Audacity has a simple plugin that checks if your recording meets the acx standard. It checks Peak, RMS and noise floor parameters which also are required for ACX
Thank you, yes that plug-in is also useful for checking those elements. Of course using our ears is also a valuable tool… if it sounds loud enough, it probably is.
OMG you saved me! I have probably watched 50 videos trying to figure out how to change the RMS! I thought I had to re record everything all over again. Thank you so so much!!
Still got issues- please give me your ideas about how to fix this- I'm recording my audio with a Rodecaster 2, then importing into Logic ProX, exporting as a .mp3. Then importing into Audacity because I'm getting a message - Levels are too low with ACX. (The files are exporting out of Logic as a 32 bit float for some reason). So now that I'm importing into Audacity, I'm following your tutorial about how to analyze the audio file and make the changes- (I been exporting dual stereo files out of Logic ProX. SO I went back to just export a dual mono track. Please give me your thoughts so I can make these files work for ACX. @@GaryTerzza
You really helped me. I kept changing the volume level, trying to satisfy ACX, but they were never satisfied. When I used your method they accepted the files the first time! Thank You!
Oh My GOODNESS! Thank you for being so clear and making this so easy. This is the second video I have watched of you and I love how you get right to the point. Blessing to you as I begin the process of uploading my files to ACX.
This was very helpful. I figured out that I needed to bump the RMS like you showed, then compress, and then amplify with a target of -3db. I also downloaded the ACX test plugin, which was very nice for adjusting these settings and seeing the effect.
Gary, THANK YOU! I am working on getting into voice over and getting away from teaching, and this video has been the shortest and most helpful one in showing me how to use Audacity. Thank you again!
@@GaryTerzza Hello Mr. Terzza, previously your video helped me and I used this method several times and tested on Audiolab of the ACX and it had 0 issues. But then I'm not sure what did I change or play with but now when I'm applying this settings on new auditions and analyzing it on Audiolab, it always tells me "Peaks exceed 0 dB. Reduce peaks to below -3 dB. Read Guidance - Section 1 - Adjusting High Peaks for further guidance." what may be the issue? can you help me with this?
Very helpful and succinct. Unfortunately once the RMS is corrected, the Peak level is affected: -3 dB is the peak level required by ACX to Pass, therefor some going back and forth between the RMS and Peak level results. This tutoral is incomplete without referencing how to adjust the affected Peak level after the RMS is adjusted.
Thank you so much for this video. I was working with Audition and could not get it to work right. Flipped it to Audacity (so much simpler at this stage) and got it right on the first try after watching this. I appreciate you being clear and getting right to the point with these directions.
Thank you so much! Your video is straight to the point & you showed all the steps. I noticed your audio file is mono. Is mono what we need to record in for ACX? No stereo? And when I'm recording the audio, should I use Audacity as well?
Antoinette, it’s best to record in mono, as you only have one mouth! Check out my video on the reasoning behind that versus stereo ruclips.net/video/O7HcN_NA1lI/видео.htmlsi=gHbvARKqk5m2JurP Thanks for the kind comment, it’s much appreciated.
Gary. Great video. However, when I set RMS to on a WAV file to -23db, Audible now says that I am above -3db and don't have the headroom I need. How do I work around this?
Hmmm not sure what’s happening there. ACX can be a bit random in their assessment of the metrics, so might be worth resubmitting and seeing if they let it through.
Hi Gary. Thank you for posting such a helpful video. Which version of Audacity are you running please? It looks you're running Audacity on a Mac, the version I run (2.3.3) on my PC doesn't have the same menu options as yours. Thanks
Hello Gary, thank you so much for the informative and concise video explaining this process. I am currently in the process of narrating my 2nd audiobook on ACX, and I use both Audacity and "fre-ac converter." This book I just started narrating has chapters that take me between 30 min and 50min to narrate, and I have discovered that when the recordings are longer, it is more difficult to adjust the recordings to meet ACX's technical requirements. I just finished narrating chapter 2, and I still have not uploaded it to the platform, because when I bring the RMS down, it says the RMS is too low - and when I increase the RMS level (loudness normalization, and/or amplification), it says the "peaks are above 0dB." I keep going back and forth, trying to get the goldilocks, and I'm worried I'll have to re-record chapter 2. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Hmm, not sure what’s going on there. One option could be to apply a little compression to even out the levels without sacrificing quality. Additionally, using a limiter to prevent peaks from exceeding 0dB could help maintain a consistent volume level. Experimenting with these techniques might help you find the right balance for your recordings without needing to re-record chapter 2.
