Sound Forge

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60001198—Second Edition

Sound Forge and the Intervoice

System Audio File Guide

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Sound Forge and the Intervoice System

Audio File Guide

Document No. 60001198 Second Edition

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Trademarks of Intervoice, Inc. and/or its affiliates:

Names and marks for products provided by the Company’s suppliers are used herein for identification purposes and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

Windows NT and Windows 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft. The Apache Software License, Version 1.1

Sound Forge is a registered trademark of Sonic Foundry.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the written permission of Intervoice, Inc.

Any comments or suggestions concerning this publication should be directed to: Technical Documentation Department

Intervoice, Inc. 17811 Waterview Parkway Dallas, Texas 75252 Telephone: (972) 454-8000 Fax: (972) 454-8505 E-mail: [email protected]

For more information about Intervoice, Inc., call (972) 454-8000, or visit the Intervoice Web site at www.intervoice.com.

The information in this document explains how to create audio files for InterSoft version 3 systems with IQTalk or VoiceXML Browser. The runtime .wav files created here can also be used on MTC 2.x systems. This document includes information on Sound Forge 6.0 and 7.0, Sonic Foundry Batch Converter 5.0, and

CRVoice2. If earlier software versions are used, refer to Using Sound Forge for InterVoice Systems (document number 60000259) for Sound Forge 4.0 or Sound Forge on InterSoft Systems User’s Guide (document number 60000984) for Sound Forge 5.0. This document was previously released in December 2002 titled, Sound Forge

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60001198, Second Edition Table of Contents i

Studio Setup Checklist...2-2 Installing the Hardware...2-3 Connecting the Sound Card to the Speakers...2-4 Installing the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter ...2-6 Installing CRVoice2 ...2-7 Installing Sound Forge...2-7 Making Quality Recordings...2-8 Setting Microphone Levels...2-8 Placing the Microphone ...2-9 Avoiding Clipping...2-10 Performing the Noise Floor Test...2-12

Defining Audio File Formats 3-1

Intervoice Master Format...3-2

Using Sound Forge to Record Messages 4-1

Setting Up Automatic Labeling ...4-2 Setting Recording Attributes ...4-5 Recording Process Checklist ...4-6 Recording Methods...4-7 Continuous Recording ...4-8 Multiple Takes (No Regions)...4-8 Message-by-Message Recording ...4-8 Multiple Takes Creating Regions...4-8 Create a New Window for Each Take...4-8 Recording Messages ...4-9 Continuous Recording ...4-9 Multiple Takes (No Regions)...4-9 Message-by-Message Recording ...4-12 Multiple Takes Creating Regions...4-12 Extracting Regions...4-14 Create a New Window for Each Take...4-15 Reviewing Messages...4-17 Removing Intervoice Batch Scripts ...4-18

Postprocessing 5-1

Batch Converter Overview ...5-2 Downloading the Batch Converter ...5-3 Using the Sample Batch Script ...5-3 Converting the .wav Files to Runtime Format Overview...5-4 Using the Batch Converter...5-6 Modifying the Sample Batch Script...5-8

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60001198, Second Edition Table of Contents iii

Naming and Converting .wav to .ivc to m.### Files 6-1

Filename Formats (.ivc to m.###)... 6-2 Voice File Naming Convention... 6-3 Using the CRVoice2 Utility ... 6-4

Maintaining Audio Quality 7-1

Voice File Quality Issues ...7-2

Frequently Asked Questions A-1

FAQs ... A-2 Recording Steps ... A-2 Defining DC Offset... A-2 Producing 64-KB Messages... A-3 Converting Messages... A-3 Using the Gain Leveling Preset ... A-4 Installing the Audiophile 2496 Sound Card ... A-4 Turning Off AGC... A-5 Normalizing the Message Volume... A-5 Filtering Messages ... A-6 Reducing Pops and Clicks in Messages... A-6

Glossary Glossary-1

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60001198, Second Edition List of Figures v

List of Figures

Figure 1-1. Voice Recording Concept Diagram... 1-3 Figure 2-1. Voice Recording Hardware ... 2-3 Figure 2-2. Voice Recording Without Clipping... 2-10 Figure 2-3. Voice Recording with Clipping... 2-11 Figure 4-1. Recording Process... 4-7 Figure 5-1. .wav to .ivc Batch Conversion Process ... 5-2 Figure 5-2. .wav to runtime .wav Batch Conversion Process... 5-2 Figure 6-1. Filename Formats (.ivc to m.###)... 6-2 Figure 6-2. Transforming .wav Files to .ivc Files... 6-3

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60001198, Second Edition List of Tables vii

List of Tables

Table 2-1. Studio Setup Checklist ... 2-2 Table 3-1. Format Differences... 3-3 Table 4-1. Recording Process Checklist... 4-6

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60001198, Second Edition About This Document ix

About This Document

Purpose and Audience

The Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide provides information on creating audio files using Sound Forge. Topics include studio set up, file formats and file naming conventions, post-processing using the Batch Converter, and troubleshooting. This document also provides detailed instructions on using the CRVoice2 utility to rename audio files to the Intervoice runtime format.

Sound Forge can be used for recording and editing, but it is required for voice file postprocessing, noise floor testing, and complex editing. The audience for this guide includes voice talents and speech developers interested in an efficient method of postprocessing voice files, testing the noise floor, and editing complex voice recordings.

Sound Forge Versions and Screen Appearance This document includes information for using Sound Forge version 6 or 7 for creating audio files for use on the Intervoice system. The appearance of the graphical user interface (GUI) screens pictured in this document may vary slightly from those on your system.

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x Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition

Chapters

This document contains the chapters briefly described below.

Chapter 1—Overview

Provides the overview for this document. It contains a purpose statement for the entire document. It also contains a concept diagram and a list of required hardware and software.

Chapter 2—Setting Up the Studio

Describes the elements necessary to properly set up the recording studio. It explains how to install the voice recording hardware and configure volume controls. It also discusses how to set recording attributes and the microphone level, and how to perform the noise floor test.

Chapter 3—Defining Audio File Formats

Describes the voice file formats and explains the master format differences.

Chapter 4—Using Sound Forge to Record Messages

Describes how to set up the automatic labeling functions and describes the voice recording process, the methods of recording voice messages, and the use of Sound Forge to record voice messages.

