Room Configuration

Lights

On the wall by the door are two light switches. One for the main room fluorescent lights and the other for the studio lights hanging from the ceiling. (fig 01)

• We tend to encourage you to record with both sets of lights on. It is more "sitcom" style, where everything is bright and flat. It's not very dramatic, but you will ensure good lighting from most anywhere in the room.

• You are welcome to work with just the studio lights on, but your ideal position in the room might be a little more limiting. 

There are two ideal areas to make the best use of the more "dramatic" in the studio.

• • Behind the desk (fig 02)

    • when sitting at the desk, you will notice a light pointed at the back of your head and shoulders. This is to provide "backlight." Backlight helps to separate you, the talent, from the background. this is important when taking advantage of the green screen

  • Sitting or at the table or standing when the table is moved (fig 03)

    • Like sitting behind the desk, another light behind the round table points towards your shoulders and back of the head. You will want to stand or sit in front of that light to get a nice "backlight" to better separate you from the curtain.

Please do not adjust the lights

We need to provide consistent lighting for the variety of users that record in this space. Please do not reposition or adjust the lights. This is also a safety issue as you would have to climb on things to move the lights. Please do not put yourself at risk.

If you would like to light the room yourself, you are welcome to checkout lights from the North Campus Tech Checkout (NCTC), located in Groundworks on the first floor of the Duderstadt Center. You can reserve lights and stands from their equipment page. NCTC production gear is available to the ENTIRE university community.

Main desk

The main desk with all the monitors on it has to stay in place. The bundle of cables running from the desk to all the gear in the room should not be moved as it can strain the cable management. Please work around this in its current position

Mic table

• The mic table has been in the Personal Studio since it's first version in 2008! Originally it held the teleprompter, and the camera was positioned behind it. Now it's a place to house our wireless lavalier mics or be used as a standing table if necessary. 

• The mic table can be moved if you have a need for a standing-style presentation space. Make sure to gently place the microphones and charging gear on the floor and make sure to return the table and mics when done before exiting the room.

Big Display

• The Personal Studio contains a 55" NEC display on a nnice rolling stand. 

• Though typically used for workshops, the NEC can be used with the system

  • NEC display shows the same image as the Presenter computer

  • NEC display has 15' cord and can be positioned near the cameras to also use as a source for your script/presentation materials.

    • an example would be it the teleprompter is too difficult to see from a distance. This display can be positioned between the cameras and referenced, as you give a presentation.