1. About ACX
  2. How It Works
  3. Promote Yourself
  4. Production Resources
  5. Need Help?
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About ACX

How It Works

Audio Production Resources

Promote Yourself

Need Help?

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
Successful Narration
Recording Basics
Recording & Editing
Mastering
Encoding

Setting Up A Home Studio

The room you record in will have a massive influence on your finished work. A great set-up will allow you to quickly and efficiently produce audiobooks that sound great, while a poor set-up will make your work very hard and can ruin otherwise great performances.

Of course, the equipment you use is important, too, but if you’re on a budget, spend more on getting the room right than on top-end gear.

Watch and learn about:

  • The elements of a good recording space
  • How to set up your home studio
  • The basic equipment you’ll need

Key elements of a good recording space:

  1. Isolation from outside noise (No noise from cars, airplanes, or nested birds)
  2. No home noises like boilers turning on, air conditioners, TVs in other rooms, dogs, or kids
  3. A low noise-floor
  4. A dead room

The Gear You’ll Need:

  • A comfy chair that won’t creak
  • A script stand
  • A microphone (preferably a large-diaphragm condenser)
  • Mic stand or deskmount
  • Mic Shockmount
  • A Pop filter
  • XLR Cable to connect microphone to an audio interface
  • Audio interface (such as an MBox)
  • A reasonably fast and quiet computer
  • External Hard Drive (solid-state drive preferable as they are typically quiet and fast)
  • Recording/Editing Software (such as Audacity, Twisted Wave, Wavelab, or Pro Tools)
  • Material to deaden sound
  • Lighting that is easy on the eyes (Avoid fluorescents or anything with a dimmer)

Putting together your first home studio can be a daunting task. To help make this easier for you, ACX has compiled an Amazon wish list containing much of the gear you’ll need to get started. All products are highly rated by the audiobook-producing community.

Sample Setups