Twenty Thousand Hertz
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:06:39 +0000
Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:06:39 +0000
Libsyn RSSgen 1.0
episodic
no
#29 | Let It Beep
Let It Beep
Mon, 27 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000
For over two decades, every time you turned on a Mac, you were greeted by a familiar sound. It's appeared as a punchline in The Simpsons, in movies like WALL•E. It's a sound some of us tried to hide from our parents as we turned on the computer in the middle of the night. It's a sound that's transcended technology; the sound that makes a Mac feel like a Mac. But no longer; the iconic Mac startup chime is going away. But, while we all recognize the sound, we rarely think of who made it. On the eve of the boot beep's retirement, Mark Bramhill, from the podcast Welcome to Macintosh talks to creator Jim Reekes about the most fun and iconic sounds he designed during his time at Apple. Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here.]]>
More info can be found at 20k.org.]]>
Many animals, humans included, are natural-born criers. It's the most basic form of communication from right when we come into the world. But us humans are unique: we keep on crying until the day we die. What was born as a survival mechanism, develops a deeper fundamental need as we grow older. In this episode, we discover the hard-wiring in our brains that reach across species, and how our tears into adulthood make us distinctively human. Featuring Dr. Susan Lingle, Behavioral Ecologist at the University of Winnipeg, and Dr. Ad Vingerhoets, Research Psychologist at the University of Tilburg. More info can be found at 20k.org.]]>
25:35
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26
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#25 | Level Up
Level Up
Tue, 03 Oct 2017 16:00:00 +0000
Video games are a growing industry and every play-controlled experience is defined by its harmony of music, sound effects, and voice acting. In this episode, we reveal how these elements of a video game's soundscape are crafted and come together to tell an interactive story. The most sophisticated sound design in video games allows those without the ability to see a chance to engage with some of our greatest modern entertainment. Featuring Microsoft Sound Designer, Zachary Quarles, and ArenaNet Technical Sound Designer, Damian Kastbauer. More info can be found at 20k.org.]]>
Video games are a growing industry and every play-controlled experience is defined by its harmony of music, sound effects, and voice acting. In this episode, we reveal how these elements of a video game's soundscape are crafted and come together to tell an interactive story. The most sophisticated sound design in video games allows those without the ability to see a chance to engage with some of our greatest modern entertainment. Featuring Microsoft Sound Designer, Zachary Quarles, and ArenaNet Technical Sound Designer, Damian Kastbauer. More info can be found at 20k.org.]]>
22:23
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#24 | Watergate
Watergate
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:00:00 +0000
Watergate might be the most widely-referenced scandal in our nation's history. The actual word itself has been appropriated in order to name many later scandals. But for a new generation of Americans, the word Watergate might not mean much. What was it? Who was involved and why was it important? Featuring Luke Nichter, author of The Nixon Tapes, and founder of NixonTapes.org.]]>
Watergate might be the most widely-referenced scandal in our nation's history. The actual word itself has been appropriated in order to name many later scandals. But for a new generation of Americans, the word Watergate might not mean much. What was it? Who was involved and why was it important? Featuring Luke Nichter, author of The Nixon Tapes, and founder of NixonTapes.org.]]>
33:47
false
24
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#23 | Sonic Seasoning
Sonic Seasoning
Tue, 05 Sep 2017 16:00:00 +0000
Can sound influence our taste buds? Featuring Charles Spence, head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at Oxford University. For more information, credits, and links visit 20k.org.]]>
Can sound influence our taste buds? Featuring Charles Spence, head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at Oxford University. For more information, credits, and links visit 20k.org.]]>
18:19
false
23
full
Dallas Taylor / 20K
#22 | Fight or Flight
Fight or Flight
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 16:00:00 +0000
Are you afraid to fly? Does even the thought of boarding an airplane make you anxious? You're not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from clinical aviophobia. While some manage to distract themselves long enough to endure a flight, countless others avoid flying altogether. What are those mysterious sounds that trigger our fears on airplanes? And how do we keep our anxieties from interfering with our lives? Featuring Dr. Devika Fiorillo, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders, and Tom Finnegan, a commercial airline pilot with more than 20 years in the air. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org]]>
