Performances + Events
Recording and Performance Technology Services
NEC’s Recording and Performance Technology Services team provides support for performances, self-use recording and streaming systems, concert hall presentation systems, and studio recording.
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Performance Hall Self-Run Technology
Staffed studio recording sessions
Flat Pack studio sessions (self run studio)
Recording and Performance Technology Services
College Services
Many of the ensemble concerts — not including master classes or class recitals — occurring in NEC’s eight concert halls are audio/video recorded and either live-streamed or potentially broadcast at a later date. Services are determined well ahead of time and approved by the provost. Petitions for additional services or add-on concerts will be determined after consultation with the provost and the production team. In all cases, requests must be made at least a month in advance of the concert date, or by May 15 for summer events. For information regarding student recitals, please see “Required Recitals” below.
All recordings of these events are archived in the Blumenthal Family Library. For information regarding obtaining digital copies of concerts, please see “Obtaining Concert Files” below.
Requests for services must be made in person or via email. No requests will be taken over the phone. Email requests should not be considered valid until a confirmation has been sent by RPTS. We recommend making requests as early as possible, as all requests are subject to the above vetting process and staff availability.
Best practices for video recording and streaming:
- Use standard concert lighting. Intentionally dim stages only work for the in-person audience. Those viewing a stream or video recording will not be able to see the performers well.
- If you will be speaking from the stage, please use the speaking mic provided. This mic will be lightly amplified in the hall and will allow the person speaking to be heard on the video recording and stream, if applicable.
RPTS will waive the hourly recording fee for the following Jordan Hall composition readings when booked Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Fall semester
- Two days of orchestral readings
Spring semester
- Two days of orchestral readings
- One day of choral readings
- One day of wind ensemble readings
- Two days of Jazz Orchestra readings (these will occur in EJ on Tuesday or Thursday, from 4–6 p.m.)
Each composer’s segment from each date will be audio recorded and sent to their NEC email address as an unedited stereo audio (WAV, AAC) file; turnaround time will be roughly one week. If desired, the composer may contact RPTS to schedule editing time in the studio at standard rates.
While individual pieces can be recorded on multiple dates, microphone placement, engineer, volume levels, etc., will not be consistent from day to day. Editing between dates is not recommended.
If additional dates are desired, the self-run recording systems found in all halls, except Jordan Hall and the Black Box, can be used for readings. Please contact the RPTS office to schedule a training session.
Audio/video recording package
Available in Brown, Keller, Williams, Eben Jordan, Burnes, Plimpton Shattuck, and Pierce only.
An engineer will capture a single-camera video recording of your recital. An MP4 video file will be delivered via a Google Drive link. A wireless microphone will be available for announcements. This mic will provide light amplification and allow your announcements to be audible in the video and stream.
Please note: The above service is automatic for all required recitals.
Staffed PA service
Available in Brown, Williams, Eben Jordan, Burnes, Plimpton Shattuck, and Pierce only.
Includes a PA system with up to 12 inputs, two monitors, and a staff engineer. A 30-minute sound check will begin one hour before the start of the event; this will be your only time to work with the PA system and engineer. A one-hour setup will occur just before sound check. Rehearsals cannot occur during setup; please schedule rehearsal time accordingly. Please contact RPTS@necmusic.edu to request pricing information.
Portable PA – No engineer
This system includes a complete four-microphone, portable PA system with four mics, cables, stands, a mixer, two speakers, and speaker stands. If requested, one wireless mic and one stage monitor may be added to this system. This equipment will be delivered to your concert hall and set up at least one hour before the start of your recital and picked up afterward. The PPA may also be requested for your dress rehearsal (one time only). Operation of this equipment will be your responsibility. Please book this equipment early as we only have a limited number of systems.
Amplification Booking policy
If you requested amplification or projection services on your Recital Request Form, RPTS will contact you once your recital date has been confirmed by the scheduling office. If booking less than a month ahead of your recital date, every attempt will be made to accommodate your requests but availability of services cannot be guaranteed. If a staffed PA is requested, complete stage diagrams must be provided no fewer than two business days before your recital. An invoice will be emailed via Square shortly after booking. Payment is required within two days or the invoice may be voided. The PA fee is refundable if the reservation is canceled or postponed at least five business days before the recital date. Recitals canceled or postponed within five business days of the recital will be refunded 50% of the total fee.
