The ideal studio recording situation requires a Pentium 4 computer loaded with Audacity (sound software) and at least three professional studio microphones connected to the computer through a USB mixer.

The equipment should be locked in a secure space that is isolated from outside sound, yet accessible enough for all recording students to access simultaneously. (Total cost: $1,500)

On the other hand, several institutions have produced programs with nothing more than in-house equipment: several computers equipped with a computer microphone and Audacity. (Total cost: $15 per recording station)

Case study: Brooklyn Technology HIgh School


BTHS has co-located their recording equipment in an enlarged 8' x 8' closet, which is secured with a biometric (alright, overkill?) fingerprint lock.

They have purchased the following equipment:

2.4GHZ Pentium Computer with 1 GB Ram and 120 GB HD ($700)
Audigy Soundcard ($50)
12-Channel Alesis mixer ($150)
Four XLR microphones (two for $125 ea, two for $50 ea)
Four micorphone stands ($25 ea)

And use the following software for recording:

Audacity (no charge)
Protools M-Powered ($300; not necessary for production)

Total budget: $1,500