Studios and facilities
The Music Department hosts five studio areas with three computer music labs, eight practice rooms (including one specifically for drummers), a Motion Capture facility with Octaphonic audio and two large rehearsal spaces (including the Keele University Chapel) for orchestras, bands and choirs.
Studios - key facts
- Various studio areas for sound recording, mixing and mastering, surround sound, computer music composition, sound design, MIDI sequencing, audio-visual editing, film and videogames scoring
- Audient 8024 inline analogue console
- SSL Nucleus 2 Control Surface
- A Dante network with RedNet interfacing to allow distribution of multichannel, uncompressed media across the department the wider campus
- A selection of live and studio consoles from Tascam, Soundcraft and Behringer
- Plugins by Waves, Native Instruments, GRM, SSL and more
- A comprehensive range of software including Logic Pro, Ableton Live Suite, Max MSP, Pro Tools, Sibelius and Final Cut Pro
- A range of professional outboard including; Neve, Warm Audio, Drawmer and Yamaha units
- An eclectic mix of electronic instruments including; Dave Smith Instruments Prophet REV2, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha DX7, Roland Jupiter, Behringer Model D and Fairlight CMI units
- A huge range of instruments available to record and/or loan
- An impessive stock of microphones including models from Neumann, Coles, AKG, Soundfield, DPA, Rode, Beyer Dynamic, Shure, Oktava, Sontronic and more
- ATC monitoring in the recording studios
- Genelec professional studio monitors on all studios, labs and lecture rooms
- Students can borrow equipment such as high-spec video
- 24/7 access to the studios via electronic key system
- Lots of studio time available to students
- Technical support at hand, on site
Practice rooms – key facts
- All provided with piano, five with grand pianos
- Dedicated room for drummers, with drum-kit
- Dedicated Popular Music and Jazz practice rooms with drum kits, PA systems, keyboards and guitar/bass amplification
- Church organ in the Chapel
- 24/7 access to the practice rooms via electronic key system
The Music and Music Technology facilities are housed within three sites, all within walking distance:
- The Clock House, an early nineteenth century building of great character, originally conceived as a gardener's cottage and stable block. It was re-designed in 1977 creating purpose-built studios for Music Technology, practice rooms, teaching spaces and offices for staff. There are computer labs, project studios and a high-spec recording studio available in this building.
- Lindsay Studios, adjacent to the Music Department. The complex houses two large lecture areas with multimedia presentations and projection facilities. There is a recording studio with 2 live rooms, an isolation recording booth and large performance space. Lindsay Recording Studio can be used to record anything from a soloist to a full orchestra.
- The Chapel, located in the heart of Campus, hosts a church organ, a grand piano and an upright piano. The chapel is used for orchestra rehearsals, performances and recitals.
