Guidelines & Policies
The Vocal Booth is a soundproofed recording studio designed for voice-over work and podcasting. The space is equipped with modern, state-of-the-art equipment including a Shure SM7B broadcast microphone, a Universal Audio Apollo Interface, and an SPL Frontliner Channel Strip. The equipment is connected to an Apple iMac Pro workstation fitted with a variety of audio capturing software. The studio is beginner-friendly and streamlined by design and does not require advanced knowledge for use.
1. The Spirit of the Vocal Booth Service
The Vocal Booth has been established for the primary use of Loyola faculty, staff, and students active in coursework interested in capturing high-quality audio for podcasts, narration, voice-overs, and interviews. This space affords individuals the ability to use professional-grade equipment and software while providing a comfortable and quiet designated location near our service desk. Users can book Vocal Booth reservations within the Equipment Reservation System, or walk-in when the booth is not in use. The room can accommodate two individuals to collaborate on project work or record interviews.
2. Access and Communications
The Vocal Booth is a service covered by a portion of the Student Technology Fee paid upon enrollment in courses at Loyola University Chicago. There are no additional charges or per-use costs associated with access or use. Fines may, however, be assessed in the event equipment or supporting resources within the Vocal Booth are damaged during use.
Access and reservations are limited to current Faculty, Staff and Students. Students may walk-in and use the Vocal Booth, but can only create reservations if they are active in coursework, enrolled and attending classes for the current academic term as identified within the course details in LOCUS. Users must have a valid Loyola University Chicago ID Card issued by the Campus Card Office at the lakeside campuses.
Access is not available for Alumni, Friends of the Library, Reciprocal Borrowers/Visiting Scholars, Library Community Access Members, Emeritus/Retirees, Contractors or Sponsored Guests. The workstation within the Vocal Booth is configured like a standard lab workstation. Users must log in with their University Network ID (UVID) and password.
Please note that fines and holds from the Digital Media Services loan program may prevent access to reserve the Vocal Booth until fines are paid in full. Blocks or bans from the Equipment Loan Program will also carry over restricting access to the Vocal Booth.
2.1 Accessibility
The Vocal Booth is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible with a ramp providing ease of access to enter the booth. If it may be more comfortable to remove the rolling chair or document stand within the booth, a Digital Media Services member can assist in removing them from the room for use.
3. Acceptable Use
There may be several ways the Vocal Booth can help expand opportunities to build skills and enrich experiences as related to multimedia creation, such as:
- Recording narration for training resources, guides or lectures;
- Recording dialogue or interviews for lectures or segments to be used within course materials
- Recording narration or dialogue to provide higher quality audio for older videos, materials, or video with less than ideal dialogue;
3.1 Limitations of Use
The Vocal Booth is intended for narration and dialogue recording only. While the space is professionally soundproofed, it is not 100% muted to the outside spaces, particularly with loud sounds. For the courtesy of guests working in the lab, singing or musical instruments are not recommended and if disruptive to the outside lab, clients may be asked to cease such activity to focus only on dialog narration. Screaming or shouting within the vocal booth is prohibited.
4. Reservations and Training
While walk-in use of the vocal booth is permitted, clients are encouraged to create a reservation via the Reservation System to best ensure securing the space for the time needed. Reservation limitations include the following:
| Policy Description | Limits |
|---|---|
| Minimum Length of Reservation/Checkout |
30 Minutes |
| Maximum Length of Reservation/Checkout |
4 Hours |
| Maximum number of Renewals per Allocation |
2 Renewals |
| Maximum Renewal Duration |
4 Hours |
| Grace Period for Reservation/Checkout |
1 Hour |
| Maximum Per Patron Allocations (combine future Reservations and current Allocations) |
4 Allocations |
Much like University Library group study rooms, we encourage clients to self-enforce reservation needs and usage, but where necessary, please ask a Digital Media Services student worker to assist with any walk-in usage or reservations with durations that have lapsed to help conclude the current client session for your reservation.
Clients may login to the Reservation System in the event they need to cancel or modify an upcoming reservation, or to renew/extend a current reservation usage, based on the limits and details above.
In the event equipment is damaged or missing, please report the issue immediately to a Digital Media Services team member to evaluate further and attempt to remedy and troubleshoot or make alternative recommendations.
4.2 Instructions for Use
Clients are not required to complete any pre-requisite training or authorizations. The workstation and equipment configurations are, for the most part, plug-and-play and ready for use. Clients do need to follow steps to launch the audio interface application, however there is no need to make any adjustments to the rackmount equipment. Clients can find Recording Instructions in our associated webpages that provides instructions for use with Audacity, Adobe Audition, and GarageBand - all programs that are available on the Vocal Booth workstation.
5. Advising Support
Digital Media Services staff and student workers are available to provide advising and consultation support while using the Vocal Booth. This includes assistance with any equipment configuration and microphone placement, adjusting volume levels or support with software applications. We strive to provide solutions to the best of our ability. In the event there is an issue or configuration that may not be remedied by our student worker support, we will document and review in order for our professional staff to assess, investigate further and follow-up contact if necessary.
