5.1 Mix Room - Overview

Overview

The 5.1 Mix Room is a hybrid classroom and student lab space. 

• As a classroom it can hold about 25 students. 
• There is one computer with audio and video software. 
• It's available for students to use for academic use. 
• To be scheduled in the lab, users must have the "Proficiency" and quarterly "Access" badges on Schedule Evergreen. 
• Students in approved programs or contracts will be added to the Access badge each quarter.  

Uses

• Media classroom space.
• Mixing audio in 5.1 surround sound.
• Mixing audio in a large room with multiple speaker options.
• Small group work or critique with audio and video productions apps.

Location

• Located in Evans Hall 1328 
• From the lobby go past the Multimedia Lab and turn left at the garbage and recycling station.
• Go to the end of the hallway and turn left.

Access

• This lab requires users to have both the "Proficiency" and quarterly "Access" badges on Schedule Evergreen. 
• Read the Electronic Media Lab Access page for proficiency information
• Read the Media Labs Access Policy for lab polices
• Read the Scheduling General Access Media Labs article for scheduling procedures
• Schedule time at Media Loan, the Multimedia Lab or via Self Service in Schedule Evergreen.
• Get keys from Media Loan for your scheduled time.

Help

• Always enter your name and time into the logbook, along with any problems you encounter during your time in the lab.
• If you need help, go to the Multimedia Lab 1404.
• In the dock there is a folder with an orange M called Manuals that contain PDF’s of some of the equipment manuals.
• The Evergreen Help Wiki – has helpful articles as well as various audio editing software cheat sheets.
  • 5.1 Mix Room

Applications

• Adobe Audition: Multi-track audio recording and mixing
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Video Editing
• Pro Tools: Multi-track audio recording and mixing.
• Audacity: Open source audio editor.
• Waves Native Power Pack: Audio Plug-ins.
• NI Komplete: soft synths
• Ableton Live: Music Production

Equipment

Computer Desk

• The computer desk has wheels and can be moved.
• It can be positioned in the front or to the side when someone is presenting to a class.
• It can be positioned to face the screen when mixing.
• Be careful with the cable bundle connecting the desk to the equipment rack when moving the desk.

Equipment Rack

Equipment Rack

• The rack contains the following items
  • Switcher 
  • Blu-Ray Player 
  • VHS 
  • Grace M906 Monitor Controller 
  • MOTU 16A Audio Interface 
  • Yahmaha Receiver 
  • Rack Mixer 
  • Behringer Mixer: On top of rack 

MOTU 16A Audio Interface

• Soundcard upon start up should be automatically set to 48k Sample Rate.

The Grace m906 Monitor Controller

Grace m906 Monitor Controller

• There are two parts to the Grace controller.
  • On the computer desk is the controller.
  • In the rack are the audio converters and connectors.
• The Grace controller is used to select various sources and control the volume.

Speakers

• There are three sets of speakers in the room.
  • The 5.1 surround system
    • There is a center channel speaker behind the perforated screen.
  • The large JBL LSR speakers (mounted to the wall)
  • The small JBL LSR 305 nearfield speakers on the computer desk.

Lab Procedures

Powering On Procedure

1. On the computer desk turn down the volume on the Grace m906 controller.
2. Turn on the main power on the left side of the equipment rack.
3. Wait 10 seconds for the sound card to fully start up, sound card should read 48k Sample Rate.
4. Power on the computer by pressing the button on the lower back of the computer.
   • The button is behind the POWER sticker.
5. Log in to the computer and wait for the user template to fully start up.

Audio Monitoring

The Switcher (Extron)

Yamaha Receiver

• The Grace m906 controller is used to set the monitoring volume.
  • Audio Monitoring - 5.1 Mix Room
• On the switcher in the equipment rack, select iMac. 
  • The computer is designed to send signals through the MOTU 16A. 
• On the Yamaha receiver...
  • Set the volume to -10dB.
  • Select Speaker switch A to use the surround sound speakers
  • Select Speaker switch B to use the large JBL speakers
    • Both sets can be on simultaneously.
    • Only select one set.
• On the Grace m906 Controller, select CPU
• Double click the Main Level knob
  • This will set the volume to 65dB
  • Adjust as needed
• HELPFUL TIP: If there is still no sound coming from the computers to the speakers, press the small Multi Channel input button on the Yamaha Receiver.

Data Projector

• The switcher in the equipment rack controls the data projector.
• Press the On button to turn on the projector. (Give it a moment to power on)
• Select a source:
  • Select iMac to show the computer.

• For more information on the projection system read Data Projector - 5.1 Mix Room

File Management

All file storage on the computers is local to that computer.  You need to back up your files in order to use them in another lab.

• Make a folder on the desktop to store your files.  
• When working, save often
• When you are done, save and quit any applications you are using.
• Back up your files to:
  • OneDrive
  • External hard drive
  • Thumb drive
• If you have a fast USB three hard drive you can work directly of your drive.  
• We erase all the student files off the computers on Thursday of every eval week.