@@GaryTerzza Thank you! I was able to make my recording fit the guidelines on ACX and upload it, after using the "Compressor." I thought that the Compressor would be the same as Loudness Normalization, but I guess not.
how do I deal with the other requirement they have. I'm running the ACX check and my RMS level is ok, but it says I fail the Noise floor. How do I adjust that?
Make sure the room is as quiet as possible with suitable sound deadening. Your microphone should be positioned correctly for optimal recording and also be of a high quality with minimal self-noise.
As a workaround you can bounce a Wav file from Logic and import into Audacity and then take the steps I outline in the video. You can then export as an mp3 with minimal loss of quality.
My RMS is currently at -25, just slightly off from the ACX requirement. If I normalize to RMS -20, it fixes RMS but then my peak is too high. Then when I fixed the peak under the amplify settings, once again my RMS is off. Very frustrating. Do you have a video that addresses this?
Im using GarageBand for my AudioBook to ACX. How do I adjust the RMS in GarageBand?? I just uploaded all my sound files for my AudioBook and it came back with "RMS is too low message". UGH.
I’m not a regular GB user, so as a workaround I would export the file(s) as WAV and import to Audacity. You can then follow the instructions in the video.
I’m not a Logic user I’m afraid. I assume it’s a case of using the loudness meters, but one workaround would be to export your file in Wav format and then import into Audacity where you can then follow the steps in the video.
@@GaryTerzza no time to learn another DAW. If you know anyone skilled at setting RMS for Audible tracks for my book (7 chapters plus 9 shorter clips), please let me know.
As I mention in the video, the software (often referred to in sound engineering as a digital audio workstation or DAW for short) is called Audacity. Here is some advice on how to get the most out of this fantastic, free software ruclips.net/video/KSP10QJfEJA/видео.html
Хобби
This was so much more helpful than anything else I've found. Thank you SO much!!!
That’s very kind of you to say 🙏
This RMS thing has had me stressed for a week. This video shows me how to fix it without 15 minutes of extra talking. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I tried to keep it short and sweet… I know how frustrating it is to have to wade through waffle!
Audacity has a simple plugin that checks if your recording meets the acx standard. It checks Peak, RMS and noise floor parameters which also are required for ACX
Thank you, yes that plug-in is also useful for checking those elements. Of course using our ears is also a valuable tool… if it sounds loud enough, it probably is.
Holy shit! You sir are an absolute LIFESAVER!!!!!
Well, I aim to please. Thanks for the brilliant comment - much appreciated.
OMG you saved me! I have probably watched 50 videos trying to figure out how to change the RMS! I thought I had to re record everything all over again. Thank you so so much!!
I am pleased the advice worked for you. Good luck with you voice acting!
This is exactly what I need. Coustomer service and tech support these days is a mess, all these companies get a flat F. Excellent video.
Many thanks for the kind comment (I agree with your views on customer service!)
Still got issues- please give me your ideas about how to fix this- I'm recording my audio with a Rodecaster 2, then importing into Logic ProX, exporting as a .mp3. Then importing into Audacity because I'm getting a message - Levels are too low with ACX. (The files are exporting out of Logic as a 32 bit float for some reason). So now that I'm importing into Audacity, I'm following your tutorial about how to analyze the audio file and make the changes- (I been exporting dual stereo files out of Logic ProX. SO I went back to just export a dual mono track. Please give me your thoughts so I can make these files work for ACX.
@@GaryTerzza
@@GaryTerzza have spent hours and hours and falling asleep at my desk looking for an explanation this simple. Bless you, thank you for this.
You really helped me. I kept changing the volume level, trying to satisfy ACX, but they were never satisfied. When I used your method they accepted the files the first time! Thank You!
Excellent. I am pleased the advice proved useful 👍
You are a HERO to all of us!