Chapter 5—Postprocessing

Explains the steps to convert multiple voice files to the voice file format using the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter 5.0.

Chapter 6—Naming and Converting .wav to .ivc to m.### Files

Provides the Intervoice InterSoft IQTalk voice file naming convention and explains how to use the CRVoice2 utility to rename .ivc files to m.###.

Chapter 7—Maintaining Audio Quality

Explains the purpose of master voice files and stresses the importance of editing the files before compressing them. It also stresses the importance of retaining original master voice files.

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60001198, Second Edition About This Document xi

Intervoice Documentation

All Intervoice standard product documentation is available online in various locations. Documents are included on the product CD-ROMs, on the product GUI Help menu, as well as on the Intervoice Web site. The online Core Product Documentation Guide, document number 60000021, includes descriptions of all available documents.

Documentation Formats

Intervoice provides its standard product documentation in two online formats: Adobe Acrobat .pdf files and Microsoft HTML Help .chm files. Adobe Acrobat .pdf

Files

The Adobe Acrobat Reader with the Search tool plug-in enables viewing and full-text searches of .pdf documents. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader with Search version 4 or later. For more information, go to their Web site: http://www.adobe.com.

Microsoft HTML Help .chm Files

Microsoft HTML Help is the help file standard for Windows. This file typically serves as the product online help as well as a standalone online document file. The compressed .chm file contains the entire document. The viewer includes a Table of Contents, Index, and Search. Use Internet Explorer version 4 or later. For more information, go to their Web site: http://msdn.microsoft.com.

Documentation Access

Intervoice provides its standard product documentation in these online locations:

• Product CD-ROMs • Web Site

• Hard Copy

Product CD-ROMs Intervoice product CD-ROMs include the product documentation online files. Sometimes the product CD-ROMs are a mix of Intervoice

products as well as other vendor partner product CD-ROMs. The most common locations to find online documentation are: • Documentation or Docs directory on product CD-ROM • Help menu on product GUI window

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xii Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition Web Site Entire Documentation Set

Intervoice provides an online source of its documentation through the company Web site. RealCare support customers, customers under warranty, channel partners, and distributors can visit the site to register for access to the documentation.

1 Go to http://www.intervoice.com/support/techinfo/ 2 Select Technical Documents.

3 Log in with your user ID and password.

4 Choose an applicable document category or type in a keyword to search.

5 To find a list of documents that have been uploaded to the Web recently, view the Web Upload Report in the Document Update category.

Site Preparation and Installation Document Set 1 Go to http://www.intervoice.com/support/techinfo/

2 Select Site Preparation Information. (no password required)

3 View the list to determine which document applies to your system. Hard Copy

Documents

Because Intervoice primarily provides its product information as online documents on product CD-ROMs and the Web, only a limited number of documents are available as hard copy for shipments. These include product quick reference cards for hardware, system installation, as well as vendor partner products.

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60001198, Second Edition About This Document xiii

InterSoft Version 3

Loading InterSoft Software (InterSoft version 3) –

Doc Number 60001263

Describes how to install the latest InterSoft version 3 software. It also describes how to edit configuration files and apply system utilities.

InterSoft System Administration (InterSoft version 3) –

Doc Number 60001092

Explains how to prepare a system for the runtime production environment. It also provides commands and explanations of the basic system administration functions of an InterSoft version 3 system, including starting and stopping the runtime system, monitoring system status, creating and editing the various application tables, and working with voice messages.

InterSoft System Utilities (InterSoft version 3) – Doc Number 60001094

Describes the system utilities used to prepare, operate, and monitor a system in runtime.

Troubleshooting InterSoft Systems (InterSoft version 3) –

Doc Number 60001078

Explains how to isolate problems on an InterSoft version 3 runtime system and troubleshoot once a problem has been isolated. It describes the various tools available for problem isolation, explains how to use each tool (or what document to reference for

instructions), and explains how to analyze the results of the diagnostic tests.

Sound Forge

Sound Forge Manual

Provides overview and installation information. It describes how to use and optimize Sound Forge. See the product CD-ROM and Web site: http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/download/.

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xiv Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition

Conventions

This document uses the following keyboard, command prompt, and menu conventions:

Information Symbols

Intervoice documents use the following symbols to help you quickly identify the type of information contained in a note box:

Example Instructs you to... <Enter> Press the Enter key.

<Ctrl><Esc> Hold the Control key while pressing the Escape key. [d:\appl]dir <Enter> Enter a command at a Windows command prompt.

Note These commands are not case-sensitive.

Edit > Paste > Save Select Edit from the menu bar, choose Paste, and then select Save from its menu.

Symbol Name Description

Warning Warns you about actions that can create electrical hazards.

Caution Cautions you about actions that can cause data loss.

General Provides additional general information about the topic being discussed.

Tip Provides a useful tip about the topic being discussed. The tip is located in the margin of the page for easy reference.

Document

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60001198, Second Edition About This Document xv

Technical Support

Intervoice wants its customers to be satisfied with its products. Your service contract and/or support guidelines specify which regional support office to contact.

If you need assistance, contact Intervoice technical support at the numbers listed below.

Western Hemisphere

For 24-hour support, please telephone or fax the following regional support office:

USA

(outside USA) Tel: +1 800 955-4688 or +1 972 454-8130 (within USA) Tel: (800) 955-4688 or (972) 454-8130

Eastern Hemisphere

During normal office hours, please telephone or fax one of the following regional support offices:

England

(outside UK) Tel: +44 161 495 1234 Fax: +44 161 495 1007 (within UK) Tel: 0161 495 1234 Fax: 0161 495 1007 Germany

(outside Germany) Tel: +49 611 184 440 Fax: +49 611 184 4444 (within Germany) Tel: 0611 184 440 Fax: 0611 184 4444 Singapore

(outside Singapore) Tel: +65 395 4300 Fax: +65 395 4277 (within Singapore) Tel: 0395 4300 Fax: 0395 4277 United Arab Emirates

(outside UAE) Tel: +9714 332 5480 Fax: +9714 332 5580 (within UAE) Tel: 04 332 5480 Fax: 04 332 5580 If out of hours support is included in your contract, please telephone:

(outside UK) Tel: +44 208 750 6387 (within UK) Tel: 0208 750 6387

Out of hours calls are directed to a support desk, where you can record your problem details. You will be contacted as soon as possible.

