1-Minute Test

Ce test en français: Test 1 minute
Esta prueba en español: Prueba de 1 minuto
Dieser Test auf Deutsch: 1-Minuten-Probe

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. Or you might want to view this short video which walks you through it: Setting LibriVox 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." [Leave the mic running for 3-5 seconds at the end, where you don't say anything.]

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.
   
   Volume is often the thing that needs to be adjusted. You can use our Checker program to measure the volume of your MP3. Be sure to download the Experimental version, as this will show the volume of your file in decibels on the Information tab. We look for a volume of around 89 dB, so that there is consistency in recordings. You may need to adjust the microphone volume in your computer's control panel to achieve a suitable volume.
2. Now play it back through headphones. Is there background noise?
   Sometimes, processing the audio file will improve the quality of the recording. Generally with the initial 1-Minute Test recording it's best to submit a raw, unprocessed file, so that the listeners can help evaluate your setup and recording environment. They can also suggest what kind of processing, and with what settings, might be best for your 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.
   1. Don't put the .mp3 extension in the filename -- Audacity will add it automatically.
   2. Make sure there are no spaces or UPPER CASE letters in your filename: the forum software doesn't allow spaces, and it's good to get into the habit of using all lower case letters, as this is needed for real recordings.

Upload your file and get feedback

Please Read These Instructions Very Carefully and Follow Them Very Carefully!

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

   

   (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.
   1. For test files, select "tests--tests" from the uploader's MC drop-down list.
   2. 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. Please include the recording software (Audacity, Garage Band), operating system (Windows or Mac) and mic type (USB or Analog) you are using in the post as this will help us giving advice that is tailored to your problem.
   1. If your Book Coordinator has asked you to post in the project thread, post a link to the thread you just created in the Listeners and Editors Wanted forum.
   2. Don't forget to post the link to your test in the forum - if you don't, no one will know that you have uploaded your test!
4. Be sure to get feedback. You may need to upload another test or two to get things set up right, but once you get things set up, you're generally good to go from there! Potential feedback issues include:

• are the settings correct?
• is the input volume OK? (too soft? too loud?)
• do you have "plosives"? (is your breath hitting the mic and making nasty noises?)
• do you have a hum? a buzz? dc offset? hiss? (there could be many reasons for these things, but don't worry, there is lots of help available to help you fix it!)
• too much noise? (there are many types of noise, and we can help in a variety of ways to reduce the noise in your recording)

STILL NOT SURE? WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO THAT WALKS THOUGH THE PROCESS. How to Upload your 1 Minute Test (NOTE: This video uses the old uploader. Please use the new Uploader as detailed above. A new video will be posted shortly.)