The Peabody Computer Music Department’s facilities are located on the third floor of the Conservatory Building, on the northwest corner of campus. The space consists of five rooms, each serving a unique purpose. The combined computer music studios serve as a working laboratory for music composition and research, as well as provide support for music performances that use technology. In addition to the courses taught by the department’s renowned faculty members, it also hosts guest artists, demonstrations, and public programs.
Studio Zeta (room 312C)
Studio Zeta is the Computer Music Department’s studio for advanced projects. In addition to the highest quality software and hardware, this studio can also be used as a control room to record instruments and ensembles in Studio Alpha (via MADI and AVB audio networks).
This studio houses:
- Genelec 8341 “The One” mixing setup with 7360 subwoofer
- Mac Studio computer with all the major audio recording and editing software, along with many great production plugins by Fabfilter, iZotope, McDSP, Melodyne, and more.
- A wide variety of powerful commercial and open source sound synthesis and interactive performance platforms such as SuperCollier, Max/MSP, and more.
- RME UFX+ audio interface
Studio Alpha (room 314C)
One of two studios for advanced projects in music technology, ideal for recording small ensembles as well as mixing and mastering.
This studio houses:
- Stereo mixing setup featuring Neumann KH150 speakers and KH750 subwoofers
- Mac Studio computer with the same software setup as Studio Zeta
- 16 high end RME microphone preamps
- RME UFX+ audio interface
- Selection of microphones, cables, stands, and other gear to facilitate digital music creation.
- Rehearsal space with permanent PA setup
- Yamaha Disklavier
- Orange guitar cabinet with Blackstar amplifier
- SJC Pathfinder Drumset with Meinl cymbals
Hip Hop Laboratory (room 306C)
Hip Hop Laboratory is the creative space for Hip Hop creation and performance. It is also the meeting place for Hip Hop Ensemble.
This studio houses:
- RANE ONE and Pioneer DJ controllers controlling Serato DJ software
- Akai MPC One
- Roland SP-404MKII Creative Sampler
- Rossum SP-1200 Drum Machine
- Various hardware controllers by Akai, Icon, etc
- Yamaha stereo mixing station with subwoofer
- Nord Grand 88 keyboard with Kawai action
- Two iMac computers running Ableton Live and other software
- Permanent rehearsal setup with PA system
The Classroom (room 302C)
Our main classroom space and our surround sound studio
- Genelec 7.1.4 surround sound speaker setup for immersive audio projects in Dolby Atmos, Ambisonics, and other setups
- RME MADIFace interface with Ferrofish converters
- Mac Studio computer with the same software setup as Studio Zeta
- Marantz surround sound receiver
Analog Synth Studio (room 309C)
This multi-use space serves as the our third stereo mixing and home to our collection of vintage and modern modular synthesizers.
This studio includes:
- Vintage Moog 900 modular synthesizer with keyboard and ribbon controllers
- Eurorack modular synthesizer with modules by MakeNoise, Doepfer, Verbos Electronics, Intellijel, etc.
- MiniKorg 700s, 2 EMS Putneys, EML ElectroComp 200/300
- Stereo mixing setup featuring Dynaudio BM15A monitors and 18S subwoofer
- RME UCX II interface for digital recording and analog synth control
- DAV preamps
- Mac Studio computer with the same software setup as Studio Zeta
Digital Music Research Studio (room 307C)
- Studio 307 is equipped with two laptop docking stations for music creation, mixing, and production. This room can be used by small teams working on collaborative projects or individuals looking for a quiet space for detailed work. It also houses are maker workbench for building and modifying electronic circuits for explorations in Musical Robotics.
This studio is home to:
- Hardware Controllers: Snyderphonics Manta, Ableton Push, Icon control surfaces, Line 6 pedals, Joue J-play, Embodme Erae Touch, Roland Octapad, etc.
- Road system: Allen & Heath Qu16 mixer and stagebox, travelling speaker setup
- Various high end microphones for live sound and recording
Other Department Resources
In addition to these physical spaces, the Computer Music Department also provides students access to a wide variety of high quality microphones and digital audio equipment for research and experimentation.
Students have free access to the database of sound effects at soundsnap.