to evidenziate: Qualità 128 kps
  
  The recording should use a constant bit rate rather than variable bit rate (VBR).  Some thing. Do evidenziate: Modalità bit rate: costante
  The bit rate should be 128 kbps.  
  
  Pier

[Mela78]

Got it.

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

I've followed your suggestions, Pier.

What do you think about the quality of the audio? I'm concerned about the breathing noise. Should I buy an external microphone?

[Mela78]

Hello!

I've recorded a new sample, this time in italian. I used the internal microphone of my mac with audacity. I used audacity to edit out the breathing sound. I'm trying to understand whether the quality is ok or whether I need to buy a microphone. Any feedback is welcome.

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

Thank you!

[InTheDesert]

Hello!

I've recorded a new sample, this time in italian. I used the internal microphone of my mac with audacity. I used audacity to edit out the breathing sound. I'm trying to understand whether the quality is ok or whether I need to buy a microphone. Any feedback is welcome.

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

Thank you!

1 Minute Test Feedback:

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

Reading Feedback:
You have a clear, pleasant voice.

Technical Feedback:

• 00:00 The volume of this track is 81.09dB. LV requires the overall volume for the track (measured by ReplayGain - you can try this tool if you want to check the volume) to be between 86-92dB (with 89dB being the ideal). The easiest way to fix this automatically is to use the 'Loudness Normalization' effect (set to -19LUFS in 'perceived loudness' mode) in recent versions of Audacity before exporting the track as an MP3. If you use RMS normalization, set it to -21dB. Another way to fix it would be to use the Amplify effect set to 8dB. Since the volume is so low, amplifying it sufficiently would increase the background noise a lot. Did you accidentally have the microphone slider lower than intended or were you further from the microphone than you should be?

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!

[Mela78]

Thank you. I've downloaded the checker app. I've also lowered the input level of the mic, hoping thus to catch less background noise. When I've got a new sample, should I make a new post or update this one?

[InTheDesert]

Thank you. I've downloaded the checker app. I've also lowered the input level of the mic, hoping thus to catch less background noise. When I've got a new sample, should I make a new post or update this one?

You could post again in this thread and I'll see it.

[Mela78]

Hi, I've made a new recording.

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

according to the checker app it is ok, but I'd like some feedback, if possible.

is it easy to listen to?
is there too much background noise?
any other comments?

Thank you,

Mela

[InTheDesert]

Hi, I've made a new recording.

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

according to the checker app it is ok, but I'd like some feedback, if possible.

is it easy to listen to?
is there too much background noise?
any other comments?

Thank you,

Mela

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.

Technical Feedback:

• 00:00 Note (no change needed): 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. No change needed this time but it might be something you want to look into for future recordings.

[Mela78]

Thank you for your comments.

In terms of editing, I applied normalize and then amplify. I only used the noise reduction filters in selected parts of the reading, usually when you could hear a loud breath in moments where there should have been silence. I will keep an unprocessed copy of the recordings, so if I make a mistake in editing, I can start over. Thank you very much!