After your event
Your files will be available for download via Google Drive within three weeks of your recital. Please download your recital files in a timely fashion. RPTS reserves the right to discard any materials after 90 days. If you intend to post your recital on any social media platforms, please be sure to acquire any necessary licensing before doing so.
These recordings become the property of the performer(s) and are not stored at NEC.
Postponements or cancellations
If you decide to postpone your recital for any reason, the scheduling office must be notified; simply making this decision in your lesson time with your teacher is not enough. If we are not made aware of your decision to postpone and our engineers come to work and set up for your recital, we will consider our service to you completed and may not provide services for the rescheduled event. Please take the time to inform us directly of any amplification cancellations or postponements as soon as possible. Amplification fees are forfeited if cancellations or postponements are made less than five business days before the recital date. Exceptions for cancellations due to illness are at the discretion of the director of RPTS.
Please contact RPTS to request pricing.
Audio/video recording
Studio sessions occur in the Eben Jordan Ensemble Room. We provide multitrack audio, a staff engineer, and, if selected, single-camera video capture. Files may not be available until five business days after the session. Please plan accordingly if you have a deadline.
Separate sessions may be booked for mixing and/or editing. With prior arrangement and subject to the availability of studio time, mixing or audio editing sessions may be booked directly following your recording session. This is the most cost- and time-effective option. If you need more time to listen and think about your best takes, we can offer you an AAC file for review. Once you have made your editing decisions, please contact us to book editing time.
Setup time
One hour of setup time is included in the cost of the session. One hour of additional setup time will be charged at the full rate for four or more musicians or more than eight channel
Piano use fee
The Eben Jordan Ensemble Room has a Steinway Model B. To ensure that our piano is tuned and well maintained, there will be a fee assessed for all sessions using it.
Additional instrument needs
Amplifiers and instruments other than the piano DO NOT live in the studio. Their usage must be scheduled with the NEC instrument librarian.
Email instrumentlibrary@necmusic.edu or call 617-585-1265 to request this equipment. The instrument library is closed on weekends, so access to necessary equipment must be arranged well in advance.
Booking
Recording sessions are a minimum of two hours in length. Mixing and editing sessions are a minimum of one hour in length. Time is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Recording sessions may not be booked less than three weeks in advance. Mixing or editing sessions may occur anytime Monday–Friday, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., depending on staff and equipment availability.
Deposit
A deposit of 50% of the total fee is required at the time of booking. Due to extremely limited availability, this deposit is non-refundable. A Square invoice will be sent via email to collect this payment.
Deliverables
After your session, stereo or multitrack audio files will be delivered to you via Google Drive. Please note, that depending on the requested formats (stems, etc.) and the engineering time required to create them, additional engineering time may need to be booked. Audio stems typically take approximately 30 minutes to create, and other deliverables may take longer. The engineer(s) should be consulted before final deliverables are agreed upon.
These recordings become the property of the performer(s) and are not stored at NEC longer than 90 days, so please download your session files in a timely fashion. If you intend to post your recording on any social media platforms, please be sure to acquire any necessary licensing before doing so.
Postponements or cancellations
Session deposits are nonrefundable. If you are running late for your session time, please call the office at (617) 585-1275 to let us know. We will not adjust your time but also will not consider you a no-show. Without a call, the engineer will consider the session canceled after 30 minutes.
Ethics in recording
Most auditions and competitions require performers to submit unedited recordings; please bring any guidelines with you to the session. We strongly recommend producing a recording that truly reflects your performing abilities and not our editing capabilities. Keep in mind that all competitions will eventually require a live performance.
Flat Pack Studio Booking Calendar
Located in the St. Botolph building, Room 116 (to the right of Pierce Hall) Why Flat Pack you ask? NEC is making available the space and gear, it’s up to you to assemble it the way you need to use it to accomplish your project.
Making a Reservation
You may book up to 4 hours/month depending on availability. To book time in the Flat Pack Studio, visit the Flat Pack Studio Calendar and select an available appointment slot. Unused hours do not roll over from one month to the next. Reservations must be made no less than 24 hours and no more than 6 weeks in advance. You will receive a confirmation email when you book your session.
