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Becoming a successful ACX narrator requires more than just a good voice; it also demands adherence to specific technical standards. These specifications ensure your recordings meet the quality standards set by Audible and ACX, enabling your audiobooks to be accepted and published smoothly.
Audio Quality Requirements
ACX has strict audio quality standards designed to provide listeners with a clear and professional listening experience. Understanding and meeting these standards is crucial for narrators aiming to get their audiobooks approved.
Sample Rate and Bit Depth
Record your audio at a sample rate of 44.1 kHz with a bit depth of 16-bit. This is the standard quality for most professional audio recordings and ensures compatibility with ACX requirements.
File Format
Save your final recordings in WAV or FLAC format for submission. If you need to upload an MP3, ensure it is encoded at a minimum of 192 kbps for optimal quality.
Audio Editing and Noise Reduction
Clean, edited recordings are essential. Remove background noise, clicks, and breaths that are distracting. Use professional editing software to ensure a smooth, consistent sound throughout your narration.
Peak Levels and RMS
Maintain peak levels below -3 dB to prevent clipping. The RMS level should ideally be around -18 dB to ensure your audio is neither too quiet nor too loud.
Technical Specifications Summary
- Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
- Bit Depth: 16-bit
- File Format: WAV or FLAC
- Optional: MP3 at 192 kbps
- Peak Level: -3 dB or lower
- RMS Level: -18 dB
Adhering to these technical specifications will help ensure your recordings are professional and meet ACX standards. Proper preparation and editing are key to a successful audiobook narration career.