Submitting Audio Content

Preliminary - Audio Recording Specification Requirements

The following details the technical specification requirements for digitizing the Bible in audio format. It covers varying topics related to the studio recording environment, the file format, voice talent and other project related details.

Technical Requirements

Master Audio File Format - This is the audio file format type (as in MP3, AAC, WMA etc…)

  • Format: Standard uncompressed PCM WAVE “AudioFileName.wav”
  • Sample Rate: 48 kHz
  • Bit Depth: 24 bit
  • Mono (1 track/channel audio file as opposed to a stereo 2 track file)

Recording Equipment - This is the studio equipment used to capture recording “performance”.

  • Professional grade recording studio
  • High quality pre-amp/mic-pre
  • Large diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) capable of recording 24 bit, 48.1 kHz

Recording Environment - This is the room where the recording takes place.

  • Vocal isolation booth or appropriately acoustically treated room

Metering

  • Recorded audio should not exceed -3 dbfs so that proper levels can be obtained during the mastering process.

Professional Quality Voice Talent

Voice talent that is appropriate for the target listening audience. This is a one-reader recording, unless approval has been granted by the head office. This is probably the most important aspect of this project.

Deliverables

  • Master files broken down into chapter divisions; WAV files need to be in an audio sub-directory on a drive that can be accessed from Paratext.
  • Include a version containing the chapter headings and one without. For every book there needs to be a distinct folder. These folders must have the names of the book abbreviations used by Paratext, e.g. GEN, EXO… MAT, MRK. Every chapter needs to be in a separate file whose name must be of the following format: book abbreviation_three digits.WAV. The three digits represent the chapter number. Examples: GEN_001.WAV, PSA_150.WAV.
  • The beginning and ending of each chapter audio file must have consistent spacing. (E.G. 150 ms at the beginning and 650 ms at the end). This is to insure listening from chapter to chapter sounds natural and consistent.

Project Requirements

In country quality control

  • Bible script without error. Typically this will involve 2 stages of proofing/re-editing
  • Audio file without pops, clicks, lip and mouth noise, and overbearing breath noise (not to mention background noises)
  • Chapter/verse division markers accurate

Audio sample sign-off by Consultant

  • Consultant will communicate with the studio engineer over any technical related details. Remember, this recording is one of many other recordings in which we need as much consistency as possible in the final audio output.
  • Delivery: minimally processed (or unprocessed) masters sent to the DBL/UBS office
  • Storage: Masters stored according to DBL/UBS’s digital file storage guidelines

Post Production

In order to maintain consistency throughout this recording project initiative, the management of the mastering will be done through the DBL/UBS office.