PerfTech

Performance Technology in the College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts at Texas A&M University

Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphone

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A dynamic microphone used for “live on stage” vocal sound. Tips: Aim  the  microphone  toward  the  desired  sound  source  (the speaker or singer)  and  away  from  unwanted  sources. Place  the  microphone  as  close  as  practical  to  the  desired  sound   source. Work  close  to  the  microphone  for  extra  bass  response. Use only one microphone to […]

Audio Technica Shotgun Microphone

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The Audio-Technica 815ST is a stereo shotgun microphone. Basic Controls There are 2 recessed switches located at the base of the microphone. The top switch allows you to toggle the microphone’s roll off. The bottom switch allows you to adjust the various patterns (as seen below) of intake the microphone can utilize. Tips: Aim  the […]

Tascam Cassette Deck

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Mixdown cassette deck. Basic Features 3U Rack mountable cassette deck Dolby B and C noise reduction with HX Pro headroom extension 2 motor IC logic transport control system Electronic digital tape counter Auto tape selection Fine tune bias control Unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs  

AKG C414 B-ULS Condenser Microphone

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The C414 XLS multipattern condenser microphone that features 5 different polar patterns. Basic Controls On the gold faced side there is a left-to-right toggle that allows you to switch through the different polar patterns. On the back of the microphone there are two left-to-right toggle switches. The switch on the left allows you to switch […]

Rode NT 4 Stereo Mic

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Precision stereo condenser microphone Basic Functions: The output connection is powered by a 5 Pin XLR Used with the following accessories: RM3 Stand Mount, WS4 Wind Shield  RC4 Case, NT4-DXLR stereo XLR lead NT4-MJ XLR to 3.5mm stereo cable Tips: It is crucial when stereo recording to have the polar frequency response of each capsule closely matched To […]

Crown PZM 30D Floor Mic

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Pressure zone microphone Basic Functions: The output of either mic is a male 3-pin XLR- type Tips : Can be used for miking full orchestras or individual musical instruments to security or teleconferencing PZMs are designed to operate on any stiff non-absorbent boundary (or surface). Typical boundaries are a floor, wall, ceiling, or table. This […]

Nintendo Wii Nunchuk

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Motion sensitive attachment for the Wii Remote Game Controller Basic Features Analog stick and buttons control motion (in addition to motion sensor) Tips Use with Wii Remote For use with laptets Make sure there is nothing blocking the Remote and Nunchuk from the sensor

Making a Surround Logic Session from a Stereo Session

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Connect your portable storage drive to the front panel of the Mac Pro. Copy your session folder to the Storage drive. Duplicate your session file (inside the session folder) by single-clicking the file, clicking the File menu, then Duplicate. Rename this file so you know it is the surround sound version. Double click your session file to […]

Horizon Straightline Direct Box

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A passive direct box that allows Hi-Z input to be converted to Lo-Z output. Tips: If you are getting noise during recording, flip the Ground Lift switch to help solve the problem Plug 1/4″ cable into Hi-Z In and an XLR Cable into Lo-Z out for simple conversion

Rhythmic Compression and Gating

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This tutorial by Blue Rooms shows how to make a pad pulse to the beat using a compressor with a bass drum as its sidechain input. This technique is pervasive in dance music and can be disorienting, hypnotic, or nauseating depending on how you use it. At the end of the video he shows how […]

AKG K-240 Headphones

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The AKG K-240 headphones are designed to be used in professional mixing, mastering and playback. Tips: Ensure that you have an 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter to plug into the equipment in the studio and practice rooms

Neumann KM184 Condenser Microphone

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The Neumann KM184 is a cardioid condenser microphone most commonly used for recording instruments either solo or in an ensemble. Tips: Use a pop screen to prevent the occurrence of outside pop noises Ensure that a phantom power supply (48V) is supplied to the microphone while recording Try to eliminate all outside noise as these […]

API Discrete Preamp

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The API 3124+ is a 4-channel mic preamp. Basic functions : Potentiometer is the input gain 1/4″ input is for an instrument Yellow button switches the polarity Red button is a phantom power switch Grey button is a -20dB pad switch White button is a mic/instrument input switch Tips : Turn down the gain all […]