Are you afraid to fly? Does even the thought of boarding an airplane make you anxious? You're not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from clinical aviophobia. While some manage to distract themselves long enough to endure a flight, countless others avoid flying altogether. What are those mysterious sounds that trigger our fears on airplanes? And how do we keep our anxieties from interfering with our lives? Featuring Dr. Devika Fiorillo, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders, and Tom Finnegan, a commercial airline pilot with more than 20 years in the air. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org]]>
25:20
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22
full
Dallas Taylor / 20K
#21 | Sound Firsts
Sound Firsts
Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:00:00 +0000
What is the oldest recorded sound in history? For over 100 years researchers thought they knew until a mind-blowing discovery by historians found something new - and technological advances allowed it to be played back for the first time in history. What is the oldest recording of a musical performance, president, battlefield, television broadcast, cell phone call, and more? Featuring Patrick Feaster, co-founder of FirstSounds.org, three-time Grammy nominee, and Ph.D. in Musicology as well as Lynn Novick, award-winning filmmaker, and co-directing partner of Ken Burns. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
What is the oldest recorded sound in history? For over 100 years researchers thought they knew until a mind-blowing discovery by historians found something new - and technological advances allowed it to be played back for the first time in history. What is the oldest recording of a musical performance, president, battlefield, television broadcast, cell phone call, and more? Featuring Patrick Feaster, co-founder of FirstSounds.org, three-time Grammy nominee, and Ph.D. in Musicology as well as Lynn Novick, award-winning filmmaker, and co-directing partner of Ken Burns. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
28:41
false
21
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#20 | Noise Pollution
Noise Pollution
Tue, 25 Jul 2017 16:00:00 +0000
Noise pollution is something we've all experienced. Road construction, motorcycles, passing aircraft - the list goes on and on. Other than being just plain annoying, what effect does noise pollution have on our lives? In this episode, we take a look at the physical and psychological effects of noise pollution on humans, as well as the wider and equally devastating environmental repercussions. Featuring Les Blomberg, executive director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, and Rachel Buxton, acoustic ecologist, conservation biologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
Noise pollution is something we've all experienced. Road construction, motorcycles, passing aircraft - the list goes on and on. Other than being just plain annoying, what effect does noise pollution have on our lives? In this episode, we take a look at the physical and psychological effects of noise pollution on humans, as well as the wider and equally devastating environmental repercussions. Featuring Les Blomberg, executive director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, and Rachel Buxton, acoustic ecologist, conservation biologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
20:31
false
20
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
Video | 20,000 dBs Under the Sea w/ Vox
Bonus Video: 20,000 dBs Under the Sea w/ Vox
Tue, 18 Jul 2017 12:00:00 +0000
We often think of the ocean as a quiet, peaceful place, filled with animals that don't make much noise. So when Christophe Haubursin from Vox went diving in the ocean for the first time, he was surprised at how rich the soundscape was: he could hear fish nibbling on coral and squid swimming. But more than anything, he could almost always hear the hum of a boat engine. It's part of a big problem in the ocean right now — ship noise has doubled every decade since 1970, wreaking havoc on marine life. This video was made in collaboration with Twenty Thousand Hertz, a podcast that dives deep into all kinds of stories about sound. Everything from "who's the person behind the voice on your phone," to "what do other planets sound like to our ears?" To hear more stories like this, subscribe at applepodcasts.com/20k. Marine life photographs courtesy of NOAA, STRI Office of Bioinformatics, and Richard Bejarano. Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out Vox to get up to speed on everything from Kurdistan to the Kim Kardashian app. Subscribe to Vox on YouTube! Check out the full video catalog: Follow Vox on Twitter: Or on Facebook: /////// Join Dallas at the Film & Music Conference on September 29th & 30th in Fort Worth, Texas. Register here. Defacto Sound is a sound team dedicated to making the world sound better. Follow the show on Twitter & Facebook. Our website is 20k.org. Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org. Sign up for Squarespace and use the promo code "20K" for 10% off your first purchase of a website and domain. For a free audiobook and a 30-day free trial membership, sign up for Audible at Audible.com/20k. Check out Dallas' "Starting and Growing a Podcast" Workshop at Together Workshops. Sign up with promo code "20K" for 20% off.]]>
