More so than in many other academic disciplines, the practical aspects of Audio Technology require a focus on the facilities of the Program. A primary objective of the degree is to train audio engineers in the operation of recording devices; it is essential that our students work with well-maintained industry standard equipment.

The Audio Technology Program is housed in a 2200 square foot studio complex designed by the Walters-Storyk Design Group, one of the premiere studio design firms in the country. Other facilities at American University that continue to be utilized by Audio Technology students consist of four performance spaces and a shared multi-station classroom.

 

Control Room A

Control Room A functions as the main classroom space as well as the primary tracking room for classroom sessions, labs, student sessions and projects. It is equipped with a Solid State Logic (SSL) Duality with surround sound capability featuring 48 channels configurable in analog and digital modes allowing students to manipulate the sound as they desire. Students benefit from hands-on training and use of this console integrated with extensive Software packages and outboard equipment.

Control Room A contains outboard processors and pre-amps by API, Focusrite, Thermionic Culture, Universal Audio, Universal Audio, Thermionic Culture, AMS Neve, Tube-Tech, Empirical Labs, AEA, Chandler, Grace, Tubecore, Bricasti, and dBX.

Monitors are a Genelec 5.1 One system with Subwoofer, Focal Trio6 Be stereo monitors and stereo Yamaha NS-10Ms.

Control Room B

Control Room B serves as an auxillary classroom for instruction and labs, as well as a space for student session work and student projects. A 32 channel API 1608 serves as the recording console for the space. The modular design of the 1608 houses API 550a, API550b, API 560, Avedis Audio E27 and A-Design EM-PEQ equalizers. CRB features an Isolation Booth for recording.

Control Room B contains outboard processors and pre-amps by SSL, Drawmer, Bricasti, Empirical Labs, George Massenburg Labs, Tube-Tech, dBX, Universal Audio, and API

Monitors are Focal Twin6 Be stereo mains and Genelec 8030A’s stereo minis with subwoofer.

Control Room C

Control Room C is an AVID Pro-Tools HDX Surround Sound and Post-Production Studio which serves as an auxillary student workspace during classes and a studio for assigned student work and student projects

CRC is equipped with a Komplete Kontrol S88 MIDI keyboard controllerA Dangerous Music MONITOR-ST stereo and MONITOR-SR surround sound monitor controller selects between Genelec 8320A 5.1 mains and Focal Shape 50 alternate monitors.

Control Room D

Control Room D is an AVID Pro-Tools HD Native equipped workspace primarily used for student projects and homework.

CRD is equipped with a Nord Piano 5 digital piano and synthesizer, a Sequential Prophet-6 analog polyphonic synthesizer and MIDI keyboard controller, an Arturia Keylab 61 mkII MIDI keyboard controller, a Moog Mother-32 semi-modular analog synthesizer, a Moog Subharmonicon semi-modular analog polyphonic synthesizer, a Moog DFAM Drummer From Another Mother semi-modular analog percussion synthesizer, an Ace Tone FR-6 Rhythm Ace analog drum machine, a Korg Monotribe ribbon synthesizer, and a Korg Monotron ribbon synthesizer.

A Dangerous Music MONITOR-ST selects between Genelec 8030A monitors with Subwoofer and Event 20/20 monitors.

All Studios have the same complement of audio software installed from Universal Audio, Plug-in Alliance, Izotope, Slate Digital, Waves, Oaeksound, Autotune, Arturia, Ableton, Native Instruments, Melodyne, Valhalla, SoundRadix, Newfangled Audio, Avid and other companies.

Live Room

The live room is a large space, designed with variable acoustics for control of room reflections. Four isolation booths allow for complete separation of performers. A Hammond B-3 and a Yamaha Baby Grand reside in the room, multiple instrument amplifiers, keyboards and drum-kits are available for session work. A machine room connected to the studio allows for complete interconnectivity between the different recording spaces and control rooms.

Greenberg Theatre

The Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre opened in March 2003 with the mission of providing the Washington, DC and American University communities a place to experience live performances in music, theatre, and dance. Audio is often run at the Greenberg Theatre by an audio technology student. In addition, students in the audio production major may learn lighting, sound design, technical operation, and other related issues in courses run by the theater department.

Katzen Arts Center

The Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center brings all the visual and performing arts programs at American University into one 130,000 square foot space. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the arts, the new center provides state-of-the-art instructional, exhibition, and performance space. The facilities in the Katzen Arts Center used by the Audio Technology Program consist of the Abramson Recital Hall, the Studio Theater, and two shared classrooms, Katzen 135 and Katzen 210.

The Abramson Family Recital Hall provides a second concert venue. As with the Greenberg Theatre, students in audio technology assist in the operation and maintenance of this facility.

The studio theater provides a Black Box configuration for students to set up lighting sets, and audio and experiment with production techniques.

Katzen 135 contains sixteen iMac workstations, with Arturia 61 keyboard controllers, and Focusrite Scarlett 212 interfaces. Each station is loaded with Avid Pro Tools Ultimate, Ableton Live Suite, Apple Logic Pro X Max/MSP,GRM tools, and hundreds of plugins from Waves, iZotope, Brainworx, and others which contribute to a lecture/demonstration/student hands-on approach.

Monitors are DynAudios, there is a WhisperRoom Isolation booth available for recording.