Studio Rules and Policies
By making a reservation, you are agreeing to the following studio rules.
The Flat Pack Studio is under 24/7 video surveillance. By entering the space, you agree to be recorded. We will be reviewing the footage to ensure that all policies are strictly adhered to (reservations times are followed, gear is left neatly in place and all trash is removed, etc).
The maximum occupancy is 6 people. If your group cannot fit, please contact scheduling to book a hall for your recording.
Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in the studio.
Reservations are exclusively handled through the Booking Calendar.
Accessing the studio space requires a reservation which is inclusive of set up and strike.
The studio is equipped with an audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 18i20) and Apple iMac with Logic Pro, Sibelius, DaVinci Resolve, Waves Gold Bundle, Codex Wavetable Synth and GTR 3 amp / pedalboard plugin. If using this computer, you must move your files to your Google Drive or a harddrive before leaving the studio. You may also bring your own laptop. A USB-C cable will be provided/connected to the installed interface. If you require an adapter, please bring it. At the start of your session, confirm the interface is plugged into the computer or your laptop. The space also has 4 mic stands and a Keylab 88 Mk2 keyboard/stand. All of the equipment in the studio must remain in the studio. Absolutely no borrowing of this gear is permitted. You must bring in all other equipment, much of which may be reserved via R&R through your Onelogin. If you do not immediately see the R&R tile, click All Applications and you should see it.
Since this is meant to be primarily a tracking space, there are no speakers attached to the interface. Please bring headphones.
When you are done using the studio, please return it to the state in which you found it and turn off the lights. Allow yourself enough time at the end of your session to pack up the gear neatly and return it to where it belongs, including all stands.
Trash and recycling bins are in the hallway outside, please put all trash in them when you leave.
A violation of the studio rules or NEC’s code of conduct will result in a one month ban from studio use and will be reported to the Dean’s office. An additional violation will result in a ban for the remainder of the academic year and will be reported to the Dean’s office.
NOTE: there is 24/7 recorded video surveillance of the studio.
Canceling a Reservation
To cancel a reservation, simply delete the event from your calendar. Cancellations must be made at least 2 days in advance to allow others an opportunity to book the time. If you do not cancel your session, it will count towards your monthly total.
Accessing the Studio
You will access the studio by scanning your NEC ID. Card access is limited to studio hours and will be disabled outside of hours of operation. Please be sure to leave yourself time to pack up and put everything you used away in its designated storage area. Propping open the studio door is not permitted.
Using the provided Focusrite Clarrett Audio Interface
To record through the Focusrite interface, before you plug the interface into your computer, you will need to install the free Focusrite Control app on your computer. This will allow you to control the interface’s mic pres and its internal routing capabilities.
Download and install the app here. Once it is installed, plug in and turn on the Scarlett.
The interface has 8 microphone/line inputs. Two combination jacks on the front and 6 more mic inputs on the rear. There are also two headphone jacks on the front with independent mixes, routable with the control software.
Phantom power can be applied to channels 1-4 and or channels 5-8 and is required for condenser microphones. Since phantom power can damage ribbon or dynamic mics, you should make sure that if you’re using both a condenser and a dynamic or ribbon, that they are in separate groups in the interface. For example, if you have a condenser plugged into input 1 and you want to use a dynamic mic or ribbon mic, you should plug the dynamic or ribbon into input 5 or up, NOT inputs 2-4.
The Focusrite Control app will allow you to activate “air” mode on the preamps. This is a not-so-subtle high frequency boost and general level increase that you may find useful, especially if you are recording softer instruments or voices using a dynamic or ribbon mic.
Where can I mix my project?
Blumenthal Family Library has a collection of computers with music production software installed and available for your use. They are located on the second and third floor of the library. If you require additional software installed, please contact RPTS for consideration.
The RPTS department can provide amplification services in Jordan, Brown, Williams, Pierce, Black Box, Burnes, and Eben Jordan. If your event is in another location, please contact us to reserve a portable four-channel PA system (PPA).