We often think of the ocean as a quiet, peaceful place, filled with animals that don't make much noise. So when Christophe Haubursin from Vox went diving in the ocean for the first time, he was surprised at how rich the soundscape was: he could hear fish nibbling on coral and squid swimming. But more than anything, he could almost always hear the hum of a boat engine. It's part of a big problem in the ocean right now — ship noise has doubled every decade since 1970, wreaking havoc on marine life. This video was made in collaboration with Twenty Thousand Hertz, a podcast that dives deep into all kinds of stories about sound. Everything from "who's the person behind the voice on your phone," to "what do other planets sound like to our ears?" To hear more stories like this, subscribe at applepodcasts.com/20k. Marine life photographs courtesy of NOAA, STRI Office of Bioinformatics, and Richard Bejarano. Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out Vox to get up to speed on everything from Kurdistan to the Kim Kardashian app. Subscribe to Vox on YouTube! Check out the full video catalog: Follow Vox on Twitter: Or on Facebook: /////// Join Dallas at the Film & Music Conference on September 29th & 30th in Fort Worth, Texas. Register here. Defacto Sound is a sound team dedicated to making the world sound better. Follow the show on Twitter & Facebook. Our website is 20k.org. Consider supporting the show at donate.20k.org. Sign up for Squarespace and use the promo code "20K" for 10% off your first purchase of a website and domain. For a free audiobook and a 30-day free trial membership, sign up for Audible at Audible.com/20k. Check out Dallas' "Starting and Growing a Podcast" Workshop at Together Workshops. Sign up with promo code "20K" for 20% off.]]>
09:29
false
full
Dallas Taylor / 20K & Vox
#19 | 20,000 dBs Under the Sea
20,000 dBs Under the Sea
Tue, 11 Jul 2017 16:00:00 +0000
71% of the Earth is covered by water. And most of us imagine it to be a serene, almost silent world. But why should we have all the fun up here? Discover what sound is like just below the surface and all the way down to the ocean's depths. And see how mankind might be making it unpleasant for everyone and everything that calls the oceans home. Featuring underwater acoustician Al Jones, Professor John Hildebrand from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Christophe Haubursin from Vox.com on special assignment. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org. ]]>
71% of the Earth is covered by water. And most of us imagine it to be a serene, almost silent world. But why should we have all the fun up here? Discover what sound is like just below the surface and all the way down to the ocean's depths. And see how mankind might be making it unpleasant for everyone and everything that calls the oceans home. Featuring underwater acoustician Al Jones, Professor John Hildebrand from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Christophe Haubursin from Vox.com on special assignment. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org. ]]>
25:21
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19
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#18 | Evolution of Accents
Evolution of Accents
Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000
When you describe yourself to others you might mention your height, hairstyle, or maybe your build. But one of the most telling things about you is something you can't even see, yet it defines you more than you realize. Your accent tells others where you're from, who you identify with, and maybe even where you're going. How did accents evolve and why are American accents so different from British accents? Featuring Hollywood Dialect Coach Erik Singer and Linguistics Professor Dr. Walt Wolfram. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
When you describe yourself to others you might mention your height, hairstyle, or maybe your build. But one of the most telling things about you is something you can't even see, yet it defines you more than you realize. Your accent tells others where you're from, who you identify with, and maybe even where you're going. How did accents evolve and why are American accents so different from British accents? Featuring Hollywood Dialect Coach Erik Singer and Linguistics Professor Dr. Walt Wolfram. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
25:42
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18
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#17 | Forensic Audio
Forensic Audio
Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000
You might not realize it, but audio can be just as crucial to solving a case than video or eyewitness testimony. But understanding how to interpret audio evidence, or having the ability to enhance it to a point of intelligibility, requires highly-specialized training and expensive software. Meet Kent Gibson, one of the country's leading forensic audio experts, who's done audio analysis for the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, among many others, and get his take on audio evidence from the missing Malaysian Airlines flight, the Trayvon Martin case, and Mel Gibson's infamous domestic dispute. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
You might not realize it, but audio can be just as crucial to solving a case than video or eyewitness testimony. But understanding how to interpret audio evidence, or having the ability to enhance it to a point of intelligibility, requires highly-specialized training and expensive software. Meet Kent Gibson, one of the country's leading forensic audio experts, who's done audio analysis for the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, among many others, and get his take on audio evidence from the missing Malaysian Airlines flight, the Trayvon Martin case, and Mel Gibson's infamous domestic dispute. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
