AV Recording Studio

The IT AV Services team is proud to present a new AV recording studio onsite at the Lab. The new facility is located in building 50B near the IT division office. It is used to record high-end audio and video productions that promote the Lab and align with its mission, core values, and branding.

Request a Recording Session

Instructions

The first step is to gain approval from Strategic Communications or division communications leadership.
Once approved, submit an AV Support form to request a recording session.
Submit the request at least 5 business days before the recording session.

Scheduling

To help ensure a smooth process, observe the following guidelines:

The studio is open for recording Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT.
A minimum of 48 hours notice is required to book a recording session during the regular hours of operation.
The studio is for recording only. All content development, run-of-show preparation or practice sessions should be held in person or remotely.
Enter an AV Support form to request a session (max duration is 60 minutes).

Important Notes

Participants:
- The studio can accommodate up to 4 in-room participants speaking on wired condenser microphones with headphones.
- Remote participants can join via Zoom for hybrid sessions (no limit).

Time Limit:
- Short Form (Under 15 minutes): These focus on one specific thing and are great for quick updates, daily news, or short discussions.
- Standard Length (30 minutes to 1 hour): Most recordings fall in this range. It gives enough time for deeper talks and interviews and covers a variety of topics, from storytelling to education and entertainment.

AV Support:
- A technician will arrive at the recording session 15-30 minutes before the start to begin the recording session and remain for the first 15 minutes to ensure a smooth start.
- A technician will return at the end of the session to stop the recording and begin the Google Drive file transfer.

Recording Tips:
- There is no real-time playback option during recording sessions.
- Recording multiple takes within a session is encouraged if it doesn’t exceed the scheduled session time.
- Any unwanted takes can be removed from the recording during the post-production process.

Final Deliverables

Transfer Process:
- IT AV Services will upload the recording files to Google Drive within 48 hours after the session.
- Once the recording files are shared, it is the host’s responsibility to make a copy or save them locally.

Post Production:
- IT AV Services does not offer post-production editing services for studio recordings. Contact Creative Services at creative@lbl.gov for help with editing the recording files.

Recording Files:
- The following files will be provided:
  - Audio (.wav file)
    - Stereo Mix (all mics in one track)
    - Track 1-4 (each microphone recorded separately)
    - USB 2 Main (all remote participant mics in one track)
  - Video (.mp4 file)
    - 1080p HD video file will be provided for video recordings

Cost & Terms

The AV recording studio service is recharged at a flat rate of $150/hour.

Rush Charge: AV requests with less than 48 business hours advance notice are billed at double time. AV may not be able to support emergency requests due to existing staff commitments.
Equipment: The recording studio equipment is operated by IT AV Services staff only.
Damaged Property: Requesters take full responsibility for replacing equipment/property that is damaged/lost/stolen during recording sessions.
IT AV Support: It is required to have an AV technician present to start and end the recording session. A minimum charge of 1 hour applies. Due to staff limitations, AV staff cannot remain connected for the duration of recording sessions.