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60001198, Second Edition 1-1

1

Overview

The Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide provides information on creating audio files using Sound Forge. Topics include studio set up, file formats and file naming conventions, post-processing using the Batch Converter, and troubleshooting. This document also provides detailed instructions on using the CRVoice2 utility to rename audio files to the

Intervoice runtime format.

Sound Forge can be used for recording and editing, but it is required for voice file postprocessing, noise floor testing, and complex editing.

The audience for this guide includes voice talents and speech developers interested in an efficient method of postprocessing voice files, testing the noise floor, and editing complex voice recordings.

This chapter provides the overview for this document. It contains a purpose statement for the entire document. It also contains a concept diagram and a list of required hardware and software. For more information on preparing voice files, refer to the Sound Forge documents and Intervoice’s InterSoft runtime documents. For more information on Sound Forge, visit theWeb site:

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/support/, or visit the Intervoice Web site at

www.intervoice.com/support/techinfo/voicerecording.

In this chapter...

▼ Summary of Changes, 1-2 ▼ Voice Recording Concept

Diagram, 1-3 ▼ Recommended

Hardware, 1-4 ▼ Recommended

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1-2 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition

Summary of Changes

The major revisions to this document are summarized below: Changes

• Updated the Web site URL for downloading Sound Forge and Batch Converter.

• Reorganized chapters into a more functional order.

• Replaced Omvia Media Server term with Intervoice runtime system (or more specifically with InterSoft IQTalk runtime system or VoiceXML Browser system).

Additions

• Added information about Sound Forge version 7.

• Added information about recommended audio file formats for VoiceXML Browser systems.

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60001198, Second Edition Overview 1-3 Voice Recording Concept Diagram

Voice Recording Concept Diagram

Figure 1-1 illustrates the process of creating voice recordings.

Figure 1-1. Voice Recording Concept Diagram

Microphone Speakers

Computer

{

Sound Card

Voice Recording Software

Master .wav files Runtime .wav files for VoiceXML CRVoice2 Utility NA for VoiceXML Intervoice System Renaming Sound Forge Batch Converter Recording Processing Preamplifier Intervoice format .ivc files

for InterSoft IQTalk

m.###

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Recommended Hardware

The following hardware is recommended: • Intel Pentium or compatible computer • Sound card

• Preamplifier

• Amplified speakers with cables

• High-quality, unidirectional, low-impedance microphone • XLR Cable (connects the microphone to the preamplifier)

• Y-adapter audio cable (connects the preamplifier to the sound card)

Specific Hardware

Intervoice recommends the following hardware for the best quality when recording:

• M-Audio Audiophile 2496 sound card • Midiman Audio Buddy preamplifier

• Sennheiser E845 supercardioid vocal microphone Note In noisy environments, a head-mounted,

noise-canceling electret microphone, such as the Shure WH20XLR, is recommended.

• Microphone base

• Horizon 10-ft. XLR microphone cable (connects the microphone to the preamplifier)

• 6-ft shielded audio cable (1/4-inch to RCA jack) (Radio Shack 42-2373A)

• 6-ft Y-adapter audio cable (1/8-inch to RCA (phono) or 3.5 mm stereo plug to two RCA plugs (connects the preamplifier to the sound card)

• 3.5 mm stereo jack-to-jack shield adapter • Labtec speakers (AC powered)

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60001198, Second Edition Overview 1-5 Recommended Software

Recommended Software

The following software is recommended: Sound Forge 6:

• Microsoft Windows 98, ME, or 2000 • Intervoice CRVoice2 utility

• Sonic Foundry Batch Converter 5.0 Sound Forge 7:

• Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP • Intervoice CRVoice2 utility

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2

Setting Up the Studio

This chapter describes the elements necessary to properly set up the recording studio. It explains how to install the voice recording hardware and configure volume controls. It also discusses how to set recording attributes and the microphone level, and how to perform the noise floor test.

In this chapter...

▼ Studio Setup Checklist, 2-2 ▼ Installing the

Hardware, 2-3 ▼ Installing the Sonic

Foundry Batch Converter, 2-6 ▼ Installing CRVoice2, 2-7 ▼ Installing Sound Forge, 2-7 ▼ Making Quality Recordings, 2-8

▼ Performing the Noise Floor Test, 2-12

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Studio Setup Checklist

Use the checklist in Table 2-1 to ensure that you set up the studio properly.

Table 2-1. Studio Setup Checklist Studio Setup Checklist

Set up hardware.

❏

Install the sound card, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

❏

Connect the preamplifier. Verify that the preamplifier is attached to a line-level input from the sound card. This may be labeled line or aux.

❏

Connect the microphone.

Note Using a penny, remove the gold plated screw in the microphone mount. Then attach the microphone mount to the top of the microphone base.

❏

Connect the speakers.

❏

Turn on the computer. Refer to the OEM documentation for installation instructions.

❏

Turn on the preamplifier. Install software.

❏

Sonic Foundry Batch Converter 5.0

❏

CRVoice2 utility

❏

Sound Forge 6.0 or 7.0 Set up audio.

❏

On some sound cards, you must select correct audio input using the sound card control application. The recommended sound card, M-Audio Audiophile 2496, does not use an audio control application on the PC. In this

configuration, the audio volume is controlled through the preamplifier.

❏

Set up audio levels. The input level should be set as loud as possible without clipping the .wav file.

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60001198, Second Edition Setting Up the Studio 2-3 Installing the Hardware

Installing the Hardware

The following hardware is required for voice recording:

Figure 2-1. Voice Recording Hardware

Pre Sennheiser E845 Microphone Jack-to-Jack Shield Adapter Y-adapter Audio Cable XLR Microphone Cable Midiman Audio Buddy Preamplifier Labtec Speakers AC Powered with Cables

M-Audio Audiophile 2496 Sound Card Power Cord Audio Cable 1/4-inch to RCA Jack

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Connecting the Sound Card to the Speakers

To connect the speakers to the sound card, follow these steps: 1 You will need the Y-Adapter audio cable, the stereo jack-to-jack

shield adapter, the speakers, and the sound card installed in your computer.

