Equipment

We are home to a vast collection of microphones, mobile equipment and band gear.

Microphones

We boast a large range of professional quality microphones. The extensive range covers all the major brands from classic valve microphones to the latest designs. As the choice of microphone is vital in recording, we pride ourselves on possessing a range of microphones which enables the students to attain the highest possible professional standards.

The microphone collection contains rare and valuable examples, including 3 of the c.2000 original AKG C12 valve microphones, classic ribbon microphones such as ST&C 4038s, through flexible and often-used microphones such as AKG C414s, to high quality currently-available microphones such as DPA 4011s and Schoeps CMC6Us.

AKG

  • 3 x C12
  • 2 x C12A
  • 1 x C24
  • 2 x C414 EB
  • 4 x C414 B-ULS
  • 6 x C414 B-XLS
  • 1 x C426
  • 4 x C451E with CK1, 2 and 4 capsules
  • 2 x C460B with CK61 and 62 capsules
  • 1 x C567E
  • 1 x D112E

B&K / DPA

  • 4 x 4006 Omnis
  • 4 x 4011 Cardioids
  • 2 x 4015 Wide Cardioids
  • 1x 4060 Stereo Kit

C-ducer

  • 1 x contact mic

Calrec

  • 2 x CM 1050
  • 2 x CB 20

Electrovoice

  • 3 x RE-20

Hebden Sound

  • 8 x HS3000 with omni, sub-cardioid, cardioid, hyper-cardioid and fig-8 capsules

Neumann

  • 4 x KM84
  • 2 x KM86
  • 4 x KM184
  • 3 x U87

Oktava

  • 2 x MK-012-1

RODE

  • 2x K2
  • 2x M1
  • 2x M2
  • 1x NT1
  • 1x NT2-A
  • 2x NT3
  • 2x NT5
  • 2x NT55
  • 2x NTR

Royer

  • 2x R-121

Schoeps

  • 6 x CMC 5U with MK2, MK4 and MK8 capsules
  • 6 x CMC 6U with MK2H capsules and KA40 spheres
  • 1x CMIT 5U shotgun microphone

Sennheiser

  • 3 x MD 441
  • 3 x MD 421

Shure

  • 1 x SM 11
  • 6 x SM 58
  • 6 x SM 57
  • 1x SM7B
  • 1x Beta 52A

Sony

  • 1 x ECM 670
  • 1 x ECM 989
  • 1 x C800
  • 1 x C48
  • 2 x F740
  • 1 x F730

Soundfield

  • 1x ST450

ST&C

  • 2 x 4038

Mobile equipment

We have the following equipment available for use on location recordings:

  • 8-channel Neve portable console
  • 2 x 24-channel DDA consoles with LCR panning and direct outputs
  • Soundcraft Si Compact 24-channel console with stagebox and CAT5 multicore
  • Soundcraft Performer 2 with Stagebox and CAT5 multicore
  • 1x RME MADIface USB
  • 1x JoeCo BBR MADI Blackbox Recorder
  • 2 x Rogers LS 3/5 loudspeaker kits
  • 4x Neumann KH120
  • 4 x Tascam HD P2 digital recorders
  • 4x Tascam DA-3000
  • 4 x Quad 405 amplifiers
  • 2 x rigging ropes
  • 1x DPA S5 Surround/Decca Tree Kit
  • 5 x large K&M microphone stands
  • 2 x 50 metre 7-channel multicore cables
  • 3 x 50 metre 8-channel multicore cables
  • 10 x 100 metre microphone cable drums

Digital media

High spec Alienware PCs and Apple iMacs are equipped with industry standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Unity3D, Adobe Creative Cloud and Nuke.

When working with emergent media, an HTC Vive VR headset and Oculus Rift for development are available, plus a Playstation 4, Playstation VR headset, and PC games for entertainment and research.

Facilities for a variety of traditional animation techniques, including graphics tablets, claymation, paper animation and animating with sand, are widely used, and regular life drawing sessions are scheduled.

Band gear and amplification

Professional quality amplifiers and band equipment are available for rehearsal, performance or recording. A portable Meyer UPJ-based PA system is also available for amplified performances.

Percussion

We have a collection of orchestral percussion instruments and facilities for xylophone, marimba, vibraphone and Timpani practice.

Personal instrument lockers

We provide generous instrumental storage for students with their own musical instruments.