Audiobook Production Trivia 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the typical target RMS (loudness) level for finished audiobook masters submitted to ACX?
- -12 to -10 dBFS RMS
- -23 to -18 dBFS RMS (Correct answer)
- -35 to -30 dBFS RMS
- -6 to -3 dBFS RMS
Correct answer: -23 to -18 dBFS RMS
ACX requires finished audiobook audio to average between -23 dBFS and -18 dBFS RMS for consistent loudness.
Question 2: Which famous voice actor narrated the Harry Potter audiobooks for US audiences?
- Stephen Fry
- Jim Dale (Correct answer)
- Alan Rickman
- Richard Griffiths
Correct answer: Jim Dale
Jim Dale narrated the US editions of the Harry Potter audiobooks, earning multiple Grammy Awards for his performances.
Question 3: What does DAW stand for in the context of audiobook production?
- Digital Audio Workflow
- Digital Audio Workstation (Correct answer)
- Direct Audio Write
- Dynamic Audio Wave
Correct answer: Digital Audio Workstation
DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, the software used to record, edit, and master audiobook audio.
Question 4: In audiobook narration, what is a 'pickup session'?
- A session where the narrator picks up their payment
- A session to re-record specific sections flagged during quality control (Correct answer)
- The initial read-through before recording begins
- The final mastering session
Correct answer: A session to re-record specific sections flagged during quality control
A pickup session is a focused re-recording session where the narrator fixes flagged errors or retakes specific passages after the main recording.
Question 5: What is the maximum peak level (true peak) allowed in ACX audiobook submissions?
- -1 dBTP (Correct answer)
- -3 dBTP
- -6 dBTP
- 0 dBTP
Correct answer: -1 dBTP
ACX requires that audiobook audio not exceed -3 dBTP true peak to prevent clipping and distortion.
Question 6: Which award specifically recognizes excellence in audiobook narration in the US?
- The Audie Award (Correct answer)
- The Emmy Award
- The Voice Arts Award
- The Golden Microphone Award
Correct answer: The Audie Award
The Audie Award, presented by the Audio Publishers Association, is the premier award recognizing excellence in audiobook narration and production.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'de-esser' in audiobook post-production?
- To remove background noise between words
- To reduce harsh sibilant sounds like 's' and 'sh' (Correct answer)
- To boost the narrator's bass frequencies
- To add subtle reverb to the vocal track
Correct answer: To reduce harsh sibilant sounds like 's' and 'sh'
A de-esser is a frequency-specific compressor that targets and reduces harsh sibilant sounds ('s', 'sh', 'ch') in vocal recordings.
Audiobook Production Trivia 3
What is the typical target RMS (loudness) level for finished audiobook masters submitted to ACX?