Podcasting: The Benefits of Audio Design

DHSI Design Podcast: Why Podcast?

Despite the growing reliance on visual mediums of new media, podcasting presents an accessible method of sharing information. Digital audio content hosted online through podcasts are easy to upload, distribute and download, meaning that anyone with a computer, microphone and editing software can make podcasts.

Working in Garageband

User-friendly software audio software, in this case we used Garageband, allows people without a high level of knowledge in audio editing to construct professional-sounding podcasts without the use of a studio, professional equipment or a trained audio technician. Opening up the field of audio production, scholarly work can be discussed, shared and promoted by using podcasts effectively.

Podcast Master Track

Using Garageband, separate audio tracks can be recorded then edited on their own. Each individual track is contained within the master track, which can then be mixed down into a single file. Theme music, stingers, and effects break up the vocal narrative of the podcast, creating a format that is listener friendly as well.

Final Mixdown of Podcast Track

Because of the ease with which podcasts can be created thousands upon thousands exist, often making it difficult to produce a piece that is distinguishable from the vast audio minefield of available podcasts. By using social media resources, such as blogger, tumblr, twitter or facebook individual podcasts can be promoted and shared across online networks, allowing podcasts to gain listeners.

Kent takes over the Twitterverse

As Twitter was being covered in class by @digiwonk, Kent whined to his two twitter followers: I still don't see why I would try to find anything useful on twitter.

Jean: After tweeting to the DHSI crowd for a couple of days, and amassing a bunch of followers to our @DHSIdesign feed – how’s it feel? Is your Twitter-sense any less curmudgeonly?

Kent: I’m pumped, stoked, fer sure – what I lacked was purpose – I needed to have a reason to follow people working in my area of research who tweet. I’ve found those people and I’m following a critical mass of DH colleagues with ab fab ideas. This could become like crack cocaine – need to check twitter first thing in the morning and throughout the day…..a bit worrisome actually.