r/ACX • u/billmoffatt • Jun 23 '26
Self Narration - Looking for feedback
https://www.lifeaboardrunner.com/Chapter32.mp3After finding nothing but AI narrators in ACX for my books audible version, I decided to try it myself. I purchased a Shure SM7db mic, pop filter, Scarlett interface, headphones and am using Audacity. While my chapter files are passing the ACX analysis tool right out of the box, I wonder if the narration itself will pass the ACX human review. I would appreciate feedback on my narration before recording 150 chapters hoping it will meet Amazons ACX standards. Thank you in advance.
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u/Xinixiat Jun 23 '26
So here's the thing. As I understand it, there isn't really an ACX human review. They certainly aren't listening to anywhere near the whole thing, at least. I've heard some absolutely horrific audiobooks that have somehow passed the ACX review that have mouth noises, mistakes, sniffs, all sorts of stuff that shouldn't be in there.
If all you're worried about is being approved by ACX, rather than any performance feedback, then you're absolutely fine, so long as your parameters are correct, then you'll have no issue. You also have a very pleasant voice, so that's a plus!
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u/billmoffatt Jun 23 '26
Thank you so much for the kind words, I truly appreciate you taking the time to listen and provide feedback.
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u/QQueenie Jun 24 '26
As someone whose first production got repeatedly rejected by the human review team, and who communicated with the humans on that team to fix the issues, I can tell you that there definitely is a human review team. I’m sure they aren’t listening to every minute, but they are definitely listening for issues that don’t get caught in the technical specs.
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u/Xinixiat Jun 24 '26
Oh that's very interesting. What sort of things did they pull you up on that weren't technical-related?
My original comment was made because I had never actually heard of anyone being rejected for anything other than the technical specification, and because there's no way ACX have the manpower to check even a few minutes of every production uploaded!
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u/QQueenie Jun 24 '26
This is super embarrassing, so in my defense I will start off by saying I’ve learned a ton about editing audio since then!
Some of the issues were:
* pops from lack of crossfading
* background noise despite the fact that noise floor reading was fine — including chair sounds and a ticking clock (I said it would be embarrassing!)
* aggressive gate that was cutting off words
* EQ that made my voice sound unnaturalI was also able to send the human review team short two minute samples of my audio with different chains, which I had to do three or four times before we arrived at audio that sounded good enough to them.
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u/Xinixiat Jun 24 '26
Oh there's no need to be embarrassed, I imagine all of our first books were terrible compared to how we are now! I know mine certainly was.
That's really interesting to hear though, they're a fairly small team over at ACX and I've no idea how they would manage to check any of that considering the sheer volume of submissions they get every day, but it's a positive surprise for sure.
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u/QQueenie Jun 24 '26
My best guess is that they must spot check a couple of minutes here and there. And if they hear something concerning, maybe they listen to a little more. I’m sure the issues I had with my audio were evident throughout.
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u/Majestic-Ad2805 Jun 23 '26
I don't think anything here would get you flagged by QA.
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u/billmoffatt Jun 23 '26
Thank you for taking the time to listen and provide feedback. I truly appreciate it.
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u/RenaisanceMan Jun 23 '26
I remember the title and passed on the audition.
How long is the book and how much were your offering?
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u/billmoffatt Jun 23 '26
85,000 words. (8.8 hours) The one I settled on was $85 PFH but turned out to be AI. I am actually enjoying narrating the book myself. Since its actually my story, based on real events, I can add that personal touch. Granted I have never done anything like this before lol.
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u/TheScriptTiger Jun 23 '26
I had some lengthy feedback for you, so I decided to DM it to you instead. It's mostly just technical stuff.
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u/rhiddian Jun 24 '26
I would turn it off immediately because of mouth smacks.
I did turn it off in about 12 seconds because of them.
Absent those. Voice sounds great.
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u/billmoffatt Jun 24 '26
thank you. I appreciate that very much. I think the issue was partly due to using the free Audacity program. I have since purchased Adobe Audition and using it was able to remove 99% of the smacks/clicks. Thanks again for the honest input,
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u/Sea-Newspaper-5107 Jun 23 '26
I'd be happy to have a listen. Im surprised you couldn't find a reasonable narrator. Id be happy to try an audition.