Grace Reichenau
Contributing Writer
On the second floor of Guerry Hall (203B) lies The Shiverick Recording Studio, a free and fascinating resource available to all students. The studio serves as a one-stop shop for anything audio-related—be it recording songs, podcasts, or voice-overs. However, there is more to the process than meets the eye. Audio engineer Amelia Barakat (C’ 25) offers insight into what happens within Sewanee’s fully student-operated recording studio.
What actually is an audio engineer’s job? While the artist records their piece, an engineer oversees production and mixing. “Production just means we know the technology,” Barakat explains. “We’re able to set up mics, cable them into audio interfaces, and use the Digital Audio Workstation [DAW] to record.”
Mixing is an important element in music, especially as it balances different instrumentals and vocals and brings the piece to life. Mixing happens after the project is recorded in the production stage. Barakat says, “It has to do with sound levels and effects, such as reverb or echo.” While the engineers offer to help with this process, some artists prefer to mix their audio themselves, which is also encouraged.
According to Barakat, “Most of the people that come in [that I have helped] have been songwriters–that’s, original song– or covers.” Occasionally, some students will use it to record audition material and the like. However, only a few people know much about what goes on behind the scenes. While Sewanee doesn’t have a major or minor in audio engineering, the recording studio is an excellent outlet for exposing how it works to more students and familiarizing them with the process.
“I had someone come in to record a cover,” Barakat adds. “He had a great voice, but he had never done this side of things. We sat in the studio for two hours, and I showed him what audio engineering was. Now he’s coming in just to watch us at work.”
In terms of goals for the future of the studio, Barakat informed The Purple that she hopes to attract more students to the space. “This summer, I visited a recording studio in Nashville. The environment was so groovy, while this one is more cookie-cutter. It would be fun to make this one more cozy.”
If more people use the studio, more equipment such as amplifiers can be added to their inventory. Additionally, the DAW program they currently use (Logic Pro) can be upgraded to the industry standard: Pro Tools. This isn’t to say their current equipment and systems are poor or dated, but variety and improvements can go a long way.
Currently, the equipment available to students in the space includes acoustic and electric guitars, a bass, a drum kit, a piano, a keyboard, a condenser and dynamic microphones, amplifiers, and cables. Their full inventory is listed on their website.
Finally, Barakat wants to emphasize that anyone interested in recording should absolutely take advantage of this resource. “Once you graduate, renting a studio for an hour costs about $100 everywhere you go. Students can use this space for free while they are here. Sign up! Totally, sign up! Don’t be afraid of being judged.”
To sign up for the studio, you can go to their website and fill out the form or select a timeslot from the Google Calendar. The studio is available afternoons and weekdays (check the calendar on the website for specifics). The form will ask for details on the project you are working on so the audio engineers can be prepared to help you. If you need to cancel for any reason, email recordingstudio@sewanee.edu.