2 Insert the speaker connector into one end of the stereo jack.

3 Insert the Y-cable into the other end of the stereo jack-to-jack adapter.

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60001198, Second Edition Setting Up the Studio 2-5 Installing the Hardware

4 Insert the Y-cable connectors into the sound card connectors in your computer.

Use the manufacturer’s instructions to install the other components. Preamplifier Audio Cable

Y-Cable to Speakers Input Jack to

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Installing the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter

If Batch Converter 5.0 is not on the Sound Forge CD, Sound Forge 6.0 and 7.0 customers with a valid serial number can download Batch Converter 5.0 from this Web site URL:

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/download/step2.asp?DID=339& #Return/. It is important that you register your copy of Sound Forge and the Batch Converter to obtain technical support.

Note Sound Forge 7.0 users should contact Intervoice

Customer Support if the serial number supplied with their copy of Sound Forge 7.0 fails to enable the Batch Converter 5.0.

Periodic updates are available to Sound Forge and the Batch Converter. Intervoice recommends checking the Web site first for the latest updates to the Batch Converter.

For more Sound Forge information, contact technical support at http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/support.

For Intervoice 24-hour support, contact the following support office: (outside USA) Tel: +1 800 955-4688 or +1 972 454-8130

(within USA) Tel: (800) 955-4688 or (972) 454-8130 To install the Batch Converter:

1 Run the Batch Converter installation file. For example, if it was downloaded to your desktop, double-click it. Or, if it is on a CD-ROM, go to the directory and start the .exe file.

2 Follow the installation screens.

3 After installing the Batch Converter, download the Intervoice Example Batch Script file at:

www.intervoice.com/support/techinfo/voicerecording.

4 Save the IVBExampleBatchScriptV6.zip file to the Batch Converter directory.

5 Unzip the batch script, IVBExampleBatchScriptV6.bcs.

6 Refer to the topic “Using the Sample Batch Script” on page 5-3 for more information.

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60001198, Second Edition Setting Up the Studio 2-7 Installing CRVoice2

Installing CRVoice2

Numerical file extensions are not recognized correctly by Windows, so Intervoice created a proprietary extension, .ivc, to help identify

Intervoice files on Windows systems. However, when .ivc files are transferred to an Intervoice InterSoft IQTalk system, the .ivc extensions (for example BankABC502.ivc) must be replaced with numeric

extensions such as m.502. The CRVoice2 utility renames the .ivc files to m.### files.

To install CRVoice2:

1 Download the file from the Intervoice Web site at: www.intervoice.com/support/techinfo/voicerecording.

2 Save the file to the directory where you will be converting your .wav master files to .ivc files for InterSoft IQTalk systems. Refer to “Using the CRVoice2 Utility” on page 6-4 for more information.

Installing Sound Forge

To install Sound Forge:

1 Ensure that the Batch Converter, sample Intervoice script, and CRVoice2 utility have already been installed.

2 Insert the Sound Forge CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. The installation program should autostart.

3 Follow the installation instruction screens.

4 Go to the Web site and download the latest update to Sound Forge: http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/download/step2.asp?DID=4 65. (This update fixes an .ivc file issue.)

5 Run the downloaded file (such as soundforge70b.exe) and follow the onscreen installation instructions.

6 Refer to the “Making Quality Recordings” on page 2-8 and the other topics in this document for information about using Sound Forge.

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Making Quality Recordings

To ensure that recordings are of the highest quality, set the microphone levels correctly, place the microphone properly, and avoid clipping. As a general rule, microphone levels should be as loud as possible without causing any clipping. You can adjust final volume levels in message files after they have all been recorded. Use the volume or the dynamic graphic preset. The best signals in the noise ratio are achieved when a loud, unclipped recording is made.

Setting Microphone Levels

To set microphones levels correctly, follow these steps:

1 Set the recording attributes using File > New as 11,025, 16 bit, Mono. (Refer to “Setting Recording Attributes” on page 4-5).

2 In the main Sound Forge window, select the Record button on the left of the button bar. The Record window appears.

3 In Sound Forge 6, check the Monitor checkbox beneath the Reset button to turn on the record meters.

Set the microphone volume to the highest level at which you can speak at a normal volume without clipping. This produces the best signal-to-noise ratio.

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60001198, Second Edition Setting Up the Studio 2-9 Making Quality Recordings

4 Speak into the microphone in your loudest normal voice. Adjust the microphone volume on the preamplifier so that clipping does not occur even when you speak at your loudest volume. (Clipping occurs when the level meters are pushed into the red zone and the word “Clip” appears.)

5 If clipping occurs, click the Reset button. Remember, if clipping occurs during the recording process, the recording is ruined. 6 On the preamplifier, lower the microphone level.

7 Repeat step 4 through step 6 until clipping no longer occurs. The microphone level is then set correctly.

Placing the Microphone

Intervoice recommends a supercardioid vocal microphone (such as the Sennheiser E845) to help eliminate background noise during recording. When using a desk-mounted microphone, ensure that the distance between the voice talent’s mouth and the microphone is fairly constant for each recording.

Most commercial microphones do not have an output signal level that is high enough to drive the sound card. Therefore, they require a

microphone preamplifier. External microphone preamplifiers improve signal-to-noise ratios by keeping high-gain amplification stages out of the PCs electrical noise fields.

For more information about the Sennheiser E845 microphone, go to www.allprosound.com or www.fullcompass.com.

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Avoiding Clipping

Sound Forge clips a recording when it exceeds the maximum storable amplitude or when any value beyond the maximum is cut off, resulting in audible distortion. Clipping destroys a recording’s quality; therefore, clipped recordings must be rerecorded. Clipping occurs when the level meters are pushed into the red zone (see Figure 2-3 on page 2-11).

Figure 2-2 illustrates a voice recording without clipping.

Figure 2-2. Voice Recording Without Clipping

To prevent clipping, set the recording input level just low enough to enable the voice talent to speak at normal volume without pushing the level meters into the red zone.

No clipping

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60001198, Second Edition Setting Up the Studio 2-11 Making Quality Recordings

The flat tops in Figure 2-3 illustrate clipping.

