1-Minute Test Recording

[RawBeeNarrates]

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

Collected with Rode NT1, Mackie 402 Analog mixer, and DANTE lossless audio interface
Recorded with HP Zbook running Pro Tools 12.1

[InTheDesert]

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

Collected with Rode NT1, Mackie 402 Analog mixer, and DANTE lossless audio interface
Recorded with HP Zbook running Pro Tools 12.1

Reading Feedback:
You have a bright, animated voice.

Technical Feedback:

• 00:00 Note (no change needed): The volume of this track is 86.02dB. 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 file falls within the outer ends of that range and so doesn't need to be changed but watch that it doesn't end up outside the range. The easiest way to automatically set the volume 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 would be to use the Amplify effect set to 3dB.
• 00:00 There was some background hum on the recording. It might be the result of something in the background like an air conditioner or a fan and the easiest way to fix it is to switch it off or point the microphone away from the source. Another solution you can apply is noise reduction. This will reduce the hiss after recording but it does degrade the quality of the audio. Be gentle on the amount (I'd say a maximum of 6dB reduction but less is better) - many people overdo it.
• 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. This can also be caused by the microphone itself (inbuilt microphone on a laptop, phone, tablet). If the quality of your microphone makes you think it should sound better, make sure you have selected the correct microphone as your recording input and that you're not using a different microphone that is available on your device accidentally. If you have a high quality microphone and you're not running post-processing on the file, the most likely cause is that you're speaking into the wrong side of the microphone No change needed this time but it might be something you want to look into for future recordings.

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!