Labs & Equipment

The Digital Media Arts Department provides access to a wide range of media production equipment to students enrolled in DMA courses through the DMA Equipment Desk. Students will get access to specific equipment designated for each course for which they are currently enrolled. DMA majors working on an independent study course will work with their advisor to determine which equipment will be required for realization of the independent study.

DMA equipment desk

The DMA Equipment Desk is staffed by DMA majors with significant experience and coursework. They can check out equipment to you, answer questions about equipment and software, and provide general media production help.

DMA Equipment Desk • Bush Memorial Library 17A • 523-2668 • hamlinedma.net

S24 Equipment Desk Hours:

Mon 2:15-4:15p
Tue 4-6p
Wed 1-4p
Thu 4-6p
Fri 11a-2p

Technology Recommendations

For DMA courses, we strongly recommend students have access to a laptop.

Devices with lower computing power (e.g. Chromebook laptops, iPad tablets, or even your smartphone) are adequate for accessing Canvas and completing assignments for most Hamline courses. In the Digital Media Arts department, one of our primary learning outcomes is for students to develop competency in advanced industry-standard tools. Therefore, most DMA courses teach and use specialized software that requires a higher level of processing power. This means that you will need access to appropriate computer hardware and software to complete homework for DMA classes.

Multiple computer labs are available on Hamline’s campus, and lab “open hours” are set to ensure adequate access for you to complete homework assignments at any time that is convenient for you. However, most students find it more convenient to do homework in their homes/dorms/apartments, or in coffee shops and other public areas. This is especially true for students who live off-campus.

(1100, 1120, 1300), having access to your own computer (laptop or desktop) is recommended but not required.

As of Spring 2021 you will be required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the recommended specifications for DMA coursework, and you will be required to bring that laptop with you for higher level (3000+) studio courses. This policy is known as “Bring Your Own Device” or “B.Y.O.D.” (We encourage students to speak with a DMA professor if the B.Y.O.D. requirement is a financial obstacle; alternative options may be available.)

Surveys of past intro classes suggest that some 90% of students already have their own computers. Some devices (such as Chromebooks and iPads) may be adequate for some but not all requirements for intro-level DMA courses. Those devices are not adequate for courses that teach and use Adobe Creative Cloud software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, etc.). Different labs are equipped for different course needs; for example, Video and Animation courses