The Audio Lab at MPAL is a do-it-yourself multi-purpose audio production space. The Lab includes the A/D (analog-to-digital) Station plus additional seating for individuals to bring their personal laptops and equipment (or borrowed equipment from our Loanable Tech collection) to create and edit media. While the Lab is not 100% soundproofed, it does include sound reduction panels.
Reservation Procedures
The Audio Lab can be reserved online by Illinois students, staff, and faculty with current i-cards and is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Scheduling in advance is required as all appointments must be approved by an MPAL staff member. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, can be scheduled up to 4 weeks in advance, and can be made for up to 2 consecutive hours (extensions are not available).
Additional audio and video studio spaces are available through the Media Commons.
A/D Station
The Music & Performing Arts Library provides access to the necessary equipment to convert analog audio (LPs and cassettes) to digital files through the A/D Station, located in the Audio Lab. The equipment is only intended to be used for audio transfer and can be used to digitize personal recordings or recordings from the Library’s collections. Do not unplug equipment or plug-in outside equipment.
This service is made available in a DIY environment and the Library provides a detailed A/D Station Manual . If you want additional guidance from staff on how to use the A/D station, request a 30-minute consultation to learn more about using the software and equipment. In-depth, day-of-reservation assistance is not available. Due to time constraints, the Library is only able to convert audio materials for instructors’ use in course instruction.
Equipment and Software
- Audio-Technica turntable: Record player which can play records at three different speeds. Most records will play at 33 RPM.
- Equipment rack: contains the A/D, switched, pre-amp, power conditions, and cassette deck.
- Audacity audio editing software: software that allows for recording and editing analog media and converts it into digital files.