Western sophomore Casey Nolan helps Yale University student Esther Hyun record a five-song EP in the Fairhaven Recording Studio Monday. Photo by Katie Greene// THE WESTERN FRONT

Paid for by the Student Technology Fee, Fairhaven College was granted just over $40,000 in June to purchase professional-grade equipment for its recording studio.

New equipment will include new signal processors, microphones and updated Pro Tools HD systems, which are used for recording and editing in music production.

The new equipment will give users a more accurate representation of recording equipment commonly found in many professional studios, audio recording professor Chris Vita said.

“The current equipment at the Fairhaven Audio Recording Studio can be regarded as rather basic,” Vita said. “This grant will make available a number of industry standard pieces, giving our students a professional edge.”          
Vita said the professional audio industry continues to hype moderately priced and quality recording equipment to musicians.

Because of this, access to a recording facility with high-end equipment is essential, Vita said.

“Offering only the most basic gear is not enough,” Vita said. “It will feel incredibly satisfying to teach a course and know that my students are learning on the same equipment they’ll be likely to encounter at any professional studio worldwide.”

Western alumnus Paul Israel, who used the studio to record the first demo for his metal band, said the recording studio was always adequate in meeting students’ needs. However, the studio often took more time than needed because of technical issues.

“Microphone stands wouldn’t work, cables went out and there were never enough of the right microphones,” Israel said. “Having quality equipment is essential in the world of audio engineering – I think students will appreciate the new equipment.”

Israel said he encourages anyone with an interest in music to use the recording studio.

“It’s not often that you’ll have free recording time in a professional studio,” Israel said. “If you enjoy music, then you’ll enjoy it even more after taking the courses.”

Share this article:
                                   

Be first to comment on this article

Only registered users can post comments.
Please login or register.