Requests for amplification services must come from the department chair or administrator in person or via email as early as possible, but no less than one month in advance of the event date. No requests will be taken over the phone. Email requests should not be considered valid until a confirmation has been sent by RPTS. We recommend making requests as early as possible, as all requests are subject to staff availability and are not guaranteed. PA requests for summer events must be made by May 15.
Complete stage diagrams must be provided to RPTS and the Production Office no less than five business days in advance of the event.
Sound check will occur on the day of the event. RPTS will set the stage from 2–4 p.m. Sound check is from 4–6 p.m. for 8 p.m. concerts, or 4-5:30 p.m. for concerts that start at 7:30 p.m. Given the need for staff dinner breaks, requests for variations to this schedule must be made at the time of booking and cannot be guaranteed.
Since appropriate staffing will be determined before the event, and large concerts or elaborate stage changes may require more than one assistant, last-minute changes (which may require additional staffing) may not be accepted. If applicable, rental fees for equipment that is required for your event but not owned by NEC will be passed on to the requesting department.
The RPTS staff is regularly available to discuss your event and help put together a system that best meets your needs
Video recordings of NEC concerts staffed by RPTS will be available for the NEC community to view in Blumenthal Family Library, via Google Drive, or Avalon roughly two weeks after the event. These recordings may not be duplicated, uploaded to internet sites, or broadcast in whole or in part. Concert files are not available for download.
Please note that recordings prior to Fall 2022 are audio only files. Concerts recorded before 1994 were originally recorded onto analog reels. These concerts, if not already transferred, please contact Blumenthal Library for more information. Concerts originally recorded in DAT format which have not been transferred already may not be available. Concerts that have already been transferred may have different sets of files, depending on when the transfer was done.
Portable PA
To reserve a portable PA (PPA) for on campus rehearsals or events please contact RPTS well in advance as we have a limited number of systems. The PPA includes a complete four-microphone, portable PA system with four mics, cables, stands, a mixer, two speakers, and speaker stands. If requested, one wireless mic and one stage monitor may be added to this system. Instructions may be found here or you may contact RPTS to set up an in person review.
The circulating equipment collection is available to current NEC college students, faculty, and staff in support of their teaching, learning, and performance needs.
To find out more information on what gear is available to you or to make a reservation, click the R&R tile found in OneLogin.
Recording and Performance Technology Services
Expanded Education Student Information
Please contact RPTS to request pricing.
Audio/video recording package
Available in Brown, Keller, Williams, Eben Jordan, Burnes, Plimpton Shattuck, and Pierce only.
An engineer will capture a single-camera video recording of your recital. An MP4 video file will be delivered via a Google Drive link. A wireless microphone will be available for announcements. This mic will provide light amplification and allow your announcements to be audible in the video and stream.
Staffed PA package
Available as a standalone service or as an add-on to recording services. Available in Brown, Williams, Eben Jordan, Burnes, Plimpton Shattuck, and Pierce only.
Includes a PA system with up to 12 inputs, two monitors, and a staff engineer. A 30-minute sound check will begin one hour before the start of the event. A one-hour setup will occur just before sound check; this will be your only time to work with the PA system and engineer. Rehearsals cannot occur during setup; please schedule rehearsal time accordingly.
Booking policy
Requests for recital services must be made no less than one month in advance of your recital date. All services are subject to staff availability and are not guaranteed. If a PA is requested, complete stage diagrams must be provided no less than five business days before your recital. An invoice will be emailed via Square shortly after booking. Payment is expected within two days. The fee is refundable if the reservation is canceled or postponed at least five business days before the recital date. Recitals canceled or postponed within five business days of the recital will be refunded 50% of the total fee.
Best practices for video recording and streaming
- Use standard concert lighting. Intentionally dim stages only work for the in-person audience. Those viewing a stream or video recording will not be able to see the performers well.
- If you will be speaking from the stage, please use the speaking mic provided. This mic will be lightly amplified in the hall and will allow the person speaking to be heard on the video recording and stream, if applicable.
After your event
Your files will be available for download via Google Drive within three weeks of your recital. Please download your recital files in a timely fashion. RPTS reserves the right to discard any materials after 90 days. If you intend to post your recital on any social media platforms, please be sure to acquire any necessary licensing before doing so.
These recordings become the property of the performer(s) and are not stored at NEC.
