1-Minute Test

Check your settings

If you have read the Newbie Guide to Recording, you should have your recording hardware and software set up correctly.

Summary of tech specs
Channel: Mono Sample rate: 44100 Hz Sample format: 16 bit Export format: MP3 Export bitrate: 128 kbps

Please make sure that all your recording specifications are correct. If you are not sure, please check here: Specs in Audacity

You should also be comfortable with using your recording software. If not, please consult Audacity 1-2-3.

If you are using GarageBand, see this page.

Ready to record?

You should now be ready to record a 1-minute test. Record something like this. This is designed to make sure that some of the tricky consonants don't cause trouble with you and your mic.

"People were pleased to find that Peter Piper had picked a couple pages for fable fans at LibriVox. Thankful that this was Thursday the thirtieth, the Piper anticipated forum fun and a wonderful weekend of recording! This is a test by YOURNAME. Had it been an actual LibriVox contribution, it would have been a Public Domain text, previously published and probably interesting."

1. When you are done, look at the wave form in the recording window. Do you see big peaks and troughs, or does it look like a row of pimples? Suitable volume should have peaks between 0.5 and 1 in the window, without hitting the top or bottom. Adjust your input volume if necessary.
2. Now play it back through headphones. Is it too loud? Too soft? Is there background noise?
   Sometimes, processing the audio file will improve the quality of the recording. There are 2 simple effects that are commonly used: Amplify and Noise Clean. For more information on how to use these effects, please consult the tutorials in the Newbie Guide to Recording.
3. Export your file in MP3 format. Call it test_yourforumname.mp3. Don't put the .mp3 extension in the filename--Audacity will add it automatically. Make sure there are no spaces in your filename: the forum software doesn't allow spaces.

Upload your file and get feedback

1. Upload your test file using the LibriVox Uploader For info on how to use the Uploader, read Uploading). Do not use your forum login for the Uploader. The username and password is this:

   

   (If you have trouble reading the image above, please message an admin on the forum.)

2. Before you upload, you must select the project MC's name from a list so your file will go to the right folder. If you're sending a test file, select "tests--tests" from the uploader's MC drop-down list. If you do not select a folder in the drop-down menu, the upload will fail.
3. Copy the link it provides when the upload is complete, and post it in a new thread in the Listeners and Editors Wanted forum, or in the project thread if your Book Coordinator has asked you to do so.
4. Be sure to get feedback:

• are the settings correct?
• input volume OK? (too soft? too loud?)
• got plosives? (is your breath hitting the mic and making nasty noises?)
• got hum? buzz? dc offset? hiss? (could be many reasons for this, but don't worry, there is lots of help available to help you fix it)