Audacity Presets: Audiobook Mastering Editing Macros
Master audio faster. Learn how to configure Audacity macros, editing presets, and EQ levels to meet ACX specifications.
Eleanor Vance
Head of Digital Production
"Audacity is a free, powerful audio editor. Configuring custom macros and editing presets automates tedious tasks (like limiting and EQ adjustment) to match ACX standards."
Core Key Takeaways
- Setting Up the Mastering Macro Chain
- Configuring EQ Levels for Vocal Clarity
- Troubleshooting Noise Gate Artefacts
1. Setting Up the Mastering Macro Chain
Build a macro chain in Audacity that applies equalization, RMS normalization, limiting, and noise reduction sequentially to all tracks.
- Apply a Low-Roll-off filter at 100Hz to cut rumble.
- Use RMS Normalize to target -20dB volume levels.
- Apply a Limiter set to -3.5dB to prevent digital clipping.
2. Configuring EQ Levels for Vocal Clarity
Use standard speech equalization curves to boost high-frequency presence (around 3kHz) and cut muddy frequencies (around 200Hz).
3. Troubleshooting Noise Gate Artefacts
Set noise gate thresholds carefully to avoid cutting natural breath decays, maintaining a consistent noise floor.
The Takeaway
Mastering macros save time and ensure ACX compliance. The audio engineers at Golden Ivory Publishing master audiobook tracks for authors.
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