6. Media Transfer and Storage
The workstation in the Vocal Booth is configured like a regular computer lab workstation. The system will automatically log off and restart if left in an inactive state for over 15 minutes. Upon restart, the system will erase any saved files or configurations to best ensure security to the system and prevent risks of academic dishonesty or personal identifical information or data to be left on the workstation. Any data that is not saved will be irrecoverable after the workstation restarts and reverts to default configuration. As a result, we strongly encourage clients to make sure the workstation and booth is not left unattended for greater than this period of time.
To save audio recordings or media created during use of the Vocal Booth, we recommend clients consider saving to Microsoft OneDrive. The workstation includes USB Ports to save to USB Flash Drives or External Hard Drives. Clients may also borrow Hard Drives from the Equipment Loan Program as well.
7. Restrictions
To best ensure the upkeep and availability of the Vocal Booth, the following restrictions are in place.
- Food is prohibited. Food of any kind is strictly prohibited in the Vocal Booth.
- Berverages are permitted, with limitations. Beverages are permissible, however must be in sealed containers with lids, and cannot be placed on the equipment cart or workstation shelf.
- Singing and musical instruments are not permitted. Any behaviors that may cause disruptions to clients and staff within the Digital Media Lab will result in a request to cease the activity. If issues persist, we reserve the right to request assistance from Campus Safety to ensure activities cease and use of the Vocal Booth is discontinued immediately.
7.1 Equipment Damages and Misuse
Equipment within the Vocal Booth that is discovered in unsatisfactory condition after use may be subject to fines associated with cleaning supplies and labor used to return equipment kits back to fully functioning, satisfactory condition. Equipment identified with damages may result in a fine for the cost repair of resources in order to resolve any issues impacting the proper operation and use of the equipment. Repairs must be done by manufacturer-approved or authorized repair centers and include all charges for shipping, parts and labor. Accessories or components that are damaged must be replaced by University-approved vendors or specific manufacturer parts stores only. Replacement parts purchased by clients cannot be substituted in any capacity, regardless if non-standard but compatible or manufacturer-related parts as it must be authorized and purchased via the University directly.
Access to both the Vocal Booth and Equipment Loan Program will be restricted during the course of review to identify cleaning, repairs or replacement, and remain unavailable until the associated fine has been paid in full.
Failure to comply with these policies and restrictions may result in removal of access to the Vocal Booth on a temporary or permanent basis, and/or fines for damages or misuse, depending upon severity. Such violations of restrictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and at the determination of the Digital Media Services Manager.
8. Sanitation Process
The Vocal Booth is thoroughly inspected and sanitized after the conclusion of each reservation. Disinfectants are used on surfaces and frequently handled equipment. To allow ample time for our sanitation process, we pad one hour between each reservation.
The Vocal Booth is a soundproofed recording studio designed for voice-over work and podcasting. The space is equipped with modern, state-of-the-art equipment including a Shure SM7B broadcast microphone, a Universal Audio Apollo Interface, and an SPL Frontliner Channel Strip. The equipment is connected to an Apple iMac Pro workstation fitted with a variety of audio capturing software. The studio is beginner-friendly and streamlined by design and does not require advanced knowledge for use.
1. The Spirit of the Vocal Booth Service
The Vocal Booth has been established for the primary use of Loyola faculty, staff, and students active in coursework interested in capturing high-quality audio for podcasts, narration, voice-overs, and interviews. This space affords individuals the ability to use professional-grade equipment and software while providing a comfortable and quiet designated location near our service desk. Users can book Vocal Booth reservations within the Equipment Reservation System, or walk-in when the booth is not in use. The room can accommodate two individuals to collaborate on project work or record interviews.
2. Access and Communications
The Vocal Booth is a service covered by a portion of the Student Technology Fee paid upon enrollment in courses at Loyola University Chicago. There are no additional charges or per-use costs associated with access or use. Fines may, however, be assessed in the event equipment or supporting resources within the Vocal Booth are damaged during use.
Access and reservations are limited to current Faculty, Staff and Students. Students may walk-in and use the Vocal Booth, but can only create reservations if they are active in coursework, enrolled and attending classes for the current academic term as identified within the course details in LOCUS. Users must have a valid Loyola University Chicago ID Card issued by the Campus Card Office at the lakeside campuses.
Access is not available for Alumni, Friends of the Library, Reciprocal Borrowers/Visiting Scholars, Library Community Access Members, Emeritus/Retirees, Contractors or Sponsored Guests. The workstation within the Vocal Booth is configured like a standard lab workstation. Users must log in with their University Network ID (UVID) and password.
Please note that fines and holds from the Digital Media Services loan program may prevent access to reserve the Vocal Booth until fines are paid in full. Blocks or bans from the Equipment Loan Program will also carry over restricting access to the Vocal Booth.
2.1 Accessibility
The Vocal Booth is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible with a ramp providing ease of access to enter the booth. If it may be more comfortable to remove the rolling chair or document stand within the booth, a Digital Media Services member can assist in removing them from the room for use.
