Foster HSB Recording Studio Guide

Using the Studiobricks Booth + Epiphan Pearl-2 appliance 
A hands-on guide for recording great video content on campus

Below is detailed information about the studio and how to use it and we encourage you to read all the way to the bottom of the page.  Secondarily, Josh Ward created a great video demonstration of the HSB Recording Studio for your viewing convenience here: 

HSB Recording Studio Demonstration

HSB Recording Studio Quick Start Guide

Welcome + Overview - What This Studio Is

Welcome to our on-campus, professional-grade recording booth.
In just a few steps, you can record high-quality video and audio, including user content—perfect for lectures, demos, recorded interviews, and more.

What You’ll Find Here

• Sound-isolated Studiobricks booth (6x6x7)
• 4K camera with onboard directional mic
• Pearl-2 video system with easy-to-use custom X-Keys keyboard control
• Green screen chroma key setup for user-selected backgrounds
• Preloaded layout scenes for easy setup
• Save directly to your USB drive

Before You Start

What to Bring

• Your USB drive – this is a must, recorded videos are written immediately to your USB drive
• Your laptop (HDMI or USB-C output) if doing screen capture or custom background
• Presentation files, if using your laptop as a content source

What to Wear (for Green Screen)

• Avoid green or reflective clothing
• Solid colors work best
• Avoid shiny jewelry or accessories

Studio Comfort & Fan Noise

The booth is equipped with three air movers to help regulate temperature. While recording, consider the following:

• Fans create a low hum that may be faintly heard in recordings.
• For best audio: Turn fans off or very low during your recording, then turn them back on afterward. Fan speed and power controls are on each of three air movers.

Connecting Your Laptop to Display Content In Your Recordings

1. HDMI or USB-C
   • Connect the HDMI cable provided. There is USB-C attachment if needed.
   • Your screen should mirror automatically on the right monitor.
   • Connect your laptop to power if you anticipate a longer recording.
2. No Signal?
   • Ensure your laptop display is set to “Duplicate” or “Mirror.”
   • Wake your device if the Pearl shows “No Signal” or the screen is blank.

Choosing a Scene + Layout

Use the X-Keys Controller —a labeled physical keyboard device inside the booth.

It includes 9 pre-programmed buttons, each mapped to a specific recording layout:

 Tap a labeled button once to instantly change the layout.

Lighting for Recording

The booth includes three separate light sources:

1. Booth Lighting
   • Lights the booth at all times during use. The switch is white and located on the black shelf in the far corner of the recording studio.
2. LED Panel on a swivel arm (Backdrop Light)
   • Lights the green screen for clean chroma keying.
   • This should remain on for all green screen layouts.
3. Ring Light (User Light)
   • Mounted above the camera to illuminate your face.
   • Can be turned on/off using the switch on the back of the light.

Tip: Adjust lighting and camera height together to reduce shadows or glare.

Start & Stop Your Recording

1. Plug in your USB stick (front USB port).

Use the X-Keys Controller

Look for the button labeled [Start/Stop] on the X-Keys device:

• Tap once to START recording
• Tap again to STOP recording

A recording light will appear on the Epiphan Pearl-2 appliance to confirm.

Note: Audio from the shotgun mic is active in all layouts (except the Hankamer title slide).

Saving to USB

• When the recording ends, wait for the green copy confirmation lights to stop.
  • When the green light stops blinking, wait 3-4 seconds before removing USB drive.

All recordings are saved in MP4 format.

Using the Green Screen

Already enabled in all layouts.

Tips for success:

• Sit (or stand) about 2–3 feet from the green backdrop.
• Avoid moving beyond the green background edges.
• Look at the camera—not your screen.

Backgrounds can be replaced with images or slides you've provided, through the content channel.

Adjusting the Camera Height

The camera is mounted on a fixed height adjustable slider but can be easily adjusted using the red thumbscrew located to the left of the camera. Be very cautious and use two hands to move camera.

To adjust:

1. Loosen the red thumbscrew.
2. Raise or lower the camera to eye level.
3. Retighten the thumbscrew securely.

Need Help?

Troubleshooting

• No camera signal? Check the camera On/Off slider on top of the camera
• No laptop signal? Wake your laptop and check display settings.
• No audio? Make sure you’re speaking toward the camera.
• No USB copy? Try re-inserting your drive.

Support

Email: hsbtc@baylor.edu
Phone: campus extension x3951
Book studio time: Recording Studio Reservation