Narration10 min readUpdated August 2026

ACX Audiobook Recording Requirements

A practical workflow for ACX audiobook recording requirements, covering preparation, clean recording, transcript editing, quality review, and the intended destination.

By The Hilite team

01 — PLAN

Start with the format-specific requirements

Prepare one chapter or section per file, consistent mono or stereo audio, and human narration unless ACX authorizes otherwise. Current ACX guidance specifies 192 kbps or higher CBR 44.1 kHz MP3, RMS between -23 dB and -18 dB, peaks below -3 dB, noise floor below -60 dB RMS, and one to five seconds of room tone. Verify the current ACX help page before delivery.

02 — PREPARE

Prepare the material, room, and permissions

Create an outline or script, confirm rights and consent, choose the quietest practical setup, and record a short representative test before committing to the full session.

03 — RECORD

Capture clear sections and useful retakes

Keep the microphone position consistent, work in manageable sections, and after a mistake pause before repeating the complete sentence.

Capture clear spoken audio in the browser.

04 — EDIT

Edit the words and improve clarity

Use the transcript to remove retakes and unwanted sections, preserve intentional pauses, and improve clarity conservatively while comparing against the source.

Shape the episode through its transcript.
Improve spoken clarity conservatively.

05 — DELIVER

Review against the destination requirements

Listen from beginning to end, confirm rights and sensitive material, then prepare the required file, metadata, transcript, artwork, or platform submission details. Recheck current third-party requirements before uploading.

Prepare episode details and move the finished audio toward its audience.

Build ACX audiobook recording requirements with a clear spoken-audio workflow.

Record, edit, enhance, and prepare the final audio in Hilite.

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