This is my 1-minute test recording. I am using a Samson Q2U USB mic and a Mac Studio. The recording software is Audacity 3.4.2. The waveform on Audacity indicates that the recording volume is falling between -0.5 and +0.5, which I believe is lower than LibriVox wants. I can use MP3Gain to increase the gain on the recording if necessary and re-submit.
Thanks very much and I look forward to your comments/instructions!
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_tshoes76.mp3
tshoes76 1-minute test recording posted [OK]
Welcome Tom
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 192kbps bit rate, and the volume is too low at 82.1dB.
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 and enter an amount, or use MP3Gain.
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.
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 192kbps bit rate, and the volume is too low at 82.1dB.
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 and enter an amount, or use MP3Gain.
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.
Please make a new test recording and post it in a reply to this message. I will come back and review it for you.
Thanks for the guidance - this is all pretty new (completely new) to me. I followed your instructions, I believe, re-recorded, and amplified before exporting. I used the Checker app and it says the clip passed. Appreciate your getting back to me so quickly …
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_tshoes76_take_2.mp3
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_tshoes76_take_2.mp3
Well done. The volume is now a bit on the high side of the range at 91.6dB. There is a clip at 0:03, that is the volume exceeds 100. Shoot for 89 so you have a margin of safety.
There is also a bit of fan noise at this volume. 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
Checker can test for background noise. 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.
One more test and you'll be there, I'm sure.
There is also a bit of fan noise at this volume. 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
Checker can test for background noise. 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.
One more test and you'll be there, I'm sure.
Thanks again - this is a lot of fun, actually. The tools are great. Here is another take. I amplified (still trying to find the sweet spot for the Amplify effect) and then used Noise Reduction.
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_tshoes76_take_four_a.mp3
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test_tshoes76_take_four_a.mp3
Okay, you are good to go.
Happy narrating!
Happy narrating!