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NO SKILL REQUIRED - Naming Voice Files

Submitted by Cesare on

Hey All,

Back again with another community task for those of you who want to help out the project but have 0 skills to help out with. In short this task is to chop up a large sound file into smaller pieces and name them the appropriate name provided so that I can put them into game. If you're interested in helping out in this way and alleviating some of the work off our hardworking voice actors so they can focus on recording more, we'd love to have your help.

The only requirement is that when you are given a clip (normally 120-250 divisions needed) that you try to get it done. If you can't, get as far as you can, tell us where you stopped, and send what you've completed to us so someone else can finish it off. Try to do about 30-50 cuts at a time so you don't burn yourself out. Remember to do it from front to back so to make it easy to keep track (this hopefully naturally would be what you would do anyways). Steps are listed below.

1.      Check the listed available files and take a one of them. You will need to claim it so that 2 persons do not start on the same files.


2. Download the file and open it up in an audio program such as Audacity (free downloadable tool - google search) or other basic recording software.

3. Get the matching script, listen to the first line of your section and find it in the script (ctrl+f is fast). Lines should follow the script (hopefully).

4. Every time the audio recording corresponds with text in a new column (labeled: segment1, segment2, etc) is encountered, you need to chop the file up. Same with every time a new row is encountered, you need to chop it up as well. You'll want to name the clips as you go.

5. Naming Convention. You'll see each row has a filename included such as:
MorroDefau_MDQBalmoraSTemp_0000C331_2

This particular filename row has two segments to this line because of the last _2. A lot of filenames will just have one segment and thus end in a _1

This means segment1 should be labeled:
MorroDefau_MDQBalmoraSTemp_0000C331_1
and segment2 should be labeled:
MorroDefau_MDQBalmoraSTemp_0000C331_2

Notice the only difference is the last number. Basically the last number should match the segment number and everything should be good.
Continue doing this until complete. You will have questions, feel free to ask me and I'll get to them ASAP! Thanks!!

P.S.
Example:

you hear:
Selvil Sareloth runs the silt strider port on the southwest side of town, just inside the wall. Fares vary depending on the distance. | From here in Balmora you can travel to Seyda Neen and Ald'ruhn. From Seyda Neen you can travel to Vivec. | From Ald'ruhn you can travel to Gnisis and Maar Gan.
 

You find the row in the script which has this line and the filename is: MorroDefau_MDQsiltStriderS_0000BDD7_3

 

You notice where the segments break in the script. I've shown them with the "|" symbol above that happen to give you three sections. Label each section in ascending numeric order:
 

Selvil Sareloth runs the silt strider port on the southwest side of town, just inside the wall. Fares vary depending on the distance: MorroDefau_MDQsiltStriderS_0000BDD7_1

From here in Balmora you can travel to Seyda Neen and Ald'ruhn. From Seyda Neen you can travel to Vivec: MorroDefau_MDQsiltStriderS_0000BDD7_2

From Ald'ruhn you can travel to Gnisis and Maar Gan: MorroDefau_MDQsiltStriderS_0000BDD7_3

 

Filenames starting with IB : these are placeholders and they will never have more than one segment but filenames may end in a number other than _1. Just name the file exactly like the filename and we'll be good :)

REPORTING MISSING LINES AND MISPRONUNCIATIONS

Vas have a lot of lines to record, and sometimes they skip a line, or don’t know how to pronounce certain words properly (you will need to know what kind of accent is expected for each race). Your role is also to check for those problems and report them. You need to mark them in the script, following these conventions:

Missing lines: highlight row in red

Mispronunciation/bad acting/wrong accent: highlight row in blue. For mispronunciations, change the color of the word that is not said properly to red, so the actor knows what he needs to pay attention to.

Example: the actor says “I am a Dunmer”, but mispronounce the word “dunmer. The row will be like this: “I am a Dunmer”



SAVING THE FILE

Save in the following format:

.wav file
16 bit
44100 sample rate
mono (not stereo - this will save space)
The above is important for us to generate the moving mouth .lip files in the CK.

Hopefully this is enough info to make it really clear what needs to happen :) but I expect questions anyways, cheers.

Thanks everyone :)

Happy Cutting!

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Last edited by Cesare on 13 Jun 2016 - 11:17.

I am ready to cut Cassius Olcinius Taerkalith.  Do I wait for a download link?

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It is hidden after the first URl Minutiae. I couldn't spot it at first either. Here's a direct link:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7rloHqJwXjFdmxqeVl2TS1peGc

cheers!

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There are duplicate lines for Cassius Olcinius on the 4th and 5th row on the script. They end in F2_1 and F3_1. 

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So I'm looking at that speadsheet, and currently everything that is orange seems to already be segmented with the exception of:

"Galtis Guvron (Complete, along with Merged Lines), Included in the fixes column the rest of the lines: Drinar Varyon, Eldrar Fathyron"

Am I missing something? As it is I'll be grabbing and working on the above file, but I've got a week off work and would love to knock out a couple of these if possible.

