Audiobook Production Audio Editing and Post-Production

Question 1

What is the ACX requirement for peak audio levels in a finished audiobook?

Accepted Answer

-3 dB or lower

Answer

ACX requires that peak levels in the finished audiobook do not exceed -3 dBFS to prevent digital clipping during playback on various devices.

Question 2

What is the ACX requirement for average RMS (loudness) in a delivered audiobook?

Accepted Answer

-18 to -23 dB RMS

Answer

ACX requires audiobook files to have an average RMS loudness between -18 dB and -23 dB RMS to ensure consistent playback volume across their platform.

Question 3

What does a 'noise gate' do during audiobook post-production?

Accepted Answer

Silences audio that falls below a set threshold

Answer

A noise gate automatically mutes the audio signal whenever its level falls below a defined threshold, removing room noise and breathing between words.

Question 4

What is 'de-essing' in audiobook audio post-production?

Accepted Answer

Reducing harsh sibilant 's' and 'sh' sounds

Answer

De-essing uses frequency-selective compression to tame harsh sibilant consonants like 's', 'sh', and 'ch' that can sound piercing on recordings.

Question 5

What is the standard room tone requirement at the beginning and end of each audiobook chapter per ACX guidelines?

Accepted Answer

5 seconds of room tone

Answer

ACX requires at least 0.5 seconds of room tone at the head and tail of each file, though most narrators record 1–5 seconds for easier editing.

Audiobook Production Practice Test

Audiobook Production Practice Test

Audiobook Production Audio Editing and Post-Production