The University of Johannesburg (UJ) library has this week opened a podcast studio where you can rent the space and hardware to record for R300 per hour. 

This launch is part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) services that the University is hoping to create and offer its students. 

“The UJ Library Podcast Studio is the newest addition to our new 4IR services. This podcasting service helps you to create audio shows and conversations wrapped in a hub of recordings that you can download and listen to in your own time. Our friendly team will assist you in turning your concept into a podcast that delivers your message. ‘To be understood, you must be heard’,” reads the website for the studio. 

For R300 an hour the studio offers equipment that is claimed to be of professional-tier as well as technical support that will set up the equipment and provide supervision. Professional editing of the recorded audio is offered too, but it is stated to be an additional service, though no price is listed for this. 

The rules and further features of the studio are listed: 

• “Reservations require a minimum of 2 hours per Studio session – must be booked in advance

• Reservations cannot exceed 4 hours per studio session

• Payment is required in advance of the studio reservation date

• Member is responsible for supplying SD cards for audio recording

• A Library staff / Technician will set up the podcast equipment and provide technical supervision throughout the recording.

• Changes to reservations must be submitted in writing.

• If you require professional editing of the recording – this will be an additional cost.”

Those who would like to make a booking to use the studio can do so here where a form can be filled out or UJ staff can be emailed with provided addresses. 

From the outside this studio seems like a great idea especially in a university setting where it’s encouraged to try out new forms of expression. 

We can also see the studio being a great place for the completion of certain class projects which require some recorded elements. 

The price of R300 an hour also seems fair for what is stated to be offered above and, in the gallery of images below, it seems to have space for up to four people to record at once. 

While we’re not sure about the claims that the equipment and services are of a professional level (some pre-recorded audio from the space would have been nice to hear) it still seems promising. 

[Images – The University of Johannesburg]