Edit: To Avoid double post. I've done about 15 snips, seems easy enough, I have 2 quick questions. Is there a policy on multiple attempts? I've encountered 2 lines that were repeats, neither an obvious mess up, so I assume the VA didn't like the first one, or was giving an extra option, since VA in a vacuum can be pretty hard. What I did was name the first <normal file name>(attempt 1).wav and the second <normal file name>(attempt 2).wav, is this sufficient?

Second Question: How much dead time do you want before and after the line? I've been doing .5sec but I can crop it all the way up to the line, or add a bit more dead time...

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About the orange ones: they need to be verified. A lot of actors don't cut the files the way it should be done.

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Cesare

About the orange ones: they need to be verified. A lot of actors don't cut the files the way it should be done.

Lol, no good dirty VA's... Alright, well I'm quickly learning that 307 lines does take a bit of time, so I'll update here one I'm done with the one I'm currently on, and then I'll snag another... I do expect that I'll get 2 of these knocked out this week though, already 25 lines into what I'm on and I've only been at it for an hour, breaking for lunch, then I'll have about 2 more hours to work on it... Then all day tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day... lol, I REALLY want to see this done, and I just got out of the Navy, so I can do boring and repetitive... plus it helps that this VA is hilarious when he messes up, so it isn't really boring...

Edit: Again to avoid double post. So another question, actually kind of two. First, it seems like the VA skipped a line, is there a special way I need to flag this? I figure it needs to be brought to someone's attention, just don't know who's.

Second, It also seems the VA ADDED lines, what do I do with these? They aren't extra attempts, these seem to be lines that are nowhere in the script file... after about 10 lines it goes right back to the script file where they left off... My plan for now is to just leave them in one unclipped file, in case they go with a different script file, but I wanted to ask...

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Minutiae, include both. Skywind sometimes has duplicate lines as they appear in different contexts and hence need separate files. It is an engine "feature" ;)

 

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zekemckillip

So I'm looking at that speadsheet, and currently everything that is orange seems to already be segmented with the exception of:

"Galtis Guvron (Complete, along with Merged Lines), Included in the fixes column the rest of the lines: Drinar Varyon, Eldrar Fathyron"

Am I missing something? As it is I'll be grabbing and working on the above file, but I've got a week off work and would love to knock out a couple of these if possible.



That is the only VA who needs complete cutting up. The rest were cut up by their VAs but need to be verified for mistakes/obvious bad sound flaws or missing lines.
 

zekemckillip

 Is there a policy on multiple attempts? I've encountered 2 lines that were repeats, neither an obvious mess up, so I assume the VA didn't like the first one, or was giving an extra option, since VA in a vacuum can be pretty hard. What I did was name the first <normal file name>(attempt 1).wav and the second <normal file name>(attempt 2).wav, is this sufficient?

If this isn't a case of the character having two same lines but with different filenames (and hence to lines that look the same), they probably just included it so the cutter could decide. DO NOT name them (attempt 1) and (attempt 2). The creation kit won't know what to do with these. So just pick one. On this point it is of utmost importance that the filenames are verbatim how they appear in the spreadsheet or they won't play. They are software generated reference IDs.

zekemckillip

Second Question: How much dead time do you want before and after the line? I've been doing .5sec but I can crop it all the way up to the line, or add a bit more dead time...



.5 fine is great :)

 

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zekemckillip

 First, it seems like the VA skipped a line, is there a special way I need to flag this? I figure it needs to be brought to someone's attention, just don't know who's.

Second, It also seems the VA ADDED lines, what do I do with these? They aren't extra attempts, these seem to be lines that are nowhere in the script file... after about 10 lines it goes right back to the script file where they left off... My plan for now is to just leave them in one unclipped file, in case they go with a different script file, but I wanted to ask...



if they've missed a line write down the filename and hand them off @ the end in a .txt file with the package. I'll then contact the VA to get them to record the missing lines.

If they're adding lines that aren't there. Make sure you're using their merged script found on the spreadsheet. If you can't find the line anywhere. Let me know and I'll look into it as that'll take some investigation work.
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Claiming Gindrala Hleran

 

Edit: Gindrala is done. Claiming Lucan Ostorius.

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Claiming Elone.

EDIT: done

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Taerkalith

If they're adding lines that aren't there. Make sure you're using their merged script found on the spreadsheet. If you can't find the line anywhere. Let me know and I'll look into it as that'll take some investigation work.

Seems like it was just my copy of the spreadsheet, I guess I deleted some rows somehow, but I went back and checked the original and recopied that, so all better. Almost done with this one, about 210 of 320 lines done, so far 2 lines were missed by the VA, I'll get you the names as soon as I'm done with the snipping, incase he noticed himself and did them last or something...

