DIY Podcasting & Lightboard Studio @ EWFM 522A

The DIY Podcasting & Lightboard Studio is a audio and video recording studio where an individual can reserve time and create high-quality video recordings by simply bringing a USB (FAT32 formatted) flash drive and pressing a button to start/stop recording. The studio does not require users to have prior video, audio, or lighting knowledge as all of those components have been automated and pre-set for ease-of-use. Plugging a flash drive into the recording dock on the rolling cart on either side will automatically power on the lights, microphones, and PTZ camera on that side of the room. Once the flash drive is plugged in, all you need to do is press record. After you're done recording, make sure to press stop and wait approximately 10 seconds until the clip finalizes. A confidence monitor will tell you when the recording has stopped. Afterwards, it's safe to unplug the flash drive and download the contents to your computer with the installed USB-A to USB-C adapter on each rolling cart.

The key to the room can be picked up at the main Help Desk in the entrance of the EWFM Library. Please return the key back to the Help Desk when you are done. A flash drive is already installed in the room for your convenience. If you bring your own flash drive, make sure to format it for FAT32.

The studio is available for use M-F between 8am - 5pm. Studio time may be reserved in 1 hour slots. You can reserve studio time via the online calendar at go.lehigh.edu/roomreservation.

One side of the room features an illuminated glass lightboard for lecture and presentation capture. Erasable neon markers are used to draw on the lightboard. A switch underneath the table will electronically raise or lower the table.The lightboard is a glass "chalkboard" pumped full of light. It allows you to face your viewers while teaching or presenting written content. The writing glows in front of you.

You can find the DIY Video Recording Studio in the EWFM Library, in Room 522A of the south wing.

The studio can be used in a number of ways for many reasons:

Creating videos for online instruction or to supplement classroom instruction
Rehearsing for presentations, speeches, or thesis and dissertation defenses
Creating videos for training or professional development
Creating ePortfolio materials
Practicing your public speaking skills or for ESL study
Recording interviews or podcast

On the other side of the room, there is a podcasting table that contains a mixer and four microphones with adjustable arms. Make sure to plug the flash drive into the recording dock to activate the lights for this side of the room, even if you are not using the video camera. Note: A separate power button on the back of the mixer must also be pressed to power it on. Headphones are located on hooks underneath the table next to each seat. Audio only can be recorded directly to the mixer memory card located in the back. Recording from the recording dock on the rolling cart will capture both video and audio. There is also a remote control to adjust the video camera's angle and zoom.

Video instructions for DIY Podcasting Studio side:

Basic Instructions for Recording

Insert USB drive.
Studio lights, camera, and confidence monitor will power on after a few seconds. Turn OFF room lights using wall switch by door.
Get ready.

Use the confidence monitor to adjust your standing position on the floor.
Press record.
Press the “record” button when you are ready to begin recording. You will have 5 seconds before recording begins. Press “stop” when you are finished. Turn ON room lights using wall switch by door.
Remove USB drive.
When “record” button stops blinking, you may remove the USB drive. Your recording will appear as an MP4 file inside a new folder.

NOTE: There is NO Lehigh computer in the room so if you wish to view your videos immediately after recording, please plan to bring your own device.

Reserving the Studio

The studio is available for use M-F between 8am - 5pm. Studio time may be reserved in 1 hour slots. Please DO NOT move or change the set-up of the studio. If you need immediate assistance while recording in the studio, contact the Help Desk. For general questions about best practices for recordings, please submit a ticket.

To reserve studio time using your Lehigh Google Account, please complete this form: go.lehigh.edu/roomreservation

PLEASE NOTE: If you have an issue opening this form with your Lehigh google account, please try clearing your internet browser cookies. You can also call the Help Desk at 610-758-HELP.

After reserving your time, proceed to the circulation desk at the main level of EWFM Library where you will check out the key to the studio. When you are done recording your videos, be sure to leave the studio exactly as you found it (and the door LOCKED before you leave) before returning the key back to the circulation desk.