I recently upgraded to 2.3.2 and have an issue with the macro that was working well in my previous version (not sure now what that was. I was using this routine:
Effect > Filter curve… > Manage > Factory Presets > : Low roll-off for speech > OK.
Effect > RMS Normalize: Target RMS Level -20dB > OK.
Effect > Limiter: Soft Limit, 0.00, 0.00, -3.50dB, 10.00, No > OK.
Analyze > ACX-Check.
Since I upgraded, I do not find the Filter Curve under the Effects menu. The other three are embedded in a macro. (I would share screenshot but I cannot figure out how to add a screenshot to this post.
I run the Macro and then ACX check. It fails ACX for Peak Exceed ACX Requirements.
I run the macro a second time and then it will pass ACX Check. It sounds fine. The RH for the book I am working on says it sounds great.
I don’t think I should need to run the macro twice - I never did in the older version. Am I missing something? Where is the Filter Curve option? Maybe that is my problem?
Any thoughts? Should I not worry about it and just keep running it twice?
Sounds like not using the a high-pass filter, (a/k/a low roll-off), is causing the ACX failure.
That filter removes inaudible low-frequency sound, (noise not speech), which has an effect on ACX analysis results.
As you’re finding, the Macro is not unconditionally stable and will, when it feels like it, produce bad results. Do you remember where you got the macro—or did you design it?
When you run the three tools manually, you can check the work as you go and watch as each tool does its thing to the sound.
Audiobook Mastering is a suite. A harmonious grouping. The three tools must be used in order and you can’t leave any out. Each tool prepares the performance for the next. If you record in a quiet, echo-free room with a good microphone and performance skills, Mastering will produce a high quality sound file suitable for audiobook submission.
Post the Macro. From a forum text window, scroll down > Attachments > Add Files.
I wasn’t finding the Filter Curve in the Effects menu. I upgraded to 2.3.3 and it is there. I’ll check that out and post if that solved the problem. Thank you very much!!
Right. The earlier Audacity had Effect > Equalization and you got to select Low Rolloff from there. There was a problem with that one because you didn’t always get the right curve depending on your jobs. Mixing different edit and filter jobs would cause problems. Again, not recommended because it’s not unconditionally stable.
High Pass Filter 48Hz is not a terrifically good replacement for Low Rolloff because it has no effect at 50Hz and 60Hz, the two popular municipal power systems. Low Rolloff will suppress some home recording hum problems.
You can try High Pass if you want, but it doesn’t play well with the other tools in the Mastering Suite.
Success! Thank you for you help. I have been lurking here for a couple of years now and have learned much about Audacity! I love this software and am grateful for the help this group has provided - mostly through other people’s posts!!
