SPIL

Sound Practices and Intermedia Lab (SPIL) is a vibrant hub for sound practices, composition, and intermedia practices at the University of Chicago. SPIL is comprised of three studios: Studio A (Production and Spatial Audio Lab), Studio B (Production and Synthesis Lab), and Studio C (Equipment Checkout Room). In addition to studio spaces, SPIL regularly produces performances, such as its upcoming event, Critical Sounds (formerly CHIMEFest), and engages in collaborative projects with artists across disciplines, both on campus and throughout Chicago.  

SPIL is comprised of three studios: Studio A (Production and Spatial Audio Lab), Studio B (Production and Synthesis Lab), and Studio C (Equipment Checkout Room). Studio A supports projects in production, recording, and spatial audio. This studio hosts a twelve-channel Genelec speaker array and features a Mac Studio computer running Pro Tools, Reaper, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, iZotope RX, SuperCollider, and Max. The studio also hosts high-quality production plug-ins, such as ValhallaDSP reverbs, FabFilter mastering software, Waves, and spatial audio tools, such as GRM Tools, IEM Plug-in Suite, and more. Studio B is a lab for music production and modular synthesis. It features a four-channel JBL speaker system and an extensive Eurorack and other modular synthesis systems. Both studios are acoustically treated, capable of supporting recording projects, and run on the RME audio interfaces. When working in SPIL, students have access to a range of high-quality microphones from brands such as Sennheiser, Neumann, Shure, DPA, and AKG, as well as field recorders and unconventional recording equipment, including tactile transducers, contact microphones, and more, for their sonic experiments.  

In addition to studio spaces, SPIL regularly produces performances, such as its upcoming event, Critical Sounds (formerly CHIMEFest), and engages in collaborative projects with artists across disciplines, both on campus and throughout Chicago. The studio frequently supports off-site performances and recordings. Our equipment checkout room in Studio C houses a variety of audiovisual equipment for live performances, as well as a soldering station for repairs and DIY electronics work. In addition, students have access to equipment and facilities at the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Media Center, located on the lower level of the Logan Center for the Arts.