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Research Guides@Tufts

ECS15: Mass Extinction - Podcast project

Media Management Tips

Media management encompasses the organization of media assets from research and writing through sharing and archiving.  Below are some best practices for keeping track of files as you work on your project.

Box

We recommend creating a shared Box folder to store all your digital assets.  You can share this folder with the members of your group as well as any other relevant stakeholders. Box offers an local application that can be installed on your machine to make accessing your files easier when recording and editing.  

External Hard Drive

External drives can help with saving files and moving your project file around between computers.  If someone in your group has an external hard drive it can be used for backup or for transferring media between group members. 

Organization

Staying organized is essential as you collect and create various assets for your project.  Organizing and naming all your files will help make collaborating smoother.  One example for organizing media could look like:

  • Project Title (folder)
    • Documents (folder)
    •  Original media (folder)
      • Interviews (folder)
        • GuestsName_Date (folder)
      • Narration (folder)
        • Section or Topic_Date (file)
      • Sound Effects (folder)
        • SoundEffectName_HostSite (file)
      • Music (folder)
      • Spreadsheet that lists out all the audio files with file name, source of file if downloaded, date recorded, licensing, consent forms, etc
    • Exports (folder)
      • Project Title_version_date (file)
    • Project Files (folder)

Backup

Always backup your media and project files in at least two locations!  It’s important to always back-up your media and project files in case your computer crashes or hard drive malfunction. All machines in the DDS are wiped weekly.

General Settings

If possible, select WAV as this is an uncompressed file format. If you do not have this option know that the higher your bitrate setting, the bigger the file and the higher the quality of your audio recording. Ensure every time you record that your settings are the same.

Set your recording quality to "high" and change your settings to record in 4800Hz, 24-bit. Your application may only offer 4100Hz or only 16-bit or another distinct combination of settings. Choose the highest quality of these settings. Ensure every time you record that your settings are the same.

Some applications may allow you to select Stereo or Mono for recording channels. Set your settings to record Mono if only recording one voice.  If you are recording two voices, ideally each individual would be mic'ed and have their own dedicated mono channel.

If you are using an application that captures high quality audio, make sure you have enough space available for your recordings. If not, either clear space or record to a new location. 

When recording with a smartphone, turn on Airplane Mode to avoid audio interruptions like texts and notifications if recording on a phone.

Recording Techniques

Levels. More than likely you'll be able to monitor the levels (input audio volume) prior to recording in the software you are using to record.  If the visual display of the recorded waveform is flat on the top, this means your recording is too loud. Audio that is lower than the recommendations above may be too soft to hear. That said, if you are recording ambience in a quiet space, having lower levels makes sense. Context matters. 

  • Color coded meters. Most audio meters are color coded, some are labeled in decibels. The ideal level for a voice recording on a color coded meter would be at the higher end of the green meter with occasional spikes in the yellow.
  • Numerical meters. If measuring levels numerically, aim for the sound to be between -6db and -12db.
  • Waveforms. If your application does not include a live audio meter you can do test recordings and monitor the waveforms. Waveforms that are strong and pronounced without going flat on the top usually indicate good levels. 

Know where your mic is. Test where the microphone is located by speaking into the microphone and watching the levels. Make sure the microphone is pointing at your subject.  When you see your levels get stronger, this means you are near the microphone. Make sure your hands are not covering the microphone. To prevent handling noise and rustling sounds, place your mic down on a stable surface while trying to avoid laying your phone on a flat surface, e.g. use a mini tripod or make a makeshift support for your phone from paperclips or books. 

Prior to recording listen to the space. Is the heat on? Are you near a window with heavy traffic? Find a space with minimal background noise to minimize undesired background noise.  If you are having a hard time finding a quiet space to record, try recording under a blanket or in a closet.  You may also want to book time in our recording room.  While not sound proof it is does have sound treatment and is relatively quite compared to most other spaces.

At the beginning of every recording, state what you are recording, e.g., Intro Narration take 3, slower pace. Having this at the beginning of each audio file will help with organizing your files later. 

Test test test. After you record a track, play it back and listen through headphones for any interference and check your levels. 

Remote Interview Workflow

  1. Instruct your guest to download Zoom on their home computer or tablet.  They can setup a free account with their personal email address. 
  2. Login using your Tufts credentials. 
  3. Send your guest the link to your Zoom meeting room.  Zoom has a comprehensive set of guides for inviting and joining meeting rooms.  If your subject does not have familiarity with Zoom, guide them through the process of joining a meeting.
    • Make sure in Preferences > Recording you select Record a separate audio file for each participant
  4. Record your interview.  Save the recording to the cloud.  
    • If one party has an unstable internet connection, do not share video.  Record audio only.  
    • If you've never recorded a Zoom meeting before test this part of the process with a friend or colleague! 
  5. Once you are finished with the interview, stop your Zoom recording.  Download the audio file to edit.

Production Credits

At a minimum, you should still include these components at the end of your podcast:

Individual Credits. If you are working as a group, you should include each individual and their respective role in the production. If you partnered with any individuals or organizations outside the class at any stage of the process you should also include their name in the credits. 

Purpose. A short statement can be read at the end of the podcast such as, “This podcast was produced for [course name] at [institution’s name] in [semester, year]”.

Finding your voice

You may find that as record your podcast it isn't enough to simply read your script; you likely will need to perform it.  The energy in your voice, or lack of energy, will be heard by your audience.  To help with this process try some of the following:

  • Invite a friend or group member to be present in the space while you read.  Reading to someone will radically alter your delivery.  You can also imagine performing to different types of people.  You may find that when you say your script to a loved one versus a professor your tone and phrasing are different.  Which feels best for your project?
  • Alter your script to make it easier to say.  If you are finding certain words or phrases awkward to say, change them.  They will also likely be awkward to hear.
  • Record your voice and then playback with your eyes closed.  Sometimes closing your eyes can help you hear differently.
  • Play with different types of voices.  Try exaggerating your voice.  You may find that overemphasizing your emotions translates better through the microphone.  

Finding your voice for a podcast can come naturally for some and be a complex, difficult process for others.  Below are a few posts about folks who struggled to find their voice, how they did it and what it meant for them.