Electronic Music Studio

There is an enormous amount of equipment in the studio, mainly because while the school must constantly purchase new equipment to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology of electronic music, we never really throw anything out. Though it cannot be seen clearly in the photo, there are literally piles of old equipment all around the room, as well as the neat cabinets of more modern (and more frequently used) equipment.

The list which follows is organized, within each general category,
in order from most up to date to least.

Synthesizers/Samplers

    Roland Super SC-88 Sound Canvas digital synthesizer module
    Kurzweil K2000 digital synthesizer
    Yamaha DX7-IIFD FM digital synthesizer
    Yamaha DX5 FM digital synthesizer
    Yamaha TX416 digital synthesizer module
    Roland D-50 digital synthesizer
    Ensoniq EPS digital sampler
    Ensoniq Mirage Multi-Sampler
    Alesis HR-16 drum machine
    Synton analog, modular synthesizer
    Micro-Moog analog synthesizer
    Korg Polysix analog synthesizer

MIDI Controllers

    Roland A-80 keyboard controller
    Yamaha G10 MIDI guitar controller
    Yamaha WX7 MIDI wind controller
    Roland SPD-11 percussion pad controller

Mixers/Recorders

    Soundcraft Delta 24-channel mixer
    Fostex R8 8-track recorder
    Panasonic SV-3700 digital audio tape (DAT) recorder
    Alesis ADAT 8-track digital recorder
    Tascam 112 MKII analog cassette recorder
    Revox PR-99 MKII half-track stereo recorder

Effects/Processors

    Lexicon PCM-70 digital effects unit
    DigiTech DHP-55 digital harmony processor
    dbx 163X compressor/limiters
    dbx 463X noise gates
    RANE PE-15 parametric equalizers
    Alesis QuadraVerb effects processor
    Delta Lab ADM 1024 "Effectron II" digital processor

Computer Stuff

    Macintosh Quadra 650
    Opcode Studio V interface
    Digidesign Sound Tools II hard-disk digital recording system

Software:

    Sound Designer II
    Alchemy
    Arboretum Hyperprism
    OSC Deck II
    Opcode Studio Vision Pro
    Opcode Galaxy Plus Editors
    Opcode Musicshop
    Opcode Overture
    Apple Media Tool

How to Get Into the Studio

It is unfortunate, but most Hamilton students probably don't even know that we have a complete electronic music and recording studio right here on campus. Part of the reason for this ignorance, I think, is the fact that the only students aware of the studio are either enrolled in, or have taken one of these four classes, taught by Professor Pellman:

266-267 Musical Composition. Contemporary compositional techniques, including notational procedures and score preparation. Emphasis on developing the ability to structure musical ideas in several short pieces and one extended work. May be started in either the fall or spring semester. One-quarter course credit each semester. Prerequisite, (157), 277 or 209, and consent of the instructor. S. Pellman.

277F Music for Contemporary Media. Experience with the aesthetics and techniques of the modern recording studio, including the uses of sound synthesizers, digital samplers, and MIDI. Creative projects using these techniques. Three hours of class and three hours of studio. Not open to seniors. Not open to students who have taken 157. Prerequisite, 109, 121, or 131. Maximum enrollment, 14. S. Pellman.

366-367 Advanced Musical Composition. Contemporary compositional techniques, including notational procedures and score preparation. Emphasis on developing the ability to structure musical ideas in several short pieces and one extended work. May be started in either the fall or spring semester. One-quarter course credit each semester. Prerequisite, 267. S. Pellman. [377] Electronic Arts Workshop. Emphasis on collaborative work among computer musicians, digital photographers, and videographers in the creation of electronic 'zines on CD-ROM and the web. Other projects will include multi-media installations or performance art pieces. Prerequisite, Art 302 with consent of instructor, Art 313, or Music (157) with consent of instructor or (257) or 277. (Same as Art 377.) (Offered in alternate years; next offered 2000-2001) Maximum enrollment, 12. Gant and S. Pellman.

What You Can Do in the Studio

The Electronic Music Studio Archives - Listen to projects done by students! Music from Space - Prof. Pellman's Website!

Learn About Electronic Music on the Net

Not surprisingly, there is a wealth of information about MIDI music to be found on the Net. Here are a few links to some sites and starting points:

Keyboard Central

MIDI Farm
Netscape's MIDI Home Page

Searching for sites under the keyword "MIDI" is very effective. Going through Yahoo, Infoseek, Galaxy or Lycos can be even more helpful than a simple search if you are just browsing, though it is trickier to find specific information on MIDI music, for example, through this method (these engines also offer menus of popular sites in categories, including music).

Hamilton College Music Department | 198 College Hill Road | Clinton, NY 13323 | (315) 859-4261 | music@hamilton.edu
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