Figure 2-3. Voice Recording with Clipping

Clipping

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Performing the Noise Floor Test

Always check the background noise and a noise floor of the

recording studio and equipment before starting a recording session. Recordings made with high background noise will not provide a clear voice sound during playback. Sound Forge must be installed to perform this test. A high noise floor is a common cause of poor audio quality and clicks in compressed files. (See “Using Sound Forge to Record

Messages,” Chapter 4 for more information.)

To check for noise using Sound Forge tools, follow these steps: 1 Ensure that the microphone levels on the preamplifier are set

correctly for a recording session, that is, as loud as possible without causing clipping (see “Setting Microphone Levels” on page 2-8). 2 Verify that the recording attributes are 11,025 Hz (or 11.025 KHz),

16 bit, Mono.

3 Record five seconds of silence, at the standard volume level. Do not speak while recording. The recording studio should be as quiet as possible during this test. Stop recording. Close the Record dialog box.

4 With a sound file window open, go to the main Sound Forge window and select Process > DC Offset. The DC Offset – <filename> window appears.

5 In Sound Forge 6, set the Preset field to Intervoice DC Offset Removal.

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60001198, Second Edition Setting Up the Studio 2-13 Performing the Noise Floor Test

6 Select the Automatically detect and removeoption to remove the DC offset, and click OK.

7 To view statistics, select Tools > Statistics. The Statistics window appears.

8 Verify that the RMS power in the statistics dialog box is below 60 dB (for example, –65 dB).

9 Verify that the Average value (DC offset) statistic is 0.

Perform this test regularly on systems used to record voice messages. The voice message fails the test if the noise floor is louder than –60 dB. Louder noise is represented by lower negative number.

For example, a –55dB noise floor is louder than –60 dB. The test may fail because the room noise is too loud (due to air conditioning, PC fan, paging system), or the sound card preamplifier is noisy.

Correct any problems before continuing to record. Noise floors greater than –60 dB (for example, –55 or –50 dB) can be heard in the playback process and cause pops and other audible degradation during the compression process.

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3

Defining Audio File

Formats

This chapter describes the voice file formats and explains the master format differences.

The voice files are recorded as a standard Intervoice master .wav files, then depending on the runtime system, the files are converted to runtime files: .wav or .ivc formats.

In this chapter...

▼ Intervoice Master Format, 3-2

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Intervoice Master Format

Intervoice uses the .wav format for recording and saving all voice files. A .wav file is a standard format in which messages are recorded on a computer. Almost any audio recording tool designed for computers can be used to create the.wav file. The Intervoice standard master format uses .wav files because this format supports high-quality recordings, and the equipment required to record and play .wav files is commonly available.

The Intervoice master .wav format is 11,025 samples per second, 16 bits per sample, linear encoding, which equates to a data rate of 22,000 bytes per second.

The Intervoice master format keeps the master files in a much higher quality format than the older compressed µ-law masters. The Intervoice format makes the file sizes somewhat larger, but the voice quality of subsequent copies of this master is much better.

Although higher sampling rates are available, Intervoice uses the 11.025 KHz (or 11,025 Hz) sample rate for master files because any advantage to using a higher sample rate is lost through bandwidth limitations of phone line transmission.

The higher the sample rate, the wider the audio bandwidth, and the larger the file size. Regardless of the master format used, the InterSoft IQTalk runtime .ivc format is compressed using ADPCM techniques to 8,000 samples per second and 4 bits per sample. This is also referred to as 8KHz ADPCM or 32KBps (8 KHz x 4 bits). The VoiceXML runtime .wav format is 64KBps (8 KHz x 8bits). KBps is kilobits per second.

Intervoice Standard Master Format

The Intervoice standard format for recording master voice files is a 11.025 KHz (or 11,025 Hz), 16-bit, monophonic, linear .wav file. This format is the master format for storage of Intervoice voice files.

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60001198, Second Edition Defining Audio File Formats 3-3 Intervoice Master Format

Table 3-1 charts the differences between the InterSoft master format and the standard runtime format.

After messages are recorded, they must be compressed from master .wav files into ADPCM (.ivc) or A-law or µ-law PCM .wav files. Sound Forge provides a Batch Converter that enables you to easily modify, edit, and convert large groups of messages. See “Batch Converter Overview” on page 5-2 for more information.

Table 3-1. Format Differences Format Name Sample Rate Sample Size (Mono) Data Format Size of 10 sec Message Windows Master Format 11,025

smp/sec 16 bits/sample Linear .wav 220 KB

InterSoft IQTalk Runtime Format

8,000 smp/sec 4 bits/sample ADPCM (.ivc)

G.721 40 KB

VoiceXML Runtime Format

8,000 smp/sec 8 bits/sample A-law or µ-law PCM

.wav

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4

Using Sound Forge to

Record Messages

This chapter explains how to set up the automatic labeling functions and describes the voice recording process, the methods of recording voice messages, and the use of Sound Forge to record voice messages.

Sample Screens

This document contains representations of application screens. These screens are used as examples only and may not appear exactly as those on your system.

In this chapter...

▼ Setting Up Automatic Labeling, 4-2 ▼ Setting Recording Attributes, 4-5 ▼ Recording Process Checklist, 4-6 ▼ Recording Methods, 4-7 ▼ Recording Messages, 4-9 ▼ Reviewing Messages, 4-17

▼ Removing Intervoice Batch Scripts, 4-18

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Setting Up Automatic Labeling

Windows 2000 allows long filenames.Assigning long filenames (BANKABC.1stGreeting.1048, for example) to message files may help keep track of messages and associate them with the correct applications. Long filenames make it easier to identify message files to be renamed for use in runtime. (See “Filename Formats (.ivc to m.###)” on page 6-2

and .)

The automatic labeling function provided by Sound Forge can be used to assign descriptive filenames to master voice files. It is also used to automatically name and number regions or files during the recording process. Intervoice recommends that you set up the automatic labeling function before recording messages.

To set up Sound Forge’s automatic labeling function before recording your messages, follow these steps:

1 Open Sound Forge.

2 From the main Sound Forge window, open the Record window by either clicking the Record button or selecting Special > Transport > Record.

Automatic versus Manual Labeling

If you do not set up the automatic labeling function before recording messages, you must manually number the regions or takes after recording.

