Technology Requirements
These requirements ensure that all creative media and technology students have the tools to create high-quality audio and visual content using their own equipment. This software and hardware will ensure that the student can complete the required coursework, collaborate effectively, and interface with the Power Station.
Review the entering student technology requirement guide for your specialization:
There are many options for computer specifications. Classes will be held using Mac computers and much of the media-making will be using Apple Pro applications, which are only available on Apple computers. There are minimum requirements outlined here, but because we are media makers and creating video and audio content is computer intensive, we recommend a well-equipped computer and large amounts of hard drive space. Minimum Computer Specifications Recommended Computer Specifications 2016 15” Macbook Pro 16GB Ram 256GB Storage 2021 16” Macbook Pro M1 Max 32GB Ram 2TB Storage Students at Berklee NYC must have the equipment necessary to create high-quality audio recordings, playback audio on accurate headphones, input MIDI data, and connect to a wide range audio and visual systems on and off campus. The equipment listed here are cost effective options, but Berklee NYC students are encouraged to substitute these pieces of equipment with equivalent or more capable choices. Device Equipment Notes Class Use External hard drive 5 TB solid state hard drive such as Samsung T5. A hard drive is used regularly to transfer large files between each other and after events and to backup creative works. A Solid State external hard drive is highly recommended. Backup System A cloud backing up such as BackBlaze is suggested because it is the most reliable and secure method. A backup system is absolutely necessary to make sure all your hard work is not lost when your equipment is lost or malfunctions. Thunderbolt / USB C adapters Gigabit ethernet, active HDMI, USB Type-A, SD card reader. Students regularly connect to networks, sound systems, video systems, and transfer data to and from hard drives and SD cards. Audio Input/Output A 2-input and 2-output audio interface such as a focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or UAD Apollo Twin interface. Audio recording and playback capability is necessary for all classes Microphone A large diaphragm condenser microphone such as Perception 220 along with a pop filter, XLR cable and mic stand.. Throughout the program, students are recording vocals. Headphones Studio grade closed-back headphones such as Sony MDR7506. Accurate listening is essential for creating high-quality media and will be particularly necessary in the vocal production and mixing and mastering classes. MIDI controller MIDI keyboard such as an Akai MPK. Inputting MIDI into a digital audio workstation is essential throughout the program. A range of different software is necessary for the Berklee NYC student. All available software discounts are found on the manufacturer's website through their standard educational discounts linked below. Software Class use Ableton Live is used in the electronic production for songwriters and advanced electronic production for songwriters classes. Ableton playback will be used heavily in Berklee NYC concerts. iZotope Ozone will be used in multiple production classes. Autotune is an essential tool for the modern producer. Antares Autotune will be used in vocal production and mixing and mastering. Melodyne Editor Melodyne is an essential tool for the modern producer. Editor will be used in vocal production and mixing and mastering. Songwriting & Production: Technology Requirements
Computer Requirements
Peripheral Equipment Requirements
Software Requirements
The classes require a Mac computer as a minimum requirement. Due to the media creation and editing involved, it is recommended to have a well-equipped computer with a significant amount of memory and hard drive space. This will ensure that the computer can handle the computer-intensive tasks involved in creating video and audio content, resulting in a better experience for the student. Minimum Computer Specifications Recommended Computer Specifications 2016 15” Macbook Pro 16GB Ram 256GB Storage 2021 16” Macbook Pro M1 Max 32GB Ram 1TB Storage Students in the LMPD program must have the equipment necessary to create high-quality audio and video recordings, playback audio on accurate headphones, input MIDI data, and connect to a wide range of audio, video, and lighting systems on and off campus. The equipment listed here are the most economical choices, and Berklee NYC students are encouraged to substitute with equivalent or more capable options. When establishing a career in the technology of live events, investing in equipment is necessary, personal, and expensive. Students in the LMPD program receive in-depth education into the equipment of live events so that they can make informed decisions about purchases. The LMPD program equipment requirements listed here are the minimum and are flexible. The curriculum is designed to support each student as they build a kit of equipment to meet their personal artistic and career goals. Device Equipment Notes Class use External hard drive 1 TB solid state hard drive such as SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD. A hard drive is used regularly to share large files, and to back up events and creative works. A fast solid state hard drive is required. Thunderbolt / USB C adapters Gigabit ethernet, active HDMI, USB Type-A, SD card reader. Students regularly connect to networks, sound systems, video systems, and transfer data to and from hard drives and SD cards. MIDI controller Small portable MIDI keyboard such as Akai MPK mini. Inputting MIDI into a digital audio workstation is essential in the Sound and Stage class, and using a MIDI controller in a live performance is fundamental to the show control class. Audio Interface A 2-input and 2-output audio interface such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Audio