19:13
false
17
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#16 | The Wilhelm Scream
The Wilhelm Scream
Tue, 30 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000
When it comes to movie screams, what's the first one you think of? Is it a scream that evokes a sense of fear, pain, or maybe even… humor? Perhaps you immediately think about a famous "Scream Queen" or a specific scene from a movie. But you may not realize that the most famous scream in Hollywood has a name—and it's been used over and over and over in countless films, television shows, and commercials. What makes it so good? And how did it become a filmmaker favorite? Featuring Steve Lee, sound designer, film historian, and creator of the Hollywood Sound Museum. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
When it comes to movie screams, what's the first one you think of? Is it a scream that evokes a sense of fear, pain, or maybe even… humor? Perhaps you immediately think about a famous "Scream Queen" or a specific scene from a movie. But you may not realize that the most famous scream in Hollywood has a name—and it's been used over and over and over in countless films, television shows, and commercials. What makes it so good? And how did it become a filmmaker favorite? Featuring Steve Lee, sound designer, film historian, and creator of the Hollywood Sound Museum. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
20:03
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16
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#15 | Voice Acting
Voice Acting
Tue, 16 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000
We hear disembodied voices all the time, in everything from cartoons and anime to commercials and trailers. It seems easy, but it's actually an intricate craft involving a great amount of training. What does it take to create multiple, unique personalities using only a voice? Featuring voice actors Christopher Sabat (Dragonball Z, One Piece) and Cissy Jones (Firewatch, The Walking Dead). For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
We hear disembodied voices all the time, in everything from cartoons and anime to commercials and trailers. It seems easy, but it's actually an intricate craft involving a great amount of training. What does it take to create multiple, unique personalities using only a voice? Featuring voice actors Christopher Sabat (Dragonball Z, One Piece) and Cissy Jones (Firewatch, The Walking Dead). For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
19:38
false
15
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#14 | Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss
Tue, 02 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000
Our ears are sensitive, but we often don't treat them that way. We are born with the ability to hear up to 20,000 Hz. As we age, our hearing range diminishes. On top of that, the more exposure we have to loud sounds, the greater the impact it has on our ability to hear. Find out what happens once we start to lose our hearing. Featuring Lindsay Prusick and Shaheem Sanchez (Instagram). For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
Our ears are sensitive, but we often don't treat them that way. We are born with the ability to hear up to 20,000 Hz. As we age, our hearing range diminishes. On top of that, the more exposure we have to loud sounds, the greater the impact it has on our ability to hear. Find out what happens once we start to lose our hearing. Featuring Lindsay Prusick and Shaheem Sanchez (Instagram). For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
20:18
false
14
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#13 | The Good, the Bad & the Irritating
The Good, the Bad & the Irritating
Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000
Some sounds are like rug burn for your ears, while others are pleasant and soothing. We explore these sounds and get to the bottom of why we might interpret them as "good" or "bad". Featuring Tommy Edison and David Poeppel. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
Some sounds are like rug burn for your ears, while others are pleasant and soothing. We explore these sounds and get to the bottom of why we might interpret them as "good" or "bad". Featuring Tommy Edison and David Poeppel. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
18:39
false
13
full
Dallas Taylor / 20K
#12 | Foley
Foley
Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:53:01 +0000
When you listen to a movie, everything the actor touches sounds crisp and clean. However, none of it was recorded on the movie set. Go behind the scenes with some of the unsung heroes of our movie experience. Featuring Fred Newman and Skywalker Sound's Foley Team, John Roesch, Shelley Roden, and Scott Curtis. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
When you listen to a movie, everything the actor touches sounds crisp and clean. However, none of it was recorded on the movie set. Go behind the scenes with some of the unsung heroes of our movie experience. Featuring Fred Newman and Skywalker Sound's Foley Team, John Roesch, Shelley Roden, and Scott Curtis. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
15:23
false
12
full
Dallas Taylor / 20K
#11 | Space
Space
Tue, 21 Mar 2017 16:00:00 +0000
When we think about sound, our only reference is what it's like here on Earth. What happens when we leave this thin blanket of atmosphere, and what do other planets sound like? Featuring Dr. Lori Glaze, Dr. Keith Noll, Dr. Scott Guzewich from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
