1-Minute Test

At this point, you should have your recording hardware and software set up correctly. If not, please consult the Newbie Guide to Recording.

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

(There's also some information on using GarageBand elsewhere on our wiki.)

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

You should now be ready to record either a 1-minute test or a Short Works poem or somesuch

1. Record something like this (use this or make something up).
       "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."
2. When you are done, 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
4. Upload your test file using the LV Uploader (for info on the username and password, and how to use the Uploader, read Uploading).
   1. Select "tests--tests" from the uploader's MC drop-down list
   2. Copy the link it provides when the upload is complete, and post it on the forums.
5. and be sure to get feedback:
   1. are the settings correct?
   2. input volume OK? (too soft? too loud?)
   3. got plosives? (mic getting wind over it?)
   4. got hum? buzz? (dc offset?) hiss? (related to input volume and computer's input selection)