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Creating at Cline Library

Your complete how-to guide for enjoying the Cline Library's MakerLab and multimedia Studios.

Production Studio 1

Production Studio 1Production Studio 1 offers specialized hardware and software for recording and editing multimedia projects. This studio can accommodate up to four users at one time. 

This studio is ideal for: recording audio for interviews, podcasts, or voiceovers, editing multimedia projects with advanced software, reviewing your project.

Production Studio 1 Includes:

  • 27″ iMac desktop/Dell PC
  • Scarlett 2i2 Dual Audio Interface
  • Rode Procaster Microphones (2)
  • Studio Headphones (2)
  • Advanced recording and editing software

How To Guide

 

Scarlett Front

 

The front of the Scarlett audio interface includes the input connectors for Mic, Line, and Instrument signals, as well as other controls:

  1. XLR - inputs 1 and 2 for mics or instruments.
  2. GAIN - this is the incoming volume for the mics 1 and 2. Set this to a level where the LED lights turn green when someone is speaking into the mic. Yellow and Red lights mean the gain is too high and your audio might be clipped. 
  3. 48V - this button sends power to the microphones and must be activated when recording. 
  4. INST - select this "instrument" option when plugging instruments into the interface instead of microphones. 
  5. AIR - modifies the frequency of the inputs to match earlier forms of recording. This button can be ignored.
  6. MONITOR - this sets the main volume for all outputs (i.e. headphones). 
  7. USB LED - illuminates when the interface is properly receiving power and connected to the iMac. 
  8. DIRECT MONITOR - allows the headphones to playback what is picked up by the microphones. One circle means the audio from both mics will be played in both ears of the headphones. Two circles will send the audio from Mic 1 to the left ear and the audio from Mic 2 to the right ear. 
  9. Headphone Volume
  10. Headphone Output

Tutorial Videos

The following tutorial videos will show you how to:

  • Connecting Microphones to the Scarlett Interface (1)
  • Setting up the Scarlett Interface in GarageBand (2)
  • Setting up the Scarlett Interface in Ableton Live (3)
  • Setting up the Scarlett Interface in Pro Tools (4)

Click on any of the video icons below to begin the selected tutorial.

    
   

Recording Software

There are many different software programs available in Production Studio 1 that can be used for recording and editing audio. This includes Ableton Live 11 Lite, Avid Pro Tools, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, and Audacity. View the following Udemy tutorials for more information:

Ableton Live

Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for composing, recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering. Ableton Live may seem intimidating but it's one of the easiest DAWs to learn. Ableton's intuitive and straight to the point workflow makes it easy to jump right in and start making songs, even as a beginner.

Need to learn how to use Ableton Live? Click the image below to view a Udemy Audacity training course (available to NAU affiliates). 

 

Preview of Udemy "Ultimate Ableton Live 10 COMPLETE: Parts 1, 2, and 3" course

GarageBand

GarageBand is a staple of many an Apple user's audio experience. The streamlined design and editing software makes it easy to navigate through the application's multiple functions. It also introduces instruments and sounds that ensure users don't feel overwhelmed by their lack of familiarity.

Need to learn how to use GarageBand? Click the image below to view a Udemy Audacity training course (available to NAU affiliates). 

 

Preview of Udemy "GarageBand: The Complete GarageBand Course Music Production" course

Audacity

Audacity is a free digital audio recording and editing software available on all Cline Library computers or by visiting https://www.audacityteam.org/. Audacity is an ideal program to use if you have no experience editing audio but need to increase audio volume or clarity, clean up your audio, add effects, or reduce background noise.

Need to learn how to use Audacity? Click the image below to view a Udemy Audacity training course (available to NAU affiliates). 

 

Preview of Udemy "Professional Podcast Production" course

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is the industry standard audio editing program and is available on all Cline Library computers or through the NAU remote apps at https://apps.nau.edu/. Audition is more complicated than Audacity but has advanced features to clean and repair your recordings.

Need to learn how to use Audition? Click the image below to view a Udemy Audition training course (available to NAU affiliates). 

 

Adobe Audition course from Udemy screenshot.