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60001198, Second Edition Using Sound Forge to Record Messages 4-3 Setting Up Automatic Labeling

The Record window appears.

3 Right-click the Record window’s title bar.

4 Select Automatic Labeling from the menu that appears. The Automatic Labeling window opens.

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4-4 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition 5 If you are recording in Create a new window for each take mode,

type the prefix to be assigned to all files in the New window title prefix field in the Sound windows area. Modify the fields immediately following it, as explained in step 6 and step 7. If you are recording in Multiple takes creating regions mode, type the prefix to be assigned to all files in the New region prefix field in the Regions area. Modify the fields below it, as explained in step 6

and step 7.

6 Select the Use counter and start at (0 to 65,000) checkbox, and change the number in the field to the number at which the numbers should begin (500, for example). For information on Intervoice voice file naming conventions, seepage 6-3.

7 Make sure to select the Insert leading zeros in field width of (2 to 24) checkbox, and set leading zeros to 3.

8 Click OK. Each region or window is numbered starting at the number entered in the Use counter and start at (0 to 65,000) field in

step 5. Do not include any

numeric characteristics at the end of your filenames unless you want them to be included in the final message number. The names assigned to the regions or files are converted to message names and numbers in the runtime system.

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60001198, Second Edition Using Sound Forge to Record Messages 4-5 Setting Recording Attributes

Setting Recording Attributes

The recording attributes control how Sound Forge stores the master files. Sound Forge remembers these settings for new recordings, so you set attributes only once.

To set recording attributes, follow these steps: 1 Open Sound Forge.

2 From the main Sound Forge window, select File > New. The New Window dialog box appears:

3 Enter the appropriate recording attributes. The Intervoice standard settings are:

Sample rate: 11,025 Hz Sample size: 16-bit Channels: Mono 4 Click OK.

These settings are stored as the default. Therefore, you should create them the first time you record.

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Recording Process Checklist

Use the checklist in Table 4-1 to ensure that you complete all the steps in the recording process.

Table 4-1. Recording Process Checklist Recording Process Checklist

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Complete the noise floor test.

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Record the master file using the voice recording software.

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Use the Batch Converter to postprocess the master file (remove pause, adjust gain, and so on) and compress the file into applicable runtime format.

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Run the CRVoice2 utility (for the InterSoft IQTalk runtime system only).

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60001198, Second Edition Using Sound Forge to Record Messages 4-7 Recording Methods

Recording Methods

Two major methods of recording are used:

• Continuous (recording continuously while reading a script) • Message-by-message (stopping the recording after each message) In Sound Forge, the continuous recording mode is called Multiple takes (no Regions). The two modes of message-by-message recording are called Multiple takes creating Regions and Create a new window for each take.

Regardless of which recording method you use, you must separate all messages into individual files during the final process of message creation.

Figure 4-1 illustrates the recording process and recording methods.

Figure 4-1. Recording Process

* Renaming is required if the automatic naming or numbering function was not set up or if the messages are recorded out of sequence.

Continuous Message Manually mark regions by Message Rename regions* Extract regions Extract regions

RecordingFiles Postprocessing

1. Review masters. 2. Archive masters. 3. Complete batch post processing. 4. Use CRVoice2 utility.

(InterSoft IQTalk systems only)

5. Place files in runtime. (Record all messages in one

continuous session)

Regions

Files (Record each message

separately, stopping after each)

(if required)

Rename files*

(if required) regions Extract

Refer to the Sound Forge document for detailed information about recording modes.

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Continuous Recording

The continuous recording method is appropriate when voice talents prefer to read continuously from a script or prefer not to operate the computer while recording. The voice talent records a group of all the messages at once. Then a subsequent editing process marks the individual recordings using region markers.

Multiple Takes (No Regions)

The Multiple takes (no Regions) mode in Sound Forge allows multiple takes to be recorded in one file, but avoids defining any regions in the Regions List.

Recording starts at the position shown in the Start field when the Record button is selected and continues until the Stop button is selected. Any data that is currently after the position in the Start field is replaced. When recording is stopped, the start position remains at the end of the take allowing the next take to be recorded immediately. After all messages are recorded, the editor must manually place the regions.

Message-by-Message Recording

The message-by-message method means that the user stops recording after each message, creating multiple regions or new files for each take. Multiple Takes

Creating Regions

The Multiple takes creating Regions mode allows multiple takes to be recorded with each take automatically defining a region in the Regions List. Recording starts at the position shown in the Start field when the Record button is selected and continues until the Stop button is selected. Any data that is currently after the position in the Start field is replaced. When recording is stopped, the start position remains at the end of the take allowing the next take to be recorded immediately. When the Record button is selected, the automatic naming function increments the region name.

Create a New Window for Each Take

The Create a new window for each take mode is similar to the Multiple takes creating Regions mode. However, instead of creating new regions with each take, the system creates a new file for each take. This proves helpful in recording data where each take is intended to be saved into its own file. This mode is useful if the messages in a script are not in sequence (such as m501, m504, m503, m502).

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60001198, Second Edition Using Sound Forge to Record Messages 4-9 Recording Messages

Recording Messages

The recording procedures described here are divided into continuous and message-by-message recording.

Continuous Recording

The continuous recording method is appropriate when voice talents prefer to read continuously from a script or prefer not to operate the computer while recording. The voice talent records a group of all the messages at once. Then a subsequent editing process marks the individual recordings using region markers.

Multiple Takes (No Regions)

The Multiple takes (no Regions) mode in Sound Forge allows multiple takes to be recorded in one file, but no regions are defined in the Regions List. The editor must manually place the regions.

To record messages in the Multiple takes (no Regions) manner, follow these steps:

1 Open Sound Forge.

2 From the button bar, select the Record button. The Record <Sound x> window appears.

3 Select Multiple takes (no Regions) in the Mode field. 4 In the Mode field, select the recording mode.

Note Make sure that DC adjust, in the lower right of the Record window, is NOT checked.

5 In Sound Forge 6, select the Monitor checkbox to display the level of the recording input on the meters. To prevent clipping, use the Monitor function to set the appropriate recording volume. When a recording is clipped, the word “Clip” appears above each meter. Clipping destroys a recording’s quality.