No one has called me a hero before - I quite like it! Thank you 🙏
Oh My GOODNESS! Thank you for being so clear and making this so easy. This is the second video I have watched of you and I love how you get right to the point. Blessing to you as I begin the process of uploading my files to ACX.
My pleasure Stacey - good luck with your audiobooks!
Short and straight to the point! Thank you, Gary. My gratitude for you making such a simplistic tutorial is beyond any form of speech whatsoever.
That’s very kind of you to say - thank you for taking the time to comment; it’s much appreciated.
Love your videos. They are easy and to the point. You’ve helped me with my projects 😊
I am pleased you have found the tips and advice useful - thank you for watching and for your kind comment.
Finally, an easy tutorial to show us how to do it. Thank you!!
You are welcome - I hope the video proves useful and good luck with your audiobook narration work 👍
Broken down succinctly and clearly; thank you. Taken me ages to sort this.
I’m pleased the video was useful. Thank you for taking time to post your kind comment, it is much appreciated.
Gary! Thanks for such a brief and clear explanation of this. Man this has helped me tremendously!
I am pleased the video came in handy!
Gary, Thank you for an excellent presentation that quickly resolved issues for my audiobook. God bless you!
You are most welcome Donna. Good luck with your audiobook!
You're amazing! Thank you so much! I had so many other videos telling me insane things and this is the first thing that has worked!
Glad it helped! ACX does tend to bamboozle narrators with their tech requirements.
This was very helpful. I figured out that I needed to bump the RMS like you showed, then compress, and then amplify with a target of -3db. I also downloaded the ACX test plugin, which was very nice for adjusting these settings and seeing the effect.
Sounds like you are doing all the right things. Thanks for the comment, it is much appreciated!
A beautiful voice and well delivered advice. THANKS
That’s very kind of you and I really appreciate you taking time to comment - thank you 🙏
Gary, THANK YOU! I am working on getting into voice over and getting away from teaching, and this video has been the shortest and most helpful one in showing me how to use Audacity. Thank you again!
I try and keep the videos brief and to the point (I don’t always succeed!). I appreciate you taking time to comment.
Thank you! Your video is great, and finally I understand how to fix this issue. Thank you again!
It is daunting when ACX post those requirements, but it is not as complex as it appears. I appreciate the comment!
Hallelujah, you have just saved my sanity. Sub well and truly earned.
Kind of you to say so and I’m pleased the video proved useful.
This was very helpful! Thank you!
Glad to be of service 👍
You're an angel of mercy, thank you.
Not sure about that 🤔 but thank you for taking time to comment!
great video and help much appreciated
You are welcome and thank you for posting the comment - it means a lot to me 🙏
very easy and clear. thank you!
I’m glad the information was useful.
@@GaryTerzza Hello Mr. Terzza, previously your video helped me and I used this method several times and tested on Audiolab of the ACX and it had 0 issues. But then I'm not sure what did I change or play with but now when I'm applying this settings on new auditions and analyzing it on Audiolab, it always tells me "Peaks exceed 0 dB. Reduce peaks to below -3 dB. Read Guidance - Section 1 - Adjusting High Peaks for further guidance." what may be the issue? can you help me with this?
I loved your video and it really helped thank you
I am pleased to hear it! Thanks for taking time to comment.
You got me sorted out. Thanks.
I am pleased the info was useful.
Brilliant! Thank you!
Glad you like the vid!
Very helpful and succinct. Unfortunately once the RMS is corrected, the Peak level is affected: -3 dB is the peak level required by ACX to Pass, therefor some going back and forth between the RMS and Peak level results. This tutoral is incomplete without referencing how to adjust the affected Peak level after the RMS is adjusted.
Thanks for the input!
Thank you very much 🙏🏾
My pleasure 😇
Merci mon ami ! So helpful !!!
My pleasure.
Thank you so much for this video. I was working with Audition and could not get it to work right. Flipped it to Audacity (so much simpler at this stage) and got it right on the first try after watching this. I appreciate you being clear and getting right to the point with these directions.
That’s great. Quite a few voice talents use Audition, but sometimes the simplicity of Audacity is just what you need. I am pleased you got it sorted.
Thank you so much! Your video is straight to the point & you showed all the steps. I noticed your audio file is mono. Is mono what we need to record in for ACX? No stereo? And when I'm recording the audio, should I use Audacity as well?
