https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_ruthruby.mp3
Hello, please could you check my test for me?
I am new to all this!
Recording software is Audacity, operating system is Windows and I have a USB microphone.
Many thanks
Ruth
My one minute test [OK]
Welcome Ruth
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 100kbps variable bit rate. While the volume is good, there is a lot of background noise; it sounds mechanical, like a fan. Your audio would also improve with a deader recording space; there is a fair amount of reverb.
You can find advice on improving issues like room echo in the Librivox wiki:
https://wiki.librivox.org/index.php?title=Improve_Your_Recording
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 10db. 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 more information.
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.
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 100kbps variable bit rate. While the volume is good, there is a lot of background noise; it sounds mechanical, like a fan. Your audio would also improve with a deader recording space; there is a fair amount of reverb.
You can find advice on improving issues like room echo in the Librivox wiki:
https://wiki.librivox.org/index.php?title=Improve_Your_Recording
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 10db. 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 more information.
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.
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_ruthruby_take2.mp3
Hello
Thank you for reviewing my first test and for your valuable feedback.
I have taken all your advice. I have tried to cut down room echo.
You are right, my computer fan is a bit noisy, I have tried to reduce that.
I have tried the noise reduction in Audacity too.
I have changed my settings to "constant" and "128kbps" when I saved my 2nd test.
I downloaded the checker software and then ran this test through the checker and it passed. It passed too when I selected specifically to check on "background noise".
Please let me know if there is anything else I can try to improve it. This is all new technology to me, but I am enjoying learning about it.
Many thanks
Ruth
Hello
Thank you for reviewing my first test and for your valuable feedback.
I have taken all your advice. I have tried to cut down room echo.
You are right, my computer fan is a bit noisy, I have tried to reduce that.
I have tried the noise reduction in Audacity too.
I have changed my settings to "constant" and "128kbps" when I saved my 2nd test.
I downloaded the checker software and then ran this test through the checker and it passed. It passed too when I selected specifically to check on "background noise".
Please let me know if there is anything else I can try to improve it. This is all new technology to me, but I am enjoying learning about it.
Many thanks
Ruth
Okay, you are good to go. Checker still gives your audio a fail for background noise, but I reviewed it and it's OK.
Happy narrating!
Happy narrating!
and I am looking forward to reading my first chapter.