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4-10 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition 6 Set the recording volume using either the sound card’s or the

operating system’s volume control application. The volume should be set at the highest level at which you can speak at normal volume without clipping.

7 Select the Record button in the Record <Sound x> window. 8 Record successive messages without stopping between them.

9 Click the Stop button.

The messages appear as one long interrupted set of wave formations.

10 Highlight the area of wave that you want to include in your first region.

11 From the grey bar directly above the waves, right click and select Insert Marker/Region.

Always record as loudly as possible without clipping. The volume of the master files can be adjusted after recording is complete.

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The Insert Marker/Region window appears.

12 Enter a name for the region in the Name field. (Alternately, you can set up automatic labeling for your windows if you want to give the same prefix to all of them. See “Setting Up Automatic Labeling” on page 4-2.)

13 Select the Region button. 14 Click OK.

15 Repeat step 10 through step 14 on page 4-11 for each region you wish to create.

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Message-by-Message Recording

The message-by-message method means that the user stops recording after each message, creating multiple regions or new files for each take. Multiple Takes

Creating Regions

The Multiple takes creating Regions mode allows multiple takes to be recorded with each take automatically defining a region in the Regions List.

If you have the Batch Converter plug-in, Multiple takes creating Regions is the easiest recording mode to use. This mode places all takes in a single window, marking the beginning and end of each new take with a region marker and a vertical black line. Later, using the Extract Regions tool (available only with the Batch Converter plug-in), automatically saves each region as a separate file. When recording large numbers of messages (over 50), you may want to divide the regions into several different files for easier manipulation.

To record messages in the Multiple takes creating Regions manner, follow these steps:

1 Open Sound Forge.

3 Select Multiple takes creating Regions in the Mode field. Note Make sure that DC adjust, in the lower right of the Record window, is NOT checked.

4 In Sound Forge 6, select the Monitor checkbox to display the level of the recording input on the meters. To prevent clipping, use the Monitor function to set the appropriate recording volume. When a recording is clipped, the word “Clip” appears above each meter. Clipping destroys a recording’s quality.

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.

5 Select the Record button in the Record <Sound x> window.

6 Record a first message, and click the Stop button after it. 7 Continue creating messages and clicking Stop between each.

Your messages are automatically labeled for you. Checking for Clipping

After recording each region or take, check the input level meters. If the Clip indicator appears above them, you must rerecord the region or take.

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4-14 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition Extracting Regions

If you have a file composed of multiple regions, you must extract the regions to use them in a runtime system. After recording is complete, each message is marked with its own region. They can be subsequently separated into different files through the Batch Converter plug-in in Sound Forge.

To extract regions in the Multiple takes creating Regions manner, follow these steps:

1 In Sound Forge, complete recording in the Multiple takes creating Regions manner.

2 From the menu bar, select Tools > Extract Regions. The Extract Regions window appears.

3 Select the regions to extract in the Regions to extract field. 4 Click Extract.

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Create a New Window for Each Take

The Create a new window for each take mode is similar to the Multiple takes creating Regions mode. However, instead of creating new regions with each take, the system creates a new file for each take. This proves helpful in recording data where each take is intended to be saved into its own file. This mode is useful if the messages in a script are not in sequence (such as m501, m504, m503, m502).

If you do not have the Batch Converter plug-in, use New window for each take mode. This mode places each take in its own data window. To view all your takes, choose Window > Cascade > Tile Horizontally, or Window > Cascade > Tile Vertically.

To record messages in the Create a new window for each take manner, follow these steps:

1 Open Sound Forge.

3 Select Create a new window for each take in the Mode field. 4 In Sound Forge 6, select the Monitor checkbox to display the level

of the recording input on the meters. To prevent clipping, use the Monitor function to set the appropriate recording volume. When a recording is clipped, the word “Clip” appears above each meter. Clipping destroys a recording’s quality.

5 Set the recording volume using either the sound card’s or the operating system’s volume control application. The volume should be set at the highest level at which you can speak at normal volume without clipping.

6 Click the Prepare button. Checking for Clipping

After recording each region or take, check the input level meters. If the Clip indicator appears above them, you must rerecord the region or take.

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4-16 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition This function allows time for you to create and rename the new window before Sound Forge begins recording. If you do not use the Prepare button, the beginning of each message may be cut off. It is not necessary to use this function if you are using the Multiple takes creating Regions mode. After you click Prepare, a flashing green box that reads “Prepare” appears to the left of the Sync button. 7 Select the Record button in the Record <Sound x> window.

8 Record a first message, and click the Stop button after it. 9 Continue creating messages and clicking Stop between each.

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60001198, Second Edition Using Sound Forge to Record Messages 4-17 Reviewing Messages

Reviewing Messages

Review all messages after recording and check for noises, clicks, pops, and clipping. After a message is recorded, the data window for that recording appears in the Sound Forge main window.

To review your messages, follow these steps:

1 To listen to your messages, click the Play button in the data window. (Or, place the cursor at the beginning of the message to be played, then press the spacebar. Press the spacebar again to stop.) The data window’s buttons are labeled below:

2 If you recorded in Multiple takes creating Regions mode, you can manually adjust the region markers to remove leading and trailing silences. Or, use the Auto Trim/Crop process to trim the regions after they have been extracted.

3 After completing these steps, if you recorded in Multiple takes creating Regions mode or if you recorded in Create a new window for each take mode, proceed to “Batch Converter Overview” on page 5-2. Play button Stop button Go to Start button Go to End button For instructions on manually adjusting region markers, refer to the

Sound Forge 6.0 Document.

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Removing Intervoice Batch Scripts

Before installing the new sample batch scripts, remove the old batch scripts.

To remove the old sample batch scripts, follow these steps: 1 Open Sound Forge.

2 From the main Sound Forge window, select Tools > Batch Converter.

The Batch Converter window opens, and the list of batch scripts appears.

4 Select a script and right-click.

5 Click Removeto delete the batch script.

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5

Postprocessing

This chapter provides the steps to convert multiple voice files to the voice file format using the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter 5.0. The voice talent’s responsibility is to provide individual master voice files recorded with high quality. The voice talent may or may not have the expertise to postprocess audio files and troubleshoot problems.

Either the voice talent or the application engineer must postprocess the master .wav files to compress, enhance, and normalize volume levels to complete the message creation process.