Antoinette, it’s best to record in mono, as you only have one mouth! Check out my video on the reasoning behind that versus stereo ruclips.net/video/O7HcN_NA1lI/видео.htmlsi=gHbvARKqk5m2JurP Thanks for the kind comment, it’s much appreciated.
Gary. Great video. However, when I set RMS to on a WAV file to -23db, Audible now says that I am above -3db and don't have the headroom I need. How do I work around this?
Hmmm not sure what’s happening there. ACX can be a bit random in their assessment of the metrics, so might be worth resubmitting and seeing if they let it through.
Hi Gary. Thank you for posting such a helpful video. Which version of Audacity are you running please? It looks you're running Audacity on a Mac, the version I run (2.3.3) on my PC doesn't have the same menu options as yours. Thanks
I’m using version 3.2.0. I believe there have been several upgrades since, so it is definitely worth downloading the latest incarnation Paul.
Thanks Gary. Will do!
Hello Gary,
thank you so much for the informative and concise video explaining this process.
I am currently in the process of narrating my 2nd audiobook on ACX, and I use both Audacity and "fre-ac converter." This book I just started narrating has chapters that take me between 30 min and 50min to narrate, and I have discovered that when the recordings are longer, it is more difficult to adjust the recordings to meet ACX's technical requirements. I just finished narrating chapter 2, and I still have not uploaded it to the platform, because when I bring the RMS down, it says the RMS is too low - and when I increase the RMS level (loudness normalization, and/or amplification), it says the "peaks are above 0dB." I keep going back and forth, trying to get the goldilocks, and I'm worried I'll have to re-record chapter 2. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Hmm, not sure what’s going on there.
One option could be to apply a little compression to even out the levels without sacrificing quality. Additionally, using a limiter to prevent peaks from exceeding 0dB could help maintain a consistent volume level. Experimenting with these techniques might help you find the right balance for your recordings without needing to re-record chapter 2.
@@GaryTerzza Thank you! I was able to make my recording fit the guidelines on ACX and upload it, after using the "Compressor." I thought that the Compressor would be the same as Loudness Normalization, but I guess not.
how do I deal with the other requirement they have. I'm running the ACX check and my RMS level is ok, but it says I fail the Noise floor. How do I adjust that?
Make sure the room is as quiet as possible with suitable sound deadening. Your microphone should be positioned correctly for optimal recording and also be of a high quality with minimal self-noise.
Does anyone know how to do this in Logic Pro? On ACX I'm getting the message: "RMS is too low. Raise the level of this file 2.1 dB."
As a workaround you can bounce a Wav file from Logic and import into Audacity and then take the steps I outline in the video. You can then export as an mp3 with minimal loss of quality.
I don't have this plug in. Is there an equal option?
The RMS option is not a plug-in as such, but built into Audacity. I would imagine most DAWs will have something similar.
My RMS is currently at -25, just slightly off from the ACX requirement. If I normalize to RMS -20, it fixes RMS but then my peak is too high. Then when I fixed the peak under the amplify settings, once again my RMS is off. Very frustrating. Do you have a video that addresses this?
That sounds like a question for a sound engineer…
@@GaryTerzza lol! I went back and re-recorded the session and that fixed it. Ugh!
Im using GarageBand for my AudioBook to ACX. How do I adjust the RMS in GarageBand?? I just uploaded all my sound files for my AudioBook and it came back with "RMS is too low message". UGH.
I’m not a regular GB user, so as a workaround I would export the file(s) as WAV and import to Audacity. You can then follow the instructions in the video.
2:20 is where this should start.
I hope you found the information useful
Can you show me how to do this on Logic Pro X?
I’m not a Logic user I’m afraid. I assume it’s a case of using the loudness meters, but one workaround would be to export your file in Wav format and then import into Audacity where you can then follow the steps in the video.
@@GaryTerzza no time to learn another DAW. If you know anyone skilled at setting RMS for Audible tracks for my book (7 chapters plus 9 shorter clips), please let me know.
Software name?
As I mention in the video, the software (often referred to in sound engineering as a digital audio workstation or DAW for short) is called Audacity. Here is some advice on how to get the most out of this fantastic, free software ruclips.net/video/KSP10QJfEJA/видео.html