Our facilities

Studios - key facts

• Various studio areas for sound recording, mixing and mastering, surround sound, computer music composition, sound design, MIDI sequencing, audio-visual editing, film and videogames scoring
• Audient 8024 inline analogue console
• SSL Nucleus 2 Control Surface
• A Dante network with RedNet interfacing to allow distribution of multichannel, uncompressed media across the department the wider campus
• A selection of live and studio consoles from Tascam, Soundcraft and Behringer
• Plugins by Waves, Native Instruments, GRM, SSL and more
• A comprehensive range of software including Logic Pro, Ableton Live Suite, Max MSP, Pro Tools, Sibelius and Final Cut Pro  
• A range of professional outboard including; Neve, Warm Audio, Drawmer and Yamaha units
• An eclectic mix of electronic instruments including; Dave Smith Instruments Prophet REV2, EMS Synthi AKS, Yamaha DX7, Roland Jupiter, Behringer Model D and Fairlight CMI units
• A huge range of instruments available to record and/or loan
• An impessive stock of microphones including models from Neumann, Coles, AKG, Soundfield, DPA, Rode, Beyer Dynamic, Shure, Oktava, Sontronic and more
• ATC monitoring in the recording studios
• Genelec professional studio monitors on all studios, labs and lecture rooms
• 24/7 access to the studios via electronic key system
• Lots of studio time available to students
• Technical support at hand, on site 

Practice rooms – key facts

• All provided with piano, five with grand pianos
• Dedicated room for drummers, with drum-kit
• Dedicated Popular Music and Jazz practice rooms with drum kits, PA systems, keyboards and guitar/bass amplification
• Church organ in the Chapel
• 24/7 access to the practice rooms via electronic key system

‌

The Music and Music Technology facilities are housed within three sites, all within walking distance:

1. The Clock House, an early nineteenth century building of great character, originally conceived as a gardener's cottage and stable block. It was re-designed in 1977 creating purpose-built studios for Music Technology, practice rooms, teaching spaces and offices for staff. There are  computer labs, project studios and a high-spec recording studio available in this building.
2. Lindsay Studios, adjacent to the Music Department. The complex houses two large lecture areas with multimedia presentations and projection facilities. There is a recording studio with 2 live rooms, an isolation recording booth and large performance space. Lindsay Recording Studio can be used to record anything from a soloist to a full orchestra.
3. The Chapel, located in the heart of Campus, hosts a church organ, a grand piano and an upright piano. The chapel is used for orchestra rehearsals, performances and recitals.

Key facts

Experimentation with sound and the infinite possibilities offered by electronics and computers has always been at the core of teaching and research at Keele University – Music and Music Technology. Students apply modern techniques for the creation of new timbres and the transformation of existing ones within the framework of many different creative studio projects. Sound design is often applied to ‘sound-for-the-screen’ projects and assignments.

Key facts

• Great variety of sophisticated applications and sound design and sound processing tools
• Opportunities to record Foley sounds for the screen
• Superb portable equipment for on-location recordings   

The development of new software tools for composers, performers and sound designers has been researched at Keele since the early 1990s. Music Technology finalists have the option to acquire computer programming skills and develop software for computer music applications (for example processing of MIDI data, manipulation of sound files, etc.).

Key facts

• One studio, 20 workstations equipped with development kit for music programming
• Long-standing expertise in advanced computer programming for music applications
• C and C++ programming environment
• Resulting software can be used by students for composition or performance

Studio-based composition is at the heart of teaching and research tradition of Keele University Music Department. Teachers, researchers and students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level engage in creative compositional projects audio and/or audio-visual. Composition in the electronic/digital media is approached with rigorous theoretical background and is firmly based on sharing experiences between students, tutors and audiences.

Key facts

• Two state of the art project studios, used to create soundtracks, music tracks, sonic arts, audiovisuals.
• Plenty of hardware and software to assist all creative needs, including interactive music.
• Wide aesthetic focus – from popular to experimental.
• Workshops with visiting composers, performers, practitioners
• Possible cross-overs between Music and Music Technology projects
• Personal portfolios built up by students across the three years degree.

Our performance spaces host the Keele Audio Visual Exhibition System (KAVES), a 24-loudspeaker sound projection system for Sonic Arts presentations and installations in an immersive surround sound environment, with large screen for video projections.

Key facts

• 24 high-quality loudspeakers including separate subwoofer and ceiling-mounted tweeters
• Distribution audio console 16-input 24-output
• Video projections on large screen
• Used to present concerts and students’ works

Our department has not forgotten the pioneering golden age of electronic and computer music which still represent important historical and artistic references. We still retain the vintage technology we operated in past decades for the benefit of those students and researchers who want to explore some ‘retro’ techniques and styles.

Key facts

• Fairlight CMI Series II-X (upgraded to SD card storage)
• Ems Synthi analogue voltage-controlled synthesiser
• Theremin
• Analogue tape machines
• Yamaha DX7-II keyboard-synthesiser

Kate Bush and the Fairlight CMI

We offer a range of photography and video production equipment to Media students to assist the completion of their projects. Although we hold a large selection of equipment, your eligibility to borrow certain items is subject to your course and modules.

Portable equipment borrowing               

• It is your responsibility to check the condition of all portable equipment at the time of collection. Faults that are discovered or damage incurred while you are in possession of the equipment must be reported to the Media Equipment Store as soon as possible. If equipment becomes unusable it should be returned and a member of technical staff advised of the fault/ damage
• You must not use the equipment/ facilities in a way that breaches any Keele University regulations or policy or that brings Keele University into disrepute. University regulations can be found on the Keele Website, under “Governance” and then “Act, Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations”
• Student users are not permitted to use this equipment for profit or private use without the express permission from the Program Director
• Equipment must be returned no later than the return time specified on your booking
• Each item should be returned in the condition in which it was borrowed. If you need to change any settings, ensure that the settings are set back to default before you return the item
• All equipment must be returned directly to the Media Equipment Store
• You are not permitted to hire equipment on behalf of, loan or sub hire equipment to another user
• Students who fail to comply will these conditions will be referred to the Program Director and in serious cases, can referred to the Head of School

Studio use

• Students must be competent with using the lighting and studio equipment in the Studio to avoid any accidents or damages. If you are not sure how to use or adjust a piece of equipment, please ask a member of your production team who is trained to use that equipment or a member of the Media technical staff
• Any damage caused to work surfaces; walls, floors, etc may result in disciplinary action and payment of repair costs

By using Media Equipment you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of booking listed above and you accept that you are fully responsible for any and all damage or loss to the equipment in your booking.