One Minute Test Katty Cuadra [OK]

[Katty1cuadra]

https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/test-kattycuadra.mp3

[sjmarky]

Welcome Katty

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 132kbps variable bit rate, stereo, and volume too low at 83.6dB.

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.

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.
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.

[Katty1cuadra]

https://librivox.org/uploads/icequeen/test-kattycuadra.mp3

[wib66]

Hi and welcome to Librivox. Your reading is great there are just some edits needed please. If you are using Audacity you can do the following.

The bit rate should be 128 kbps. When you export the file change ‘quality’ to 128kbps.

The recording should use a constant bit rate. When you export the file change ‘bit rate mode’ to ‘constant’

The recording should be in mono not stereo

The volume is 83dB which is too low. We aim for between 86-92 dB but ideally we would like it to be at 89 dB.
In Audacity you will also find the option to amplify under 'effects'.
How to amplify in Audacity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_z607awyLw
If you like you can use the checker tool to verify volume and other settings.
https://cgjennings.ca/projects/checker/

Also adding in a plug in called replay gain will help you to check your volume in Audacity. The link for the video on how to do this is below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9Uz900RNos&feature=emb_logo

If you are using Audacity, here is a video one of our volunteers made on how to set up your tech specs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l00VDvGTieg

Please could you carry out the edits then upload the file using the same file name and post in this thread. If you need any more help please just ask. Thanks

[Katty1cuadra]

Hi! This is the revised version of the test https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/kattycuadrarevisedtest.mp3
Let me know if you have any comments, please.
Thank you.

[Winnifred]

Hi! This is the revised version of the test https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/kattycuadrarevisedtest.mp3
Let me know if you have any comments, please.
Thank you.

Hi Katty,

While all of the other technical specifications are now correct, your volume is still too low, at 78.9 dB. That needs to be raised to at least 86 dB (and ideally somewhere around 89 - 90 dB). Once you get your settings to record consistently at around that range, you shouldn't have to adjust them again.

It would be really helpful for us to know what program you're using to record and edit this test; we can give you better instructions on how to correct it if you do. If you're using something other than Audacity, you'll have to figure out how to increase the volume in that program (if you have questions, you can ask them here and someone familiar with your program might be able to help).

If you're using Audacity, there's a very simple fix for the volume. Just select your entire track, then click "Effect > Loudness Normalization" set to "-19LUFS" and "perceived loudness," then click "Apply." That will bring it immediately up to the correct volume level.

Please try that, and re-upload your file. One of us will come back and take a look at it.

Thanks,

[Katty1cuadra]

Hi again! This is the revised version. There is some background noise because my parents are watching a movie, but I wouldn't record with background noise normally
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/kattycuadrarevised2.mp3

Let me know if there is any other problem. Thanks for the support!

[Winnifred]

Hi again! This is the revised version. There is some background noise because my parents are watching a movie, but I wouldn't record with background noise normally
https://librivox.org/uploads/tests/kattycuadrarevised2.mp3

Let me know if there is any other problem. Thanks for the support!

Hi Katty,

This one meets all the Librivox standards, including volume. Background noise is not bad at all (only 39.9 dB, and you really don't need to worry until it goes above 45 dB or so), and I don't hear any movies in the background.

You're ready to start recording! Make sure you use the same settings for your first recording.

If you have questions along the way, the "Need Help? Got Advice?” forum is a useful place to get answers.

Happy reading!

Cheers,