Postponements or cancellations
Recitals canceled or postponed within five business days of the recital will be refunded 50% of the total fee. Exceptions for cancellations due to illness are at the discretion of the director of RPTS.
Please contact RPTS to request pricing.
Studio sessions occur in the Eben Jordan Ensemble Room. We provide multitrack audio and, if selected, a single-camera video capture and a staff engineer. Files may be available five business days after the session, so please plan accordingly if you have a deadline.
Separate sessions may be booked for mixing and/or editing. With prior arrangement and subject to the availability of studio time, mixing or audio editing sessions may be booked directly following your recording session. This is the most cost- and time-effective option. If you need more time to listen and think about your best takes, we can offer you an AAC file for review. Once you have made your editing decisions, please contact us to book editing time.
Setup time
One hour of setup time will be scheduled for every session and charged at the full rate. If the session includes four or more musicians, eight or more channels, or the use of our headphone system, an additional hour of setup time will be scheduled at the full rate.
Piano use fee
The Eben Jordan Ensemble Room has a Steinway Model B. To ensure that our piano is tuned and well maintained, there will be a fee assessed for all sessions using it.
Additional instrument needs
Amplifiers and instruments other than the piano DO NOT live in the studio. Their usage must be scheduled with the NEC instrument librarian.
Email instrumentlibrary@necmusic.edu or call (617) 585-1265 to reserve this equipment. The Instrument Library is closed on weekends, so access to necessary gear must be arranged well in advance.
Booking
Recording sessions are a minimum of two hours in length. Mixing and editing sessions are a minimum of one hour in length. Time is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Recording sessions may not be booked less than three weeks in advance. Mixing or editing sessions may occur Monday–Friday, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., depending on staff and equipment availability.
Deposit
A deposit of 50% of the total fee is required at the time of booking. Due to extremely limited availability, this deposit is non-refundable. A Square invoice will be sent via email to collect this payment.
Deliverables
After your session(s), WAV or MP4 files will be delivered to you via Google Drive at no charge. These recordings become the property of the performer(s) and are not stored at NEC longer than 90 days, so please download your session files in a timely fashion. If you intend to post your recording on any social media platforms, please be sure to acquire any necessary licensing before doing so.
Postponements or cancellations
Session deposits are nonrefundable. If you are running late for your session time, please call the office at (617) 585-1275 to let us know. We will not adjust your time but also will not consider you a no-show. Without a call, the engineer will consider the session canceled after 30 minutes.
Ethics in recording
Most auditions and competitions require performers to submit unedited recordings – please bring any guidelines with you to the session. We strongly recommend producing a recording that truly reflects your performing abilities and not our editing capabilities. Keep in mind that all competitions will eventually require a live performance.
Prep/Expanded Education/Alumni/Symphonic Choir members
Upon request, video recordings of concerts featuring students only will be available for download by the performers/composers. There is no charge to current college faculty or students for these downloads. Expanded Education (formerly Prep/SCE) faculty and students, as well as alumni, will be charged $10/concert. These recordings may not be duplicated, uploaded to internet sites, or broadcast in whole or in part.
All NEC Visiting Artist Concerts, Faculty Concerts, and ensemble concerts that feature faculty or visiting guest artists (including guest conductors) are recorded for archival purposes and may be listened to in Blumenthal Library or via Avalon. Copies of these performance recordings may be distributed to Trustees, the President, and senior administration for personal use only. Other duplication and distribution will not be possible without the express written consent of all involved faculty and visiting artists.
Once appropriate releases have been obtained (if required), MP4 files will be made available to appropriate recipients following the same guidelines outlined above.
Please note that only our final product will be released. We do not release multitrack audio or individual camera files.
RPTS will only release files of material originally recorded by our engineers. Turnaround time is usually one week (up to three weeks during busy times in the year). Class materials take priority over personal orders. Copyrighted recordings will not be copied under any circumstances, including for class purposes.
Concerts recorded before 1994 were originally recorded onto analog reels. These concerts, if not already transferred, will only be available by special permission of the RPTS director. Concerts originally recorded in DAT format which have not been transferred already may not be available for purchase. Concerts that have already been transferred may have different sets of files depending on when the transfer was done.
We do not offer duplication of videotape, cassette tape, DVD, CD, or LP.
