Story Lab LITS 122 (2-person studio)

Library & Information Technology Services offers two Story Labs for audio recording and podcast production. Each studio is equipped with recording equipment and a computer with a variety of editing software. LITS 122 has a setup for two people. The lab computer includes instructions for first-time users, so no previous experience is required. This guide will help users get started.

How to Reserve a Story Lab:

To protect the equipment, we limit the use of the space to audio recording and editing only. The story labs are not available as study space.   

Here is how to access the story labs:  

Faculty: Reserve time in a studio here and use your id to access the studios   

Staff: Reserve time in a studio here and use your id to access the studios  

Students:  

  • LITS 124 is available for students working on a class project for 2-hour windows with 24-hour access. Reservation required. Make a reservation here. Your card will give you 24-hour access to the lab.  
  • LITS 122 is available for all students for 2-hour windows during Library and IT Desk hours. Reservation required. Make a reservation here. Check out an access card at the Library and IT desk and return it after use.  

Note: Faculty offering a podcasting or audio recording assignment can apply for semester-long automatic student access for their classes to use LITS 124. Students would then just reserve a space here and use their own id cards for access. To add a class roster to the story lab access list, please create a ticket request at https://trincoll.haloitsm.com/

On the ticket: 

  1. Select Doors and Locks -> Door Access Request 
  2. On the ticket, please: 
  • Include the course number so we process the appropriate class roster
  • CC Mary Mahoney on the ticket
  • Include an end date, for example, the end of the semester

What you’ll find in the space: 

  • 1 audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface) 
  • 2 microphones (Shure SM58 Mic)  
  • 2 XML cables 
  • 2 tabletop microphone stands 
  • 2 mic windscreens 
  • 1 pair of headphones  

Before you arrive:  

  • If you’re recording for a class assignment, prepare any materials ahead of time that will help you record. For example, if you’re recording an interview, bring a list of questions.  
  • Bring a flashdrive to transfer files off the computer for your records. Also be prepared to save the files in a cloud drive service like OneDrive or Google Drive. Always backup your recordings using more than one method to prevent and loss of your recordings.  
  • Decide on a naming convention for your files and stick with it. This will help you organize your project files as you add in external sound files, word documents, etc.
    • For example, “Year_ProjectName_InterviewFiles_date” 

Steps to confirm the equipment is set up correctly to record:  

  • Make sure the xml cord connects the back of the microphone to one of the inputs in the Focusrite interface.  
  • Make sure the interface is plugged into the usb port of the computer 
  • Make sure the headphones are plugged into the headphone jack of the Focusrite  
  • Log in to the computer with your Trinity credentials (what you use for email, etc.)
  • Click on “Finder” and then “Applications” and choose the recording software of your choice(see below for advice on which to use)  
  • Within that program, select the name of the program in the top left of the screen and then select “Preferences” to ensure the sound input and output are set to “Scarlett Focusrite.” This will make sure that the computer will send and receive sound through the interface connected to your microphone. 

Recording Tips:  

After you log on to the studio computer, you’ll have your choice of recording software. We support Audacity, Garageband, and Hindenburg Pro.  

Some considerations as you decide which to use:  

  • Audacity: a free and open-source software. You can download this software on your own device, making it easy to begin recording and editing in the Lab and to continue it later on your computer.   
  • Garageband: designed for music production, this is a software familiar to mac users but is not explicitly designed for podcasting.  
  • Hindenburg Pro: An easy-to-use recording and editing software designed for non-sound professionals (journalists, etc.) to produce audio stories.  

Once you decide what works best for you and for your project, follow these directions to record and edit your audio:  

Contact and Support:

If you have questions, please contact our Student Technology Assistants (STA):

  • Stop in at the STA desk M-F 9-5
  • Make an appointment at http://tinyurl.com/trinstas
  • Email sta-help@trincoll.edu
  • Call us at 860-297-2589

Further Resources:

Record and edit with Audacity

Record and edit with Hindenburg Pro

See our guide to podcasting for more tutorials and resources.