The ROARS Recording Studios at Penn State were created for the teaching and research needs of faculty, staff, and students of the School of Music and School of Theatre. Through a variety of courses, the studios provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for students to receive training in recording techniques, electronic music composition, sound design, and general music technology topics. The studios also provide first-rate recording and mixing facilities for performance faculty and students to carry out recording projects with staff and student engineers.
ROARS Studios
Studio A
Studio A consists of a large control room and large recording space. Studio A is used for courses scheduled in room 15 MBII, individual student work for advanced composition and sound design courses, tracking sessions that require a piano or the space provided in Studio A, quadraphonic projects, and select mixing sessions. The majority of individual student work, small-scale recording sessions, and mixing sessions will take place in Studio B & C.
Studio B & C
Studio B consists of a control room connected to a small recording space (Studio C). Studio B and C are used for courses scheduled in room 17 MBII, individual student work for general and introductory music technology courses, small-scale recording sessions, and mixing sessions.
Studio E (mobile recording rig)
Studio E consists of a rolling rack that can be used by approved engineers for on-site recording sessions in School of Music and School of Theatre spaces. The mobile rig is capable of recording single instruments/voice to full orchestras and other large ensembles. Studio E is booked through the same process as the fixed studios (see below).
Session Booking
Recording Sessions
Recording sessions are booked through the online Studio Reservation Form. During booking, artist may request a specific engineer, studio location, and date. Recording session times exist in recurring weekly blocks. Recording sessions can only take place during the pre-scheduled weekly blocks. Artists can request up to three recording session times in a single week for large-scale project. Whenever possible, artists and engineers are encouraged to use Studio B; Studio A and Mobile Sessions should only be requested when the nature of the ensemble or work being recorded demands the space provided in Studio A or at another site in the School of Music or Theatre.
Editing, Mixing & Mastering Sessions
Mixing sessions are booked through the online Studio Reservation Form. During booking, artist may request a specific engineer and date. Mixing session times exist in recurring weekly blocks. Mixing sessions can only take place during the pre-scheduled weekly blocks. Artists can request up to two mixing session times in a single week. All mixing sessions must take place in Studio B; Studio A may only be used in extreme circumstances and with special permission.
Request Form
Check the calendar, then complete the reservation form.
Current session bookings are shown on the calendar. Please check it before you request a recording session. Then complete the Studio Reservation Form (via Google forms).