By David Lamanno
Rowan Public Library

Calling all musicians, podcast enthusiasts and audio production engineers. Rowan Public Library is thrilled to open the doors to our brand-new, cutting-edge podcast production studio — and we want you to be among the first to experience it. All members of the public are invited to an exclusive open house event showcasing RPL’s new state-of-the-art podcast production studio. The drop-in event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6-8 p.m.

Podcasters and musicians know that booking studio time or investing in quality equipment can be expensive. Generous grants awarded from the State Library of North Carolina, the Cannon Foundation and matching Rowan County funds means professional-grade audio production is now available for free at RPL Headquarters in Salisbury. The studio will be available for adults aged 17 and up who have a valid N.C. driver’s license. Interested minors aged 16 will need parental or guardian permission. Attendees will have an opportunity to review other studio policies and procedures at the open house.

If you’re a seasoned podcaster looking to improve your sound or just curious about audio production, this is your chance to see (and hear) what a pro-grade studio can do. You are welcome to bring along a short script if you have one, and we will guide you through a mini recording session in the soundproof environment. From perfecting your podcast, recording your demo, or to crafting compelling company announcements, we’ll show you how the studio can help you capture your unique sound.

When I was a young musician and wanted to document my ideas, I had to be satisfied using a plastic microphone and a cheap cassette recorder. How times have changed! The most distinguishing piece of equipment in the studio is the five-foot by seven-foot, sonically insulated vocal booth. Within, you’ll find a Rodecaster II, a multi-channel mixer and digital recorder. To capture sound, there is a broadcast-grade Shure SM7-B microphone along with four other high-quality, professional mics. Additionally, a MacBook Pro is ready and loaded with software to make multi-channel recording and editing a snap. Musical riffs and beats can be created using the M-Audio 61-key, MIDI keyboard. The studio is also equipped with headphones, music and mic stands and studio monitor speakers. And let’s not forget the books, eBooks and other resources are available at Rowan Public Library to help you obtain the skills you need to set your projects in motion. For those who are interested in using a recording studio but don’t know where to start, instructional programs focusing on beginning audio production will be offered in the future.

So don’t forget to mark your calendars for a unique opportunity to explore your new podcast studio and production instructional space on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Drop-in at any time between 6 and 8 p.m. to see how we can help you bring your audio vision to life. And while you are marking your calendar, don’t forget Oct. 28. That is the day the 12th episode of RPL’s folk music podcast, “Come Gather ‘Round Good People,” will be released on SoundCloud. Type your search like this: bit.ly/RPLSoundCloud. To learn more about the open house or the podcast, contact David at David.Lamanno@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-8229. To find books and other resources RPL has to offer, visit online at www.RowanPublicLibrary.org or call 980-432-8670.