When we think about sound, our only reference is what it's like here on Earth. What happens when we leave this thin blanket of atmosphere, and what do other planets sound like? Featuring Dr. Lori Glaze, Dr. Keith Noll, Dr. Scott Guzewich from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
19:06
false
11
full
Dallas Taylor / 20K
#10 | Dolls That Talk... And Some That Listen
Dolls That Talk... And Some That Listen
Tue, 07 Mar 2017 17:00:00 +0000
Talking dolls have been around for over a century, but the fascination with making inanimate objects seem human reaches back into our early history. What is it about creating a companion that can interact with us, especially for a child, that fascinates us so? And what will that look like as our technology continues to advance? Featuring Carlene Stephens, Curator for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and Claire Gartland of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
Talking dolls have been around for over a century, but the fascination with making inanimate objects seem human reaches back into our early history. What is it about creating a companion that can interact with us, especially for a child, that fascinates us so? And what will that look like as our technology continues to advance? Featuring Carlene Stephens, Curator for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and Claire Gartland of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
15:57
false
10
full
Dallas Taylor / 20K
#9 | Cars
Cars
Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:00:00 +0000
Some car sounds are more obvious like the horn or engine... but what about the not-obvious-until-you-point-them-out sounds like the hollow thud of a trunk or the click of a latch? The sounds a car makes are so closely associated with quality, so how, exactly, do car makers handle this aspect of the driving experience? Featuring Car Enthusiast & Sound Mixer Brian Garfield, David Zenlea from Road & Track, and Tom Teknos from Ford. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
Some car sounds are more obvious like the horn or engine... but what about the not-obvious-until-you-point-them-out sounds like the hollow thud of a trunk or the click of a latch? The sounds a car makes are so closely associated with quality, so how, exactly, do car makers handle this aspect of the driving experience? Featuring Car Enthusiast & Sound Mixer Brian Garfield, David Zenlea from Road & Track, and Tom Teknos from Ford. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
14:47
false
9
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#8 | Audio Descriptions
Audio Descriptions
Tue, 07 Feb 2017 17:00:00 +0000
Did you know there might be a track of audio on your favorite movies and television shows that describe all of the actions on screen? This technology was designed for the visually impaired, but it could be used for the masses. It's still not as widely provided as some would hope. Meet the consumers and activists fighting for a better-described tomorrow. Featuring Tommy Edison, Robert Kingett, and Colleen Connor. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
Did you know there might be a track of audio on your favorite movies and television shows that describe all of the actions on screen? This technology was designed for the visually impaired, but it could be used for the masses. It's still not as widely provided as some would hope. Meet the consumers and activists fighting for a better-described tomorrow. Featuring Tommy Edison, Robert Kingett, and Colleen Connor. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
13:44
false
8
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#7 | What Makes up a Movie Soundtrack?
What Makes up a Movie Soundtrack?
Tue, 24 Jan 2017 17:00:00 +0000
When you think of a movie soundtrack, you probably think music. And sure, that's one of the many, many things going on there. What else goes into making a scene sound "natural"? It isn't what you'd think. Meet a major motion picture sound designer who unpacks all the layers of sound that go into your favorite movies and a woman who gets tigers to sing... on tape. Featuring Sound Designers, Chris Aud and Ann Kroeber. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
When you think of a movie soundtrack, you probably think music. And sure, that's one of the many, many things going on there. What else goes into making a scene sound "natural"? It isn't what you'd think. Meet a major motion picture sound designer who unpacks all the layers of sound that go into your favorite movies and a woman who gets tigers to sing... on tape. Featuring Sound Designers, Chris Aud and Ann Kroeber. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
14:50
false
7
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Dallas Taylor / 20K
#6 | From Analog to Digital
From Analog to Digital
Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:00:04 +0000
Did we lose anything when we transitioned from analog to digital? Learn about the Jedi skills old radio DJs had to have to spin vinyl on the radio, and meet a man who's found himself trapped in a digital world and learn what he does to escape. Featuring Rick Adams and Craig Crane. For more information, links, and credits visit 20k.org.]]>
Did we lose anything when we transitioned from analog to digital? Learn about the Jedi skills old radio DJs ha