EMS Facilities

The Experimental Music Studios at the University of Illinois are home to seven state-of-the-art multipurpose composition and production studios.

About

Computer software includes Logic, Reaper, SuperCollider, Komplete, Waves, and a variety of other digital audio tools. Personal computers can be easily integrated into any studio, for students who wish to use their own software. Studio hardware includes a Roland 100M voltage-controlled modular synthesizer, a Buchla 200 synthesizer, Yamaha DX7 and DX11 synthesizers, dozens of microphones, a Toft ATB 32-channel analog mixer, a large collection of outboard compressors, equalizers, and effects, lava lamps, and very comfy beanbag chairs.

Studio A

Studio A is an analog/digital electroacoustic composition studio with a 8.1 surround system and nearfield monitoring pair. Studio A is the primary teaching space for recording courses and functions with Studio X as a control room/live room setup for recording engineering and production applications.

Studio B

Studio B is a stereo composition studio designed for instruction in the basics of electroacoustic music composition techniques, including analog/digital audio recording, editing and mixing, MIDI applications, analog modular synthesis, and digital signal processing.

Studio C

Studio C is a multipurpose studio, flexibly designed to accommodate a variety of smaller projects, such as stereo composition, music production, and multi-track recording for podcasting and similar applications.

Studio D

Studio D is a high-end analog/digital 8.1 surround studio with numerous advanced options for the realization of electroacoustic compositions and experimental projects of all kinds.

Studio E

Studio E is a stereo composition studio designed for instruction in the basics of electroacoustic music composition techniques, including analog/digital audio recording, editing and mixing, MIDI applications, and digital signal processing.

Studio X

Studio X is a large 10.1 channel electroacoustic composition studio, which serves as a primary facility for instruction in electroacoustic music, beatmaking, music production, and audio programming. Studio X additionally functions as the live room for studio recording projects and recording classes (alongside Studio A, which serves as the control room), and hosts a weekly EMS Forum where students gather to present and discuss works in progress.

Studio Z

Studio Z is an Ambisonic studio for three-dimensional soundfield composition and processing. Currently in active development, features a 13-channel hemispherical dome configuration of Genelec speakers, a Genelec subwoofer, and a MOTU 24Ao audio interface.