Steve
Here is a copy and paste of their recent announcement:-
ACX Audio Analysis Tool FAQ’s
Q: What is the Audio Analysis tool?
A:The Audio Analysis tool is a tool that offers ACX users immediate feedback and real-time insights on how certain elements of their uploaded audio such as RMS, peak levels, or sample rate, measure up to ACX’s Submission Requirements, right in Production Manager—without having to wait for QA review.
Q: Why does my Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) show different file measurements than the Audio Analysis tool?
A: RMS values can be measured using multiple methods and there can be many variations between soundwaves. As a result, RMS or Peak readings may differ depending on your DAW, the plugin/meter used, and the reference wave used by the manufacturer when calibrating the statistics plugin.
Q: How does the Audio Analysis tool work?
A: When you upload audio files for your ACX project—starting with the 15-minute checkpoint—the Audio Analysis tool will run automatic checks for RMS, peak levels, bitrate, bitrate method, sample rate, mixed channels, and duplicate files. The tool flags the affected files and identifies the specific issues, and users have the option of downloading a report with more detailed information.
Q: Can an author see the results of the Audio Analysis tool?
A: No. Audio Analysis tool results will be visible to producers and DIY Rights Holders only—authors in contract with an ACX producer will not be shown these results.
Q: Will I be penalized for submitting audio files that contain errors identified by the Audio Analysis tool?
A: The Audio Analysis tool provides warnings that the uploaded audio files would not meet our submission guidelines if produced at this standard. In this initial phase of the tool’s rollout, the feature does not block production of audiobooks if it indicates an issue, however, producers should be prepared to receive feedback from QA on the indicated issues and will be required to make the necessary corrections before the audiobook can be published.
Q: How can I fix the errors identified by the Audio Analysis tool?
A: The report provided by the Audio Analysis tool includes descriptions of the issues to be fixed, along with links to ACX Submission Guidelines and ACX Reference Guides and other educational resources that can assist you in correcting the issues outlined in the report. Additional educational resources for recording, editing, mastering, encoding, and asset delivery can be found in articles at blog.acx.com and in video form at acxuniversity.com.
Q: Can I dispute the errors identified by the Audio Analysis tool?
A: No. While we are constantly working to evolve our technology to hone the capabilities of the Audio Analysis and other tools, we are confident in its accuracy and ability to detect common audio errors.
Q: Where can I find the manuscript for this audiobook?
A: Once the Rights Holder has uploaded the manuscript to the project, please follow the steps below to access the manuscript:
While logged into your ACX account, click Projects in the upper left corner - then, click In Production.
Locate and click the name of your book in blue.
Select the Production Manager tab.
Navigate to the Production Resources tab.
Click Download Manuscript in blue.
Q: Where can I find the Opening and Closing Credits for the audiobook?
A: With the addition of the Audio Analysis tool, the Production Manager contains more information than ever. In order to streamline the interface, we have introduced the Production Resources tab, which will contain the Opening and Closing credits text, along with the project manuscript and the audio for the 15-minute checkpoint.
Q: Why was my audiobook rejected if Audio Analysis did not show any errors?
A: The Audio Analysis tool is an automated system and cannot detect all potential errors in an audio file. Certain more subjective issues, such as editing, extraneous noise, dynamics, and spacing cannot yet be detected by the Audio Analysis tool and will be caught instead during review by our QA team after submission.
My question remains…Will ACX-Check effectively do the same thing? Do I need to change anything?
Thanks for your continuing assistance
Graham Spiers