https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_DixieAnnD.mp3
Recorded using Audacity version 3.4.2
Operating system Windows 10
Mic type USB (Not sure of brand or model #)
1 Minute Test - DixieAnnD [OK]
Welcome Dixie
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 too loud at 96.5dB. There may also be an issue with background noise, but I can't tell from your sample. There is too much room echo; you need a much deader recording space.
Make sure 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, adjust the volume level before exporting by going to Effects>Amplify.
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
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 too loud at 96.5dB. There may also be an issue with background noise, but I can't tell from your sample. There is too much room echo; you need a much deader recording space.
Make sure 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, adjust the volume level before exporting by going to Effects>Amplify.
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
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.
Hi SJ
Thanks for the tips. I just passed the checker, however the echo is still kinda there, I will try to work on that with the suggestions I saw with the porta booth . Here is the updated test meantime.
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/2ndtest_dixieannd.mp3
Thanks for the tips. I just passed the checker, however the echo is still kinda there, I will try to work on that with the suggestions I saw with the porta booth . Here is the updated test meantime.
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/2ndtest_dixieannd.mp3
Okay, settings are correct but the room echo is still severe. Your recording space needs to be free from echos, that is, hard walls and other surfaces. A closet with clothes in it can work well, or a blanket tent, or even a pillow fort. Try some approaches. When the reverb is gone it will be very apparent.
Hi, well i tried the pillow fort, let me know if you find any improvement,
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test3_dixieannd.mp3
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test3_dixieannd.mp3
That is much better, although you could stand to improve it even more.
Okay, you are good to go.
Happy narrating.
Okay, you are good to go.
Happy narrating.
ok Thank you, I was looking at one of these, what do you think?
Microphone Isolation Ball
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Microphone-Isolation-Ball-Cancellation/dp/B0B7RYDLDF/ref=sr_1_35?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FV_WYjpe8CAPS-4AaSGuNTYRzOsGRVTzlpi6nPqky-uPRGOkdbJJQP4dA82tYd22yEs2PUlA3rybFoPKPKy4cVM0H3gZD-ajfjY2DTxVGXHC0mrx25OW3be2khMF-eYliAy_GoOsgJAV2xD677mFNHc0r57V_R1FvvK_Ac5Kt0wpbPVmY3gX749COdqgHHCcpXJiqj2Q7atQV4O6FyqIsOmqJy3nbTAppPNIMmv5ofdJkFZ-4_HAtk1kzLyKmlpsc5bxGcpA8spP4gLc9kQDxB_QwO3dcged8F3WnG-clQs.u7rbTt7V7Q8bqZ5m65Wqmq3fH_VXSjgmHa0od0SPLYk&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable+soundproof+booth&qid=1711110248&sr=8-35
TroyStudio-Portable
https://www.amazon.com/TroyStudio-Portable-Sound-Recording-Vocal/dp/B07MZZ36L4/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._axm4veejaLeyLQdMii1mox_xp9nAUkv2fwtovW5mgWPRGOkdbJJQP4dA82tYd22xZVng3UBZCkbD-9qjYdh2vPHPGPe8fIB14GGB8Crri1lyNCU7D6g1mKAkbjAJPhymTNJ7z67q6yrQkCexOyf-uPXl-tQiBdoS2mkd99MegtnzQSqcNhyYA217K8UlVmdZaFt_3Ggjxn1lX9BRlmEgMQWe5LT9YTXztjrX59fxsUC4tPYCW41P3CLW0CgxE91JFpuWIlKkXuzYOSEVuo1KHvi9g1I3bHWzOGDE4pIkqE.BMN18IeXT1JyUPJF0HbMlKRcmn8WQI-6LfAo5B_RxI8&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable%2Bsoundproof%2Bbooth&qid=1711072486&sr=8-5&th=1
Microphone Isolation Ball
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Microphone-Isolation-Ball-Cancellation/dp/B0B7RYDLDF/ref=sr_1_35?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FV_WYjpe8CAPS-4AaSGuNTYRzOsGRVTzlpi6nPqky-uPRGOkdbJJQP4dA82tYd22yEs2PUlA3rybFoPKPKy4cVM0H3gZD-ajfjY2DTxVGXHC0mrx25OW3be2khMF-eYliAy_GoOsgJAV2xD677mFNHc0r57V_R1FvvK_Ac5Kt0wpbPVmY3gX749COdqgHHCcpXJiqj2Q7atQV4O6FyqIsOmqJy3nbTAppPNIMmv5ofdJkFZ-4_HAtk1kzLyKmlpsc5bxGcpA8spP4gLc9kQDxB_QwO3dcged8F3WnG-clQs.u7rbTt7V7Q8bqZ5m65Wqmq3fH_VXSjgmHa0od0SPLYk&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable+soundproof+booth&qid=1711110248&sr=8-35
TroyStudio-Portable
https://www.amazon.com/TroyStudio-Portable-Sound-Recording-Vocal/dp/B07MZZ36L4/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._axm4veejaLeyLQdMii1mox_xp9nAUkv2fwtovW5mgWPRGOkdbJJQP4dA82tYd22xZVng3UBZCkbD-9qjYdh2vPHPGPe8fIB14GGB8Crri1lyNCU7D6g1mKAkbjAJPhymTNJ7z67q6yrQkCexOyf-uPXl-tQiBdoS2mkd99MegtnzQSqcNhyYA217K8UlVmdZaFt_3Ggjxn1lX9BRlmEgMQWe5LT9YTXztjrX59fxsUC4tPYCW41P3CLW0CgxE91JFpuWIlKkXuzYOSEVuo1KHvi9g1I3bHWzOGDE4pIkqE.BMN18IeXT1JyUPJF0HbMlKRcmn8WQI-6LfAo5B_RxI8&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable%2Bsoundproof%2Bbooth&qid=1711072486&sr=8-5&th=1