Twenty Thousand Hertz

Learn about the world of recognizable sounds and how professional sound designers create iconic sounds using various techniques and elements. Discover fascinating stories behind recorded car passing sounds on wet pavement and the manipulation of beats and patterns.

Three previous winners of the Mystery Sound Game Show compete in this chaotic and hilarious Tournament of Champions. Topics include guessing languages from famous series, TikTok's brand sound, video game sounds, and the history of the Universal Studios fanfare.

Explore the impact of technology on music production, including the history and impact of distortion, the significance of sequencers and the introduction of the Band Lab app, the rise of auto-tune in music, and how technology has shaped the music industry.

Learn how to navigate the world of headphones with this episode. Discover the process of testing and choosing headphones, explore concepts like impedance and shielding, and hear about the potential future advancements in headphone technology. Plus, find out how you can win a t-shirt in a mystery sound contest!

This podcast explores the power of sound in advertising and marketing, discussing the success of iconic jingles and the influence of sound in creating memorable experiences for consumers. They also introduce a mystery sound contest and share information about sponsors and ongoing promotions.

The podcast delves into the future of car sounds as electric vehicles become more common, discussing the creation of artificial tones to replace combustion engine noises. It explores the design process for electric vehicle sounds, including nature-inspired solutions and intuitive design choices. The podcast also touches on the intersection of form and function in design, the challenges and solutions for sound in self-driving cars, and the importance of lowering carbon emissions in the industry.

Steve Lee, sound designer and film historian, discusses the surprising origin and widespread use of Hollywood’s most famous sound effect, the Wilhelm Scream. From its origins as a joke between friends to its inclusion in iconic films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, the Wilhelm Scream has become a beloved part of movie history.

Exploring the challenges of understanding dialogue in movies and TV shows. Discussing factors such as actor delivery, technology, and sound production priorities. Examining filmmaker Christopher Nolan's controversial decision to make dialogue difficult to hear and its impact on the cinematic experience.

Mark Mangini, a prolific sound designer with over 150 film credits, joins the podcast to discuss his favorite sonic moments from his career. Topics include the creation of iconic sound effects, the importance of quality sounds in sound design, the origins of lion roars in Poltergeist and The Lion King, the story behind the music selection for Star Trek 4, and legal issues and beloved scenes.

This podcast explores the world of inner speech, considering the various ways people think and process information. It delves into the origins and effects of inner speech, including its potential connection to voice hearing and its therapeutic use. The podcast also features a mystery sound contest and emphasizes the importance of supporting sponsors.