recording capability is necessary in the sound and stage and show control classes. Microphone A single high-quality microphone is required; these are two possible options. Stage performance style dynamic: Shure SM58 Studio recording style large diaphragm condenser: Rode NT1a Throughout the program students create high-quality audio content. In the sound and stage class, students record voices and a variety of other sound sources. Headphones Closed-back studio headphones such as Sony MDR7506, or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. Studio monitors such as JBL 305P MkII are recommended for accurate listening while mixing and editing at home. An accurate listening environment is essential for creating high-quality media and will be particularly necessary in the sound and stage class. Camera An application for a cell phone camera that provides manual camera controls of exposure, white balance, focus, zoom, and ISO is an absolute minimum. A DSLR or mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a 50mm lens or equiv. (Example Canon Rebel T3i or later) is highly recommended. Used equipment is great! Cameras will be used extensively throughout the lighting, 3D design, and projection mapping classes. Cameras are often the primary audience at live events. A range of different software is necessary for the Berklee NYC LMPD student. All available software discounts are found on the manufacturer's website through their standard educational discounts linked below. Software Class use Ableton Live is an industry standard for playback engineering and live sound design; this software is used extensively in the sound and stage and show control classes and in all the Berklee NYC performances. Resolume is an industry standard media server and VJ software and is used extensively in the video design for live events class and in all the Berklee NYC performances. The Adobe Creative Suite contains essential tools for creating content for live events. They are used extensively in the content creation for live events class and in creating content for all of the Berklee NYC live performances. Dante is an essential audio networking protocol used throughout the program; this software allows the LMPD student to connect to all of the audio systems in the Power Station. Vectorworks is used extensively in the 3D design class and throughout the lighting and projection mapping core classes. TouchDesigner is used extensively in the interactive experience design class.Live Music Production and Design: Technology Requirements
Computer Requirements
Peripheral Equipment Requirements
Software Requirements
There are many options for computer specifications. Classes will be held using Mac computers and much of the media-making will be using Apple Pro applications which are only available on Apple computers. There are minimum requirements outlined here, but because we are media makers and creating video and audio content is computer intensive we recommend a well-equipped computer and large amounts of hard drive space. Minimum Computer Specifications Recommended Computer Specifications 2016 Macbook Pro 16GB Ram 256GB Storage 2021 16” Macbook Pro M1 Max 32GB Ram 1TB Storage Students at Berklee NYC must have the equipment necessary to create high quality audio recordings, playback audio on accurate headphones, input MIDI data, and connect to a wide range audio and visual systems on and off campus. They should also have the equipment necessary to transfer large files to and from their computers, connect to the Power Station audio/visual systems and backup their creative work. The equipment listed here features cost-effective options, but Berklee NYC students are encouraged to substitute these pieces of equipment with equivalent or more capable options. Device Equipment Notes Class use External hard drive 1 TB solid state hard drive such as Samsung T5 A hard drive is used regularly to transfer large files between each other and after events and to backup creative works. Thunderbolt / USB C adapters Gigabit ethernet, HDMI, USB Type-A, SD card reader. Students regularly connect to networks, sound systems, video systems, and transfer data to and from hard drives and SD cards. Audio Interface A 1-input and 2-output audio interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett Solo. For students new to audio recording, the “Scarlett Solo Studio” package is a good option to get an interface, microphone and headphones in a single purchase. Audio recording and playback capability is necessary for demo and arranging class, and for all classes when work is not being shared live in the classroom. Microphone A large-diaphragm microphone (i.e. AKG perception 220) is recommended, but not required. Audio recording and playback capability is necessary for demo and arranging class, and for all classes when work is not being shared live in the classroom. Headphones Studio grade closed-back headphones such as Sony MDR7506. Accurate listening is essential for creating high-quality media and will be particularly necessary for demo and arranging. MIDI controller MIDI keyboard such as Akai MPK. Inputting MIDI into a digital audio workstation is essential throughout the program. A range of different software is necessary for the Berklee NYC student. All available software discounts are found on the manufacturer website through their standard educational discounts. Software Class Use Apple Logic and Mainstage are used for orchestration elective and will be a focus for Demo and Arranging Recording for Musical Theater. Finale or Sibelius (For composers) Notation software is essential for all composers for Demo and Arranging Recording for Musical Theater class, orchestration elective, and for the rehearsal process of all culminating experience showcases.Writing and Design for Musical Theater: Technology Requirements
Computer Requirements
Peripheral Equipment Requirements
Software Requirements
If you have questions or concerns regarding the entering student technical requirements, contact BNYCacademictech@berklee.edu for assistance.