Shure SM 57 Dynamic Microphone

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A rugged cardioid dynamic microphone tailored for guitar amps, drums, and other loud instruments, very common to use for snare drums. Tips: Aim  the  microphone  toward  the  desired  sound  source  (such  as  the   talker,  singer,  or  instrument)  and  away  from  unwanted  sources. Place  the  microphone  as  close  as  practical  to  the  desired  sound   […]

Large Recording Room

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This is where most performers go during recording sessions. Microphones connect to the Control Room or alternatively the Small Recording Room. This room also doubles as a 10.1 channel surround sound studio for post-production editing, rehearsing spatializing compositions in surround sound (e.g., in preparation for performance in the Black Box Theatre), or rehearsing performances using […]

Control Room

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This is where sound signals feed in from other rooms to be recorded and where post-production editing is done in 5.1 channel surround sound. Features: Pedagogical uses: Muscial Perfomance Practices Rules: Equipment: Projects: Calendar: Availability and Scheduling    

Arts and Humanities Building (LAAH)

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The College of Liberal Arts’ Arts and Humanities Building (LAAH) is home to Performance Studies (Music and Theatre Arts) and English. Classes were first offered in the building in spring 2013. Map: click here

Empirical Labs Distressor EL8

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Digitally controlled analog compressor that models analog distortion Basic Controls BYPASS: Disable all processing, to compare processed sound with the original RATIO: Select the steepness of loudness reduction (threshold is set automatically). 1:1 means no compression (for distortion effects only). DETECTOR: Select which frequency bands trigger compression AUDIO: Select distortion mode INPUT: Scale the input […]

Eurydice

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Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, a re-imagining of the classic Greek myth, is the story of a woman in love with Orpheus, a famous musician. While Eurydice finds herself living in the words and thoughts of books, Orpheus seems to think only of music. Tricked on her wedding day, Eurydice dies, and finds herself adrift in the Underworld. […]

Measure for Measure

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Measure for Measure runs July 3rd and July 5th–6th, 2013 with curtain at 8PM each night. Performances are free and open to the public outside the LAAH courtyard located on Texas A&M’s campus adjacent to the Central Campus parking garage and the Glasscock building. Synopsis In William Shakespeare’s dark comedy, Isabella’s brother is sentenced to death. His […]

Practice Room

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One of many practice rooms Features: Pedagogical uses: Student’s Practice Rules: Reserve a room by contacting John Moeller Equipment: Projects: Calendar:    

Scene Shop

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Scene Shop Features: Hardware Equipment Pedagogical uses: Creating Props, etc. Rules: Do not enter, or handle equipment without faculty supervision. Equipment: Hardware Projects: Calendar: Contact the Scene Shop Manager for access  

Black Box Theatre

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Black Box Theatre Features: Pedagogical uses: Muscial Perfomances Small Theatrical performances Class work Rules: Equipment: Projects: PerfTech Presents: InterMEDIA (Spring 2014) Educating Rita (Spring 2014) PerfTech Presents: InterMEDIA 2 (Spring 2014) Fresh Minds Festival (Fall 2014) Calendar: Availability & Schedule  

Ensemble Room

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Ensemble room Features: Pedagogical uses: Muscial Perfomance Practices Rules: Equipment: Projects: Calendar: Availability & Schedule

Recording Studio Suite

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  The LAAH Recording Studio suite includes three rooms: Control Room with 5.1 surround sound wired to the other studio rooms and the Music Rehearsal Room and Black Box Theatre Large Recording Room that doubles as a 10.1 channel surround sound editing and rehearsal room for interactive performances Small Recording Room that functions as an […]

Equipment Checkout Room

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Equipment checkout Features: Pedagogical uses: Storage of Equipment Rules: Do not enter without Student Worker or Professor’s permission Return all check out equipment in by time due Equipment: Projects: Calendar: See staff in Perf Tech Office, Rm 232 for available checkout times    

Music Computer Lab

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Music Computer Lab Features: Pedagogical uses: Student Study Rules: No Food or Drinks Equipment: Computers How to Use the Lecterns Projects: Calendar:  Availability and Scheduling