Fall 2023 - Everything is New!
A number of significant upgrades and changes to the studio facilities have recently been completed. The changes reflect our goal to better serve and encourage the wide range of sonic activities that CalArts music students pursue.
Analog Mixing Studio (B305B)
Formerly known as the Synth Studio, the AMS has been created specifically for students interested in music production and audio mixing. Along with the DRS it is a primary listening and mixing facility for students working on their own production related projects - audio editing, mixing, and mastering using ProTools, Logic, or Ableton Live. The studio has a new Trident analog mixing console, new Genelec 1032 monitors, and additions to the outboard processing equipment.
Digital Recording Studio (B308)
The focus of the DRS remains the same: it is for students interested in audio recording practices, music production, and audio mixing. The equipment has received an upgrade. There is a new Mac Studio computer, API monitor controller, microphone input boxes and gobos, microphones, outboard processors, and streamlined connectivity to the audio interface.
Experimental Sound Studio (B304)
The name is the same but it has been completely reconfigured. First off, this is no longer a traditional music production studio: the speakers are arranged in a multi-channel configuration to support audio installation work and to support students working on WaveCave installations. For analog experimentation there is a no-input mixing setup along with analog processors, actuators, and contact microphones.
ScoreLab
The ScoreLab is closed. At least in B309. The music school and the CalArts Library are working on a plan for music students to have access to score making materials and score making software via the CalArts Library.
Studio Access Does Not Carry Over from Spring to Fall
If you are a returning music student who previously had access to a studio you will need to request access for this year. Also, if you previously had access to the ESS (B304) you may request access to the AMS instead.
Policies
• Please don't remove any equipment from the studios without permission from the studio director. This includes microphones, cables, keyboards, etc. Do not move gear from one studio to another.
• Please don't unplug any of the studio connections.
• Please don't store your own gear or project materials in any of the studios. Any extraneous gear found in the studios including amps, instruments, electronics, etc will be placed in the hallway.
• If something breaks, please tell a faculty member or a studio TA immediately. We would rather hear it from you than find out on our own.
• All your files on studio computers are your responsibility. You are responsible for backing up your own work. Purchasing a mobile drive for your projects is suggested.
• Only authorized users may operate the studio equipment.
• Please make sure the studio is secure when you leave. Do not leave unauthorized people in the studios under any circumstances. You are responsible for any actions that might go down during and or after your studio time.
Hours
The CalArts School of Music studios are open 24 hours, 7 days a week during the semester. The studios are closed over the winter holiday break and the Monday after graduation in May through the summer. Once you are approved for access, studio time may be reserved in person by using the posted schedule on each studio door. Any keycard issues should be addressed to the Music Office.
Access - What's the Process?
1) Fill out the online form below to request access to each of studios. Making a request does not guarantee access. Your request will be evaluated by the music studios faculty before being approved.
2) Once approved, a work order will be sent from the Music Office to Facilities Management. Facilities Management will encode your requests to your CalArts ID. It may take Facilities Management up to a week to encode your CalArts ID so please be patient. You will not receive an email or notice from Facilities Management when your ID code is ready so you will have check-in with them in person to receive your code.
3) A few days after submitting your access form go to the Facilities Management office. Ask for your "four digit access code" assigned to your CalArts ID. They will give you a four digit access code. Your four digit ID code will work for all card readers throughout the institute that you have been granted access.
4) Go to each of the studios you requested access for and test your ID code in the card reader located outside the studio door. Tap or swipe your CalArts ID card and enter your four digit ID code. The door should open.
5) If the door does not open make sure you have your four digit ID code correct. If the door still does not open go to the Music Office and ask if your request has been noted.
Access Form
To request access to a studio, fill out the form below to get started.