In this chapter...

▼ Batch Converter Overview, 5-2 ▼ Using the Batch

Converter, 5-6 ▼ Modifying the Sample

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Batch Converter Overview

To prepare files for the InterSoft IQTalk runtime system, the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter 5.0 takes the master .wav format and converts it to the .ivc file ADPCM format.

Figure 5-1. .wav to .ivc Batch Conversion Process

To prepare files for the VoiceXML Browser runtime system, the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter 5.0 takes the master .wav format and converts it to the runtime .wav file format.

Figure 5-2. .wav to runtime .wav Batch Conversion Process The batch script, Intervoice Example Batch Script, automates most of the postprocessing steps for voice files. The sample script shows how most of the steps can be automated in a single batch process using the Batch Converter. (The Intervoice Example Batch Script is for demonstration purposes. You must modify the preset parameters to suit the specific circumstance.)

Master Format

11 KHz, 16-bit Sonic Foundry

Batch Converter

Mono.wav

InterSoft IQTalk Format 8 KHz, 4-bit ADPCM .ivc

Master Format

11 KHz, 16-bit Sonic Foundry

Batch Converter

Mono.wav

VoiceXML Format 8 KHz, 8-bit A-law/µ-law .wav

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60001198, Second Edition Postprocessing 5-3 Batch Converter Overview

Downloading the Batch Converter

Sony Pictures Digital Media offers periodic updates to the Batch Converter software. Intervoice recommends that you check their Web site. You can download the Batch Converter from Sony Pictures Digital Media at:

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/download/step2.asp?DID=339& #Return/

Be sure to register your copy of the Batch Converter to obtain technical support. See “Installing the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter” on page 2-6.

Note Sound Forge 7.0 users should contact Intervoice

Customer Support if the serial number supplied with their copy of Sound Forge 7.0 fails to enable the Batch Converter 5.0.

Using the Sample Batch Script

The batch script described below is available on the Intervoice Web site at www.intervoice.com/support/techinfo/voicerecording.

To use the sample batch script in the Batch Converter 5.0, follow these steps:

1 Open the Batch Converter.

2 Select File > Open Script. The Open dialog box appears. 3 Navigate to the Intervoice Example Batch Scriptfile, and click

Open to install the batch script.

The Intervoice Example Batch Script creates 32 KBps compressed messages for µ-law playback and –12 dB volume normalization. You may obtain other options, such as µ-law playback, different volumes, and 32 KB compression, by editing the script in the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter.

The Intervoice Example Batch Script is for demonstration purposes. You must modify the preset parameters to suit the specific circumstance.

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Converting the .wav Files to Runtime Format Overview

A series of transformational steps is required to convert a .wav file into the runtime file format. All of these steps can be automated into a single batch process in the Batch Converter. The Batch Converter can apply this process to a large number of master .wav files in a single step, creating a set of runtime files, one for each master .wav file.

To convert a master .wav file into a runtime file, the Batch Converter must perform a specific set of processes in a specific order on the original .wav master file. In version 5.0, Sonic Foundry calls these steps ins (presets in Sound Forge 4.5). The final script is called a plug-in chaplug-in. The basic recordplug-ing process provides a clean audio signal digitized to the system’s hard drive in .wav file format. However, there are several other processing steps that must be applied to an audio file after it is recorded, but before it can be placed on an Intervoice system. The Intervoice sample Batch Converter postprocessing procedures are described below:

DC Offset removal

Removes any DC offset before messages are compressed. Most sound cards have some DC offset that can affect the compression process.

Front and Back silence trimming with 20-ms fades

Removes excess silence on the front and back of messages to tighten the message delivery. Generally the messages are trimmed to 20 milliseconds or less of silence on both ends. Noise at the beginning or end of messages (such as mouse or keyboard clicks) causes the auto-trimming process to trim too early or too late, leaving extra silence in the message. These messages must be hand-trimmed. Front and Back silence buffering with 50-ms buffers

Prevents the destabilization of the ADPCM decoder when two messages are played back to back. Once the arbitrary silences are trimmed from the message, this step places a standard

50-millisecond silence buffer on the beginning and end of every message.

Message level normalization

Converts all the messages in a single application to a single standard volume level, so that listeners hear every message at the same volume.

8 KHz resampling

Converts the 11.025 KHz sample rate of the master file to an 8 KHz sampling rate.

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60001198, Second Edition Postprocessing 5-5 Batch Converter Overview

Equalization

Performs the frequency manipulation required to make high-quality message playback over telephone lines.

ADPCM compression for A-law playback and Intervoice formatting Compresses the linear format to ADPCM to reduce the size of the message files on the Intervoice system. This step is where you specify whether a message is to be played as µ-law or A-law, or to be compressed to 32 KB.

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Using the Batch Converter

To use the Batch Converter, follow these steps:

1 From the main Sonic Foundry Batch Converter window, select File > Open Script.

2 Navigate to and open the Intervoice Example Batch Script, IVBExampleBatchScriptV6.bcs.

The Sonic Foundry Batch Converter -

IVBExampleBatchScriptV6.bcs window appears in the Script tab view.

3 Do not select any of the options on the window.

4 Select the directory where you want the output files saved. 5 In the File format area, set the Format and Template.

Note If you change any selection, save the changes as a new batch script and retain the original sample batch script.

Sound Forge

Sound Forge and the Intervoice

System Audio File Guide

Sound Forge and the Intervoice System

Audio File Guide

Documentation Comment Form

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Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

About This Document

Purpose and Audience

Chapters

Intervoice Documentation

Documentation Formats

Documentation Access

Related Intervoice Documents

InterSoft Version 3

Sound Forge

Conventions

Information Symbols

Technical Support

Western Hemisphere

Eastern Hemisphere

1

Overview

In this chapter...

Summary of Changes

Voice Recording Concept Diagram

{

Recommended Hardware

Specific Hardware

Recommended Software

2

Setting Up the Studio

In this chapter...

Studio Setup Checklist

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Installing the Hardware

Connecting the Sound Card to the Speakers

Installing the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter

Installing CRVoice2

Installing Sound Forge

Making Quality Recordings

Setting Microphone Levels

Placing the Microphone

Avoiding Clipping

Performing the Noise Floor Test

3