Corbin Kelly ’24
Behind the scenes, faculty and staff have been working to develop a space designed to make it easier for students to create audio recordings. Plans have been revealed to incorporate a new podcast studio into the Burgin Center for the Arts.
Megan Mallory, content manager for internal programs in the office of communications, has been a key part of making the space a possibility. She shares some insight on the goals for the space: “Over the last few years, we’ve noticed that many different groups on campus—from academic classes to offices working with alumni and others in our broader community—have a need for a soundproofed space to record audio. We see this space being used for such projects as podcasts, vocal and instrumental recordings, digital radio plays, voiceovers, and a possible student-run radio station. We also believe we can use this space for video recordings such as interviews and green-screen retakes.”
The room will operate as a multi-purpose space to create recordings of any kind and will be helpful for those who need a quiet place to record. Mallory says, “This is a space we hope will be widely used by those students, faculty, and staff who need a soundproofed space for recording. Reserving the space will need to revolve around the Mercersburg News production schedule and Mr. Morgan’s teaching schedule, but as the room becomes operational, we will provide a signup to make sure it is accessible to everyone who may need it.”
John David Bennett, director of curricular innovation, runs his own podcast for the school called “Making a Difference,” and he will be sure to use the room. He supported this endeavor by suggesting the right equipment for the studio. He said, “The studio will have a two-microphone set-up for audio interviews or partner recordings. It will include equipment similar to what’s used in many of podcasting’s most popular interview shows.” The room will also include, “Two Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphones, two XLR Microphone Cables, one Samson MDR624 Mixer, one Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder, two Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphones, two SM7B Windscreens, and two Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activators,” according to Mallory. This equipment will ensure that anybody who wishes to create their own professional recordings will have all the tools necessary.
Kelly Dowling, director of theatre, is excited to see what students come up with. “As Chair of the Arts Department, I appreciate that the school is creating spaces for students to use to express themselves and work collaboratively,” she said.
Ellie Jornlin ‘22 and Dami Akingbade ‘22 plan on utilizing the studio to complete their Springboard Project. Jornlin explained, “Our project is a podcast on women’s rights. We plan on interviewing politicians, businesswomen, and regular, everyday women about their experiences as well as giving just some general commentary…The podcast studio will have all of the equipment that we need and will be a great place to record future episodes.”
The podcast studio is expected to make its debut on November 15. It will offer another place on campus where members of the community can make their voices heard. Be sure to keep your eyes out for additional information about this exciting new addition to the Burgin Center for the Arts.