The ‘Silent’ Studio at library@esplanade

library@esplanade, Singapore’s premiere performing arts library, has unveiled a rehearsal studio (or jamming studio as it is more commonly known). This is the latest development in  the National Library Board’s expansion of performing arts services hosted in this  library.

This new service complements the library’s existing facilities, services and content related to music, which includes CDs, DVDs,  books and scores.

Acoustic drums and electric instruments require the use of amplifiers to generate sounds. The ‘Silent’ Studio concept, however,  minimises sound, thereby allowing the library to maintain an ideal environment for other patrons.  The technology that makes this possible is the JamHub mixer, which channels all the sounds from the various electric instruments to the headphones of  the musicians. The sound generated  can therefore be heard only by the musicians.

Although the library cannot ‘silence’ all sounds created in the rehearsal studio completely, the new technology we have employed will ensure that all jamming sessions proceed as quietly as possible.

By introducing the ‘Silent’ Studio, the library hopes to encourage a wider pool of musicians, especially young, budding musicians, to visit the library and use its facilities to hone their skills and express their creativity.

Equipment Details

Users can bring their personal hand-carry instruments (e.g. guitars and bass), or use the instruments available in the studio. Users are responsible for any damages incurred in the studio and will be asked to compensate for them.

Equipment available in the ‘Silent’ Studio

Electric Guitars:  Gibson Vegas High Roller; Gibson SG Goddess
Acoustic Guitars: Epiphone Performer SE (Venetian Jumbo); Epiphone SST Classic 2.0 (nylon string)
Bass:  Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird
Piano: Roland RD700NX Digital Piano
Drum: Roland TD 9 KX2 electronic drumset
Mixer: JamHub TourBus
Microphones: Shure SM 58
Headphones: Direct Sound Extreme Isolation Headphones

Items available in the ‘Silent’ Studio may be changed if they are defective or under maintenance. They may also be replaced with similar models if necessary.

Booking Details

Booking and enquiry hotline: 6332 3255
Rental fee: $6.50 per hour
Max. capacity: 7 pax at any one time.
Location: library@esplanade
8 Raffles Avenue, #03-01, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
(The room is located in the Film Village, near the screening rooms.)

Operating hours: 11am – 9pm daily (Closed on Public Holidays)

Guidelines of usage (please read)

• Users are advised to be familiar with the JamHub Tour Bus operation by going through the  user guide video available at this website,
• Other videos on the JamHub are available at this website,
• The ‘Silent’ Studio comes with 6 headphones connected to the JamHub mixer for the users. However, for personal hygiene reasons, users are encouraged to bring their own headphones or earphones. Headphones/earphones with 3.5mm connectors will require a 0.25 inch converter. The standard 3.5mm to 0.25 inch converter can be borrowed from the customer service counter at the library@esplanade (note: these converters might not fit some types of connectors (e.g. screw type).

•  library@esplanade does not provide any effects pedals/units. Those who wish to use such pedals/units (for distortion effects) are advised to bring their own. Users who need to use an additional instrument cable to connect their intruments to their  effects unit can borrow them (2 cables available) from the customer service counter at library@esplanade. 
• The ‘Silent’ Studio will be monitored via CCTV and proper behaviour is to be maintained at all times when using the Studio. Users displaying improper behaviour (acts that may cause damage to the equipment or hurt other users) will be asked to leave the studio and no refund of the booking fee will be given. Users are advised to handle the equipment with care. Users are strongly advised to check the equipment before beginning the rehearsal session. A check list will be given to users prior to studio usage. 
• Guitar straps are not provided for the guitars and bass. However, chairs are provided in the studio.

Supporting partner:

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