Recording Studio
Record your song, podcast or spoken-word piece in our state-of-the-art recording studios located at the Catonsville Branch.
Our free, do-it-yourself recording studios give you the opportunity to record, mix and edit for your personal use and enjoyment. While storage is not provided, you are encouraged to bring your own external hard drive or USB-C drive (10 gigabyte or higher capacity).
Each studio contains two rooms: one soundproofed recording space and one mixing space. Professional-grade equipment and software supplied includes:
- PreSonus One software and interface
- Multipurpose dynamic microphone with dedicated pre-amp
- Mini keyboard
- Chairs and laptop space
Plan Your Visit
Anyone wanting to use the studios must first receive studio training and certification before using the equipment. Before your appointment, you can register for training:
Recording Studio Basics Training: For customers with no or limited experience to learn the basics of the software and hardware provided. This is small group instruction taught by the Recording Studio Specialist or a trained librarian. Join a training session.
My Librarian Appointment: For first-time or returning Recording Studio customers. Up to one-hour, one-on-one instruction for certification and training. This session is taught by the Recording Studio Specialist or a trained librarian. Make an individual appointment.
These training sessions do not include independent studio time.
Studio Time
Once trained and certified, you can independently work on a project for up to two consecutive hours by reserving a session. A two-hour session includes setup and breakdown.
Remember to bring your own USB-C drive (10 gigabyte or higher capacity) or a hard drive to store and save your recordings. You are welcome to bring your laptop to work on your own digital audio workstation (DAW). All customers are responsible for all recording, mixing, producing and other sound engineering work.
Session Hours:
9 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
All using the Recording Studios must:
- Have a valid library card.
- Be trained and certified by library staff.
- Be 14 years of age or older OR accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older).
- Read the Recording Studio policy and sign the User Agreement.
- Bring printed signed agreement or sign upon arrival.
- Save created content to an external storage device. Any files saved to equipment are erased at the end of each session.
Support the Recording Studio
The studios are made possible through support from Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library. You can donate by making a tax-deductible contribution.
Information About the Recording Studio
Resources are available to learn more and get you started. You can request more information.
If you still need assistance or have questions, contact the Catonsville Branch.