Edit: To avoid double post.

Galtis Guvron (Complete, along with Merged Lines), Included in the fixes column the rest of the lines: Drinar Varyon, Eldrar Fathyron - is done!

Where do I put the completed package? Does it need to be zipped or anything? Also, 3 lines at the end that were not completed: MorroDefau_MDQAttack_000176A3_1, MorroDefau_MDQNerevarineTo_0000DB3D_1, and MorroDefau_MDQGreetings_00018371_1

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You need to send them as zip (each zip under the characters' names) to Taerkalith.

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yes send it as a .zip and include the missing file entries as a .txt file in the .zip so I can keep track of stuff. Thanksabunch Z!

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Pick and orange one Fizzy and post the name of it here and it's yours.

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The only orange one I see right now is KJthevoiceactor. Has someone taken that?

 

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It can be yours Nitesurgeon. Just post you've got it and I'll mark it off.

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Consider it taken

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Hi guys,

I can take Skwishface voice acting if nobody has taken it yet

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All yours Caliban! Remember if any files are missing to note their filename. Thanks!

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I have finished chopping Cassius into tiny little pieces for being annoying.[External image]I had to put a limiter on the file because there was peaking.  I have also removed some mic pops.  The last 5 tracks on the script were weird.  The underscores_ were invisible but appeared when I copied them.  I think track 82 doesn't sound good.

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Thanks Minutiae!

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I'd like to help!

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Hi everybody.

Big fan of Morrowind, I would like to help with this project if possible.

I don't have the skills for 3D, music, landscape design so I propose my help here as "non-skilled" person :).

I don't know if I have to provide more informations, but i'm up to talk about that.

My native language is French, but my english isn't bad (I think/suppose), so if there's a problem with that, so shall it be.

Thanks,

Neiloss.

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Hi,

I'll take the "Robotic Earthling" covering "Grey Throat" link

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It seems that Thesryn VA covering Irgola has already chopped the audio files. Only the "multi-segment" files has to be chopped.

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Caliban, I've marked you for grey-throat. You're right about the other one. Just needs the multi segment lines chopped and have them reviewed for anything missing/misspoken.

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Is Irgola claimed? Nothing available?

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I'm going to have to give up KJthevoiceactor for now. My life started getting complicated. Sorry about this. Someone else can take it now.

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Nitesurgeon, did you start it at least? If you have done some of it, can you send your work, or maybe link it on the spreadsheet?

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EDIT :error of mine, can't delete it

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No, I didn't start it.

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Is Hankshaw taken? According to the spreadsheet, he's not, but I wanna make sure. If he's not, I'd love to help out and do his.

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It's a new one, I think you can go for it

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The Paragade, it's all yours

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Well, I ask again, Irgola is still orange, is it still open?

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When it's orange, it's up for grabs, Ludantes.
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All right,  I take Irgola

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Hm, I'd like to give this a shot. Are cutting and naming the "only" things needed, no editing of the files with normalizing, trimming etc? I work in Cubase 5. Seems like all are taken for the moment since I can't see any orange ones.

In the latest You Tube video implementing of audio with the TES Construction Kit is mentioned. Is this a hard skill to master? 

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Am up for helping out, shall try grab one when they become available! 

Edit:

I can take LMVox's voice acted clips ('12 different names, will add names' is the NPC field) if they're not taken. Is orange under the In Game field, so assumed it's free. Sorry if it's not!

 

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Where do I have to post if I find something wrong?

Don't know if it is important but a word is missing in MorroDefau_MDQCalderaEbony_0000DE35_3 from Irgola (the second "straight")

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Once you finished chopping all the lines, put them in a .zip file and add a .txt file (where you indicate all the mistakes, missing lines, etc...) then send it to Taerkalith

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Caliban is right. Its important for us to know if the VA missed something so we can get them to re-record. You guys are also our quality control in a way, so if you think anything is bad/off. Make a note of the filename and we'll get it re-recorded :)

I'll mark Irgola

In terms of cutting, yes, you do need to be able to trim/edit. If you download audacity for free (or an old version of adobe audition) you should be able to do this. They don't take up that much room on your Hard drive.
 

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FigJig, it is yours :) It's a big one, so feel free to ask for help if you need it!

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hi, im taking Hrisskar Flat-Foot

EDIT: Done.

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The google drive link for LMVox's voice acted clips ('12 different names, will add names' is the NPC field) doesn't work. When I try to download them it says I either don't have permission or the files have been deleted. Am I using the right link? I'm using the one under 'Add link to complete package here' in the spreadsheet.

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Would love to help :D

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@iron, there is one available, it's a big one? If you want it, write that you're claiming it and I'll mark it off

@Figjig, I'll send you a PM shortly

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@Caliban and Taerkalith

Thank you, I'll add a notepad file once finished. The major issue is the fight acting voice, Irgola fells depressed lol (no offense to the man)

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