Studio Policies and Etiquette

In order to maintain all of these widely-used spaces, the rules below must be followed by everyone in TAC. Breaking these rules could lead to suspension of studio access.

General Rules
''Note: please do not sanitize the Neve console or any other mixing desks with wipes. TAC Staff and Departmental Assistants will be cleaning the mixing desks daily. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough with your elbow (dab).''
 * Sanitize and/or wash your hands frequently, and definitely before touching the workstations or any studio equipment.
 * Sanitize your workstation — wipe down the keyboard, mouse and controllers with an alcohol wipe before and after use.
 * Sanitize microphones, especially vocal mics, with an alcohol wipe after use. If you’re nervous about cleaning a mic, consult with the Studio Manager or Departmental Assistants for best microphone sanitation practices.
 * Maintain social distance between you and your classmates.
 * Masks must be worn at all times.
 * Absolutely no food or drink! This is necessary to prevent accidents from damaging the equipment.
 * Never leave doors propped or left open unattended.
 * Don’t change settings for hardware or software.
 * Keep workstation areas clean and neat.
 * Outside and personal equipment may be brought in for recording, but it cannot be stored in the studios.
 * Save early, save often.
 * Push in chairs before leaving and don’t forget to logout.
 * TAC Studios may not be used by students for commercial recordings. You may not charge for your services while using TAC resources.
 * NEVER disconnect any audio connections in the studios. Always use the patchbay.
 * Leave studios in better condition than you found them.

Studio Access
Studio A (S04), Studio B (S19), Studio C (S20), Studio D (S18), Studio E (213), TAC Pods (212), Studio H (B201), and Studio G (B209) are available by reservation only. Users are expected to have taken a training session in order to learn the details of studio operation before using these studios. Use for other approved purposes is permitted with staff assistance. Studio H is only bookable by undergrad 3rd and 4th years, Masters, and PSD students who have attended a Studio H training session.

Computer Access
Users must login to the computer workstation with their SFCM login at the beginning of each session in the studio.

File Storage & Data Policy
Studio and Lab users should not store files locally on TAC computers, as they are frequently erased. Users should use their Google Drive, the TAC-Shared network drive, or removable media such as a USB thumb drive. For more information about the TAC-Shared network drive, see the page on File Management. TAC is not responsible for lost data stored locally (e.g.: on the desktop or in the documents folder) on computers.

Cable Management
Cables for studio use are stored on the wire racks inside each studio. These cables are for temporary use in the studio only: if you need cables for use outside the studio, check them out with the Studio Manager. The cables should be stored on the wall, either wrapped up with no ends hanging free (longer cables) or draped over the hooks (shorter cables). Please see that the cables you use are not hopelessly tangled spaghetti when you return them. Use proper coiling technique aka the “over-under” method and secure them with a cable tie.

Guest Policy
If you bring outside guests into the studio, include their name(s) in the description of your reservation. You are entirely responsible for your guests and their adherence to the SFCM policies. If working with a large group, please be respectful of others working at TAC and limit disruption: keep studio doors closed to keep sound from disturbing others.

Tour Policy
Guests of SFCM often ask to visit the TAC Studios, and we try our best to accommodate their request. If a tour is taking place during your session, please allow our guests a brief moment to peek inside the studio. If you wish to impress them by showing off your work, all the better.

Questions, Concerns, Problems?
To address all of the above, or to make a request for additional software, contact the Studio Manager at tacstudios@sfcm.edu.