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 second 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 ensembles in Studio Alpha via a MADI audio network.

This studio houses:

• 7.1.4 Genelec “The One” surround sound setup for immersive audio projects in Dolby Atmos and Ambisonics
• Mac Studio computer with all the major audio recording and editing software, along with many great production plugins by Fabfilter, iZotope, 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
• Yamaha TF1 digital mixing board

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 Dynaudio BM15A monitors and 18S subwoofer
• 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
• Roland SPD-30 drum controller

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
• Two iMac computers running Ableton Live and other software
• Permanent rehearsal setup with PA system

The Classroom (room 309C)

This multi-use space serves as the classroom for many computer music classes, a space for exploring vintage and modern modular synthesizers, and a workspace for constructing handmade electronics.

This studio includes:

• Vintage Moog900 modular synthesizer with keyboard and ribbon controllers
• Eurorack modular synthesizer with modules by MakeNoise, Doepfer, Verbos Electronics, Intellijel, etc.
• RME UCX II interface for digital recording and analog synth control
• Electronics workbench for building and modifying electronic circuits for explorations in Musical Robotics
• 12 channel Surround sound speaker setup
• Yamaha TF1 digital mixing board

Digital Music Research Studio (room 307C)

Studio 307 is equipped with three 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 listening.

This studio is also home to our many hardware controllers:

• Snyderphonics Manta, Icon control surfaces, Line 6 pedal

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.