Q.Who can use the Audio Studio and EMS rooms?
A. The rooms are available to all students, faculty and staff of the University of Michigan. In order to schedule time in your name, you need to be trained and certified. The certification process will help to provide knowledge for efficient and creative use of the space and equipment.

Q. What do I need to get certified?
A. There are certifiation classes offered for use of the Electronic Music Studios and the Audio Studio. Users must pass a basic skills test after successfully completing a two-part training course to gain access to the Electronic Music Studios. In order to use the Audio Studio, you must pass the training for EMS, have a semester of good standing in the EMS rooms, and take a multi-week training course in the Audio Studio. Training course schedule.

Q. I already know a lot about recording. Do I need to take a training class?
A. Yes. Our policy is that all users are trained in the same way so they have the same knowledge base and expectations of the rooms.

Q. How do I sign up for a training seminar?
A. Go to http://www.dc.umich.edu/training.htm

Q. What is the difference between the training seminar and the sound recording course?
A. The training seminars are non-credit training offered by the Digital Media Commons at the Duderstadt Center for the purpose of gaining knowledge of and access to the studios. The sound recording course is part of a degree program offered by the School of Music, Theatre and Dance.

Q. How long will my certification be valid?
A. Certification remains valid as long as the user remains a member of the University community and privileges have not otherwise been revoked. A new user agreement must be signed at the beginnning of every academic year. Policies and procedures may change over time and equipment will be upgraded. Changes will be announced via e-mail or on the CTools website. It becomes the user's responsibility to remain up to date.

Q. I'm a musician who doesn't want to get into electronics. Can I get someone else to record my music for me?
A. The studios may support the work of others who are not interested in certification. These people can schedule the rooms through a certified user who assists in the project. To request an engineer, please contact the Audio Resources Coordinator, Dave Greenspan. Your request will be processed and sent to the group of certified engineers.

Q. I have a band and would like to record my CD there. Is that OK?
A. No. You are not permitted to use the studios to publish, sell, or otherwise commercially release any works completed, developed or worked upon in any of the studios.

Q. How do I book a session?
A. After completing the hands on test for certification in the studios, you may request an account in the VEMS reservation system. Go to https://lec-ncems.adsroot.itcs.umich.edu/DUDERSTADT; click on "My Account" on the upper left of the page and select "Create an Account." Complete the required fields, and indicate the school/college in which you are enrolled in the Notes field, and then click the "Save" button. Your account will be activated by a Digital Media Commons staff person within two business days. If you have any questions about this procedure, send email to dc-scheduling@umich.edu

Q. Can I block out large amounts of time so I can leave my set-up in place?
A. An individual can reserve up to 6 hours at a time and 15 hours per week. The intent of this policy is to prevent monopolization of the studio by any one individual. Abuse of this policy may result in a user losing scheduled times and/or scheduling privileges. If there is a special project that requires more time than allowed, please email Dave Greenspan and a decision will be made regarding the required time.

Q. Once my session is allocated, how do I get a key?
A. Keys are available at the Info Desk adjacent to the Atrium on the first floor of the Duderstadt Center, and must be signed out and returned for each session. You need to trade your driver's license or other photo ID to check out a key. If you plan to leave the building for any reason (such as lunch), you must return the key. You can always get it back when you return, as long as your session slot is still active. Any person who has not scheduled a time slot in advance of arriving at the studios will not be allowed admittance.

Q. How do I report problems that I encounter in the Audio Studio or EMS rooms?
A. To record technical problems, record the problem in the log book and send an email to dmcaudio@umich.edu

Q. What is the difference between the different audio spaces?
A. The Audio Studio is geared toward experimentation in audio capture and production. EMS A & B are aimed at experimenting with electronic music composition.