Class Resources

Readings that go with what we cover in class.

Interactive Tools from Sonia Herrero

• Microphone Patterns / Polarity
  Move a talker around different mics and hear how placement, distance and pattern change the sound.
• Gain Staging
  Set the gain at each stage of a signal chain and see and hear headroom, clipping and noise.
• Sample and Bit Rate for File Conversion
  See what sample rate, bit depth and bitrate do to your audio, and which file formats to use.

Keep Learning

• iZotope Learn
  Free video tutorials on RX, Ozone and Neutron, the industry tools for cleanup, EQ and mastering.
• Sound On Sound Magazine
  Deep-dive gear reviews, plugin technique articles and real studio session breakdowns.
• Transom.org: Craft Essays
  Technical guides from working producers: mic choice, editing rhythm, room tone, mix philosophy.
• Podcast Standards Project
  RSS, metadata, accessibility and delivery specs. The technical spec sheet for modern podcast production.
• AES Standards Online
  Official loudness specs (AES-R0068) and technical references. Bookmark this for client delivery specs.
• Podcast Movement Community
  Annual industry conference, Slack community and job board for working audio producers.

Gain Staging

• Gain Staging Like a Pro (Sweetwater)
  Read this before your first session on the interface.

Polar Patterns

• Polar Patterns in Microphones: Explained (Global Audio Visual)
  Good overview of each pattern and when you'd use it.
• A Brief Guide to Microphones: What's the Pattern? (Audio-Technica)
  Shorter read. Pay attention to the part on proximity effect.

File Conversion Best Practices

• Best Audio Formats for Recording, Mastering & Distribution (MasteringBOX)
  WAV, FLAC, MP3 and the rest, and which one to use when.

Get Your Work Out There!

Where to submit audio stories.

• Transom.org
  Submit finished audio pieces for publication. One of the most prestigious placements for independent narrative audio.
• Third Coast International Audio Festival
  Premier annual audio storytelling competition, with categories for documentary, experimental and short-form pieces.
• PRX (Public Radio Exchange)
  Distribute work to public radio stations, and pitch finished pieces to shows distributed through PRX.
• AIR (Association of Independents in Radio)
  Grants, fellowships, open calls and job postings specifically for independent audio producers.
• The Moth
  Personal narrative storytelling. Open mics are the on-ramp, and the Radio Hour and Podcast air the best.
• NPR Pitching Guide
  How to pitch stories to NPR programs: guidelines, contacts, and what each show is looking for.