Audio Production Resources

Video Lessons & Resources

Michael Charzuk, Executive Producer, Audible Studios

ACX requires finished retail-ready audio—rough, unedited narration won't cut it. Whether you’re new to audiobook performance or are a seasoned narrator hoping to become a more proficient producer, study up on our ACX Audio Submission Requirements, and then watch these helpful video tutorials to see exactly how to get that high-quality result. Then, visit the ACX blog for even more video instruction.

Your Setup

Mastering Your Audio

Mastering is, to many, the most mystifying part of audiobook production. Getting a good result requires a bit of trial and error—but, fear not. What you do in mastering can be undone, and you can try again. Plus, if you're consistently recording in the same space using the same recording settings, you’ll be able to save your mastering settings and use them over and over again for every audiobook you produce.

As a reminder, files submitted to ACX should measure between -23dB and -18dB RMS, with peaks hovering around -3dB. Your noise floor should fall between -60dB and -50dB.

Watch and learn about:

Why master?
Common tools of the trade
Important recommendations

We also encourage you to download and listen to these sample files. Open them in your audio software of choice and listen critically. They highlight both what to aim for and common mistakes to avoid. While you can play them right from this page, opening in your recording software will help you see and hear how they compare with your own work.

Good Samples

These were produced in well-planned home studios that were properly treated and insulated from extraneous sounds, and with much care put into the entire process, from recording and editing to final mastering. Plus, these examples sound just as good (if not better) than what can be produced in studios costing many thousands of dollars.

Bad Samples

Before being released for sale, every audiobook is given a quick check by the Audible staff to ensure it meets our quality standards. Titles with flaws such as these can result in a poor listening experience and may be rejected.