HearThis includes a built-in Sample project if you just want to play around with it to become familiar with the user interface or do a simple demonstration for training purposes. To use it for real work, you’ll need to have access to the Scripture text you want to record. HearThis supports three different sources, or types, of text:

Paratext Project

For teams doing active Bible translation, HearThis provides the ability to pull in the “live” data directly from a Paratext project. To use HearThis to record a Paratext project, you need to have Paratext installed or at least have a local copy of the project (which generally means you have to be at least an Observer on the project). When you download HearThis, make sure you get the correct version to work with the version of Paratext you are using.

Some teams use HearThis as part of the quality-checking process for their drafted Scriptures, since recording and listening to the recordings can help identify problems and improve naturalness. Do keep in mind that you should distinguish between such recorded drafts and final recordings for wider distribution, which should only be produced for material that has been consultant checked and approved for publishing. Note: HearThis reads in the text of all books when a project is opened, so any edits made in Paratext while the project is open in HearThis will not be reflected in HearThis until the project is closed and reopened.

For best results, when using HearThis to record the text of a Paratext project, ensure that the Basic Checks for Chapter/Verse Numbers, Markers, and Punctuation all pass.

Text Release Bundles

HearThis can read Scripture data from a Text Release Bundle. To use this approach, you will probably need to have access to download the published text from the Digital Bible Library.

Glyssen Scripts

For multi-voice recordings, HearThis can read the text of a Glyssen script. Since HearThis does not provide the guidance for managing a recording project involving multiple “voice actors,” it is strongly encouraged that you work with someone who is trained in doing this. One excellent option to consider is partnering with Faith Comes By Hearing.

Partnering with FCBH

Faith Comes By Hearing‘s mission is to provide people everywhere with free access to God’s Word through Audio Bibles in every translated language. To explore a possible partnership with them to create a successful product, please check out their FCBH Guidelines to Processing Partner Recordings and FCBH Reference Guide for Using HearThis”>FCBH Reference Guide for Using HearThis.
Note: Depending on the stage of your project, and their availability to meet your timeline, instead of recording with HearThis, you might be able to arrange for FCBH to help with the recording process and walk with you through every stage of getting your audio Scriptures completed and published. Please contact them directly for more information.