Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library: Student Computing Services: King Library Recording Studio

SJSU King Library Recording Studio

The WhisperRoom Sound Isolation Booth is the centerpiece of SJSU library's fully equipped production space designed for professional audio and video recording. Coupled with high-performance equipment like the Mac Studio, Sony ZV-E10 DSLR, and industry-standard microphones, this setup ensures a seamless production experience. From video recording and sound editing to content creation and live streaming, the studio offers everything you need to create high-quality content. With powerful software, precise audio tools, and a quiet, controlled environment, it's the ideal space for any creative project.

At the time of your reservation, please check out the Sound Studio key and headphones from the Student Computing Services desk on the 1st floor. The key and headphones must be returned promptly at the end of your reservation time. Reservation times are fixed and cannot be extended, even if you arrive late.

Reserve the Recording Studio

Available Equipment

Sound Isolation Booth
- WhisperRoom — Designed for professional audio and video recording, offering superior sound-dampening to block out external noise. Equipped with built-in ventilation and dimmable LED lighting, it creates an ideal environment for voiceover work, podcasting, and content creation. This booth ensures a quiet, controlled space for producing high-quality recordings.

Equipment
- Mac Studio — Powerful workstation for high-performance audio/video production and editing.
- Two Dell Ultrasharp Monitors — High-resolution monitors for detailed video and graphic work.
- Stream Deck MK2 — Control panel that makes navigation easier.
- Video Recording
  - Sony ZV-E10 DSLR — Versatile camera designed for vlogging, podcasting, and high-quality video recording.
  - Two El Gato Key Lights — Professional-grade lighting to ensure proper illumination for video shoots.
- Sound Recording
  - Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro — High-quality, comfortable headphones for precise audio monitoring.
  - Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitor — Clear, accurate sound reproduction for mixing and editing.
  - Two Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Mic — Industry-standard mics for capturing detailed vocals and instruments.
  - Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 49-Key — User-friendly MIDI controller for music production.
  - Apollo Twin X DUO Heritage Edition — High-end interface for superior sound quality and recording performance.
Software
- Video Recording
  - OBS Studio — Free software for live streaming and video recording.
  - Adobe Premiere Pro — Professional video editing software used for film and video production.
  - Adobe After Effects — Industry-standard software for creating stunning visual effects and motion graphics.
  - DaVinci Resolve — Comprehensive software for color correction and advanced video editing.
- Audio
  - Ableton Live 12 — Popular DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for music production, mixing, and live performance.
  - Logic Pro — Professional music production software for composing, editing, and mixing audio.
  - Garageband — Intuitive audio editing software, ideal for beginners and quick projects.
  - Adobe Audition — Powerful audio editing software for professional sound design and editing.

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Usage Guidelines

Reservation Requirements

Patrons must reserve the room in advance. Reservations are limited to two hours per session and one session per day to ensure availability for all patrons due to high user volume.
Patrons may use the room for the full duration of the reservation. However, the key must be returned immediately at the end of the booking.

Room Access

Keys to the room can be picked up at the Student Computing Services (SCS) desk on the 1st floor.
Patrons must present a valid Tower ID card and must be currently enrolled to check out the key

Equipment Use

Provided Equipment:
- Patrons are responsible for handling all equipment (camera, mic, iMac) with care The room and equipment are inspected by staff prior to your reservation. However, we encourage patrons to check that all equipment is in working order when they arrive.
- If any equipment malfunctions or technical issues arise during your session, please report them immediately to Media staff for assistance (See contact information under "Additional Support").
Recording and Editing: Patrons are welcome to use any of the recording software available on the provided iMac for basic recording and editing.
- After recording, patrons are responsible for saving or transferring their files. Files left on the iMac may be deleted after the session and recovery of these files will not be possible.

Room Etiquette

No food or drinks are allowed in the room to protect the equipment.
All setup changes (mic adjustments, keyboard adjustments, etc.) should be returned to their original position at the end of the session.
Patrons must firmly close and lock the door upon leaving at the end of the session.
The Library is not responsible for any personal belongings left behind in the Sound Studio.

Penalties for Late Returns or Damage

Late Key Return: A $15 fine will be charged for every hour that the keys are returned after the reservation end time. Repeated late returns may lead to suspension of room-use privileges.
Key Loss: Patrons are fully responsible for the replacement cost of the key, including expenses related to rekeying locks and any associated losses or damages to equipment during the time the key is unaccounted for. A record hold will be placed on the patron’s account until the outstanding fines are paid.
Responsibility: Patrons are fully financially responsible for any of the following:
- Damage to or loss of equipment
- Misuse of equipment or failure to follow room usage policies
- Leaving the room unclean or disorganized
Continuous failure to follow these policies may result in suspension of room-use privileges