The Studio is located on the second floor of the University of Idaho Library. When you get to the second floor through the main staircase, go straight, make a left turn at the DVD collections, then make a right turn at the Center for Digital Inquiry and Learning (CDIL). The Studio will be on your left. You can also refer to the floor maps for directions.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of usage of the Studio:

• Record
  • Lectures and instructional videos
  • Voice-over narrations for videos and slideshows
  • Individual or group interviews
  • Podcasts
• Edit
  • Multi-track audio mixing
  • Short, documentary, and narrative films
  • Videos (creative, informational, instructional)
• Digitize
  • Analog audio recording (cassette tape, reel-to-reel tape, vinyl record) to digital format
  • Analog video recording (VHS tape, DVD) to digital format

Patrons who wish to use the Studio equipment for digitization must abide by copyright law. Please refer to the Copyright Guide for more information on appropriate uses of copyrighted materials. Also, note that the digitization equipment is used by Center for Digital Inquiry and Learning (CDIL) more frequently, and their projects often take priority, so a general studio booking won’t guarantee that the digitization equipment will be present in the studio. Please contact CDIL for equipment availability.

Orientation with a staff member is recommended for first-time users. Please fill out the request an orientation form to schedule a meeting.

Reservation is required to use the Studio once you have received an orientation. You can book the room up to two weeks in advance using our reservation system LibCal on the Studio homepage. Same-day reservations may be possible but are not guaranteed. Please cancel your reservation if no longer needed to allow others to use the space.

You will receive a confirmation email after you have made a reservation. Then, bring your Vandal Card to the library at the time of your reservation. The staff at the Circulation Desk will check out the Studio key for you. Return the key by the end of your reserved session time.

We currently have the following audio software installed on the iMac:

• Logic Pro X - Professional Digital Audio Workspace with default sample libraries & plugins, and preset preferences to interact with the MIDI keyboard and MOTU audio interface. Best for recording and editing.
• MainStage - Live Performance software in companion to Logic Pro.
• GarageBand - Simple Digital Audio Workspace with less functions than Logic Pro, but approachable interface.
• Adobe Audition - Professional audio file editing software.
• Audacity - Simple audio file editing software.
• iZotope RX 6 - Professional noise reduction software. Includes Denoise, Dereverb, and a spectral editor to remove unwanted noises.

We also have equipment available to record audio in the Studio. Already set up for easy use are two SM58 microphones, MPK Mini MIDI keyboard, and a Focusrite audio interface with 1/4” input. These options should suffice for podcasts, single track recordings, simple MIDI input, and simple video voiceover.

The Studio is currently optimized with light sound paneling to record podcasts, short films, and interviews. Other audio recording is possible, but do not expect the same outcome as a recording booth or soundproofed room. Certain musical instruments are allowed as long as volumes are kept at an appropriate level. No percussive instruments whatsoever. Be warned that there is a noticeable hum in the room, and the elevator and door adjacent to the room will be picked up by most microphone setups. See iZotope RX 6 software to deal with these issues.

We have the following video software installed on the iMac:

• Adobe Premiere - Professional video editing.
• Final Cut Pro - Professional video editing.
• iMovie - Basic video editing.

We also have equipment available to record video in the Studio, including a green screen, a black backdrop, and portable light.

The Studio is open on Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM during fall and spring semesters, and Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during summer. The Studio and the Library will be closed during national holidays, and the hours are subject to change for special circumstances. Please visit the Library Hours page for the most accurate and current hours.

Using the Studio is free of charge for students, faculty, and staff at the University of Idaho. However, patrons are responsible for any damaged or lost equipment in the Studio and fines for late loanable equipment. Please refer to the fine rate and replacement cost section of the Studio terms of use.

A One Button Studio is a user-friendly video recording system that enables users to create high-quality instructional videos with a push of a button. This setup includes a video camera, a microphone, studio lighting, a touch monitor, and an eGlass that can be included if needed. No prior knowledge or experience in video creation is required.

Please contact Hanwen Dong, the Instructional Technology Librarian, at hanwendong@uidaho.edu.