Debut of the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio: Meeting the Evolving Needs of Students and Faculty
LibTech Posted: March 4th, 2024As part of its ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge spaces tailored to the evolving needs of its community, the John C. Hitt Library has unveiled its latest addition: the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio. This innovative space, located on the 2nd floor, is designed to cater to the growing demand for a space for podcast production among UCF students, faculty, and staff, further solidifying the Libraries’ role as a hub for creative exploration and collaboration.
Equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video recording technology, the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio offers users the opportunity to easily capture both audio and video recordings of their podcasts. With features like the Rodecaster Pro II audio production mixer and the ATEM Mini Pro ISO video mixer, users can effortlessly adjust microphone levels, apply effects, and switch between multiple cameras or HDMI sources for a seamless recording experience.
The studio can accommodate anywhere from one to four individuals in recordings, and up to seven in the room, making it ideal for group discussions or interviews. Additionally, users can utilize the space for recording voice-overs for video projects, enhancing its versatility. To facilitate smooth operation, the equipment is designed to be controlled by a producer or individual not participating in the podcast, allowing users to focus on their content creation.
Matt DeSalvo, Manager of the Libraries’ LibTech service, spearheaded the development of the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio in response to the increasing demand for podcast recording facilities. DeSalvo explained, “LibTech offers a variety of audio recording solutions, including a kit that provides a recording mixer, four microphones, and all the associated cables. Yet despite those checkout options, students were still seeking a space to conduct their recordings. With the generous gift from the Hitt Family, we saw the conversion of a former staff meeting room into a podcast studio as a prime opportunity to meet our users’ needs.”
DeSalvo emphasized the studio’s simplicity and flexibility, noting that recordings are captured directly on the mixing devices, eliminating the need for additional computers and streamlining the recording process. He expressed excitement about the studio’s potential to serve as a hub for creative content production within the UCF community.
“We are excited to see the variety of content recorded in the space and have already been contacted from multiple UCF departments about use of the space for their existing and future podcast projects,” said DeSalvo.
To ensure users make the most of the studio, a prerequisite for reservations is self-enrollment in an online web course available through Canvas. This course provides comprehensive guidelines, policies, and instructions for utilizing the studio and its associated equipment, as well as tips for publishing podcasts on major content delivery networks.
Recording sessions in the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio are limited to 90 minutes per week and are exclusively available to UCF faculty, staff, and students. Those interested in reserving the studio can find more information and enroll in the web course at https://library.ucf.edu/podcast-studio/.
The launch of the Hitt Maker Podcast Studio represents another step forward in the UCF Libraries’ commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among its students and faculty. With its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design, the studio is poised to become a hub for podcast production and content creation on campus.
If you have any questions about the podcast studio, please email libpodcaststudio@ucf.edu. Questions about the Libraries’ overall technology strategy can be sent to Rachel Vacek, Associate Dean for Technology and Digital Strategies.
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