3. Acceptable Use
There may be several ways the Vocal Booth can help expand opportunities to build skills and enrich experiences as related to multimedia creation, such as:
- Recording narration for training resources, guides or lectures;
- Recording dialogue or interviews for lectures or segments to be used within course materials
- Recording narration or dialogue to provide higher quality audio for older videos, materials, or video with less than ideal dialogue;
3.1 Limitations of Use
The Vocal Booth is intended for narration and dialogue recording only. While the space is professionally soundproofed, it is not 100% muted to the outside spaces, particularly with loud sounds. For the courtesy of guests working in the lab, singing or musical instruments are not recommended and if disruptive to the outside lab, clients may be asked to cease such activity to focus only on dialog narration. Screaming or shouting within the vocal booth is prohibited.
4. Reservations and Training
While walk-in use of the vocal booth is permitted, clients are encouraged to create a reservation via the Reservation System to best ensure securing the space for the time needed. Reservation limitations include the following:
| Policy Description | Limits |
|---|---|
| Minimum Length of Reservation/Checkout |
30 Minutes |
| Maximum Length of Reservation/Checkout |
4 Hours |
| Maximum number of Renewals per Allocation |
2 Renewals |
| Maximum Renewal Duration |
4 Hours |
| Grace Period for Reservation/Checkout |
1 Hour |
| Maximum Per Patron Allocations (combine future Reservations and current Allocations) |
4 Allocations |
Much like University Library group study rooms, we encourage clients to self-enforce reservation needs and usage, but where necessary, please ask a Digital Media Services student worker to assist with any walk-in usage or reservations with durations that have lapsed to help conclude the current client session for your reservation.
Clients may login to the Reservation System in the event they need to cancel or modify an upcoming reservation, or to renew/extend a current reservation usage, based on the limits and details above.
In the event equipment is damaged or missing, please report the issue immediately to a Digital Media Services team member to evaluate further and attempt to remedy and troubleshoot or make alternative recommendations.
4.2 Instructions for Use
Clients are not required to complete any pre-requisite training or authorizations. The workstation and equipment configurations are, for the most part, plug-and-play and ready for use. Clients do need to follow steps to launch the audio interface application, however there is no need to make any adjustments to the rackmount equipment. Clients can find Recording Instructions in our associated webpages that provides instructions for use with Audacity, Adobe Audition, and GarageBand - all programs that are available on the Vocal Booth workstation.
5. Advising Support
Digital Media Services staff and student workers are available to provide advising and consultation support while using the Vocal Booth. This includes assistance with any equipment configuration and microphone placement, adjusting volume levels or support with software applications. We strive to provide solutions to the best of our ability. In the event there is an issue or configuration that may not be remedied by our student worker support, we will document and review in order for our professional staff to assess, investigate further and follow-up contact if necessary.
6. Media Transfer and Storage
The workstation in the Vocal Booth is configured like a regular computer lab workstation. The system will automatically log off and restart if left in an inactive state for over 15 minutes. Upon restart, the system will erase any saved files or configurations to best ensure security to the system and prevent risks of academic dishonesty or personal identifical information or data to be left on the workstation. Any data that is not saved will be irrecoverable after the workstation restarts and reverts to default configuration. As a result, we strongly encourage clients to make sure the workstation and booth is not left unattended for greater than this period of time.
To save audio recordings or media created during use of the Vocal Booth, we recommend clients consider saving to Microsoft OneDrive. The workstation includes USB Ports to save to USB Flash Drives or External Hard Drives. Clients may also borrow Hard Drives from the Equipment Loan Program as well.
7. Restrictions
To best ensure the upkeep and availability of the Vocal Booth, the following restrictions are in place.
- Food is prohibited. Food of any kind is strictly prohibited in the Vocal Booth.
- Berverages are permitted, with limitations. Beverages are permissible, however must be in sealed containers with lids, and cannot be placed on the equipment cart or workstation shelf.
- Singing and musical instruments are not permitted. Any behaviors that may cause disruptions to clients and staff within the Digital Media Lab will result in a request to cease the activity. If issues persist, we reserve the right to request assistance from Campus Safety to ensure activities cease and use of the Vocal Booth is discontinued immediately.
7.1 Equipment Damages and Misuse
Equipment within the Vocal Booth that is discovered in unsatisfactory condition after use may be subject to fines associated with cleaning supplies and labor used to return equipment kits back to fully functioning, satisfactory condition. Equipment identified with damages may result in a fine for the cost repair of resources in order to resolve any issues impacting the proper operation and use of the equipment. Repairs must be done by manufacturer-approved or authorized repair centers and include all charges for shipping, parts and labor. Accessories or components that are damaged must be replaced by University-approved vendors or specific manufacturer parts stores only. Replacement parts purchased by clients cannot be substituted in any capacity, regardless if non-standard but compatible or manufacturer-related parts as it must be authorized and purchased via the University directly.
Access to both the Vocal Booth and Equipment Loan Program will be restricted during the course of review to identify cleaning, repairs or replacement, and remain unavailable until the associated fine has been paid in full.
Failure to comply with these policies and restrictions may result in removal of access to the Vocal Booth on a temporary or permanent basis, and/or fines for damages or misuse, depending upon severity. Such violations of restrictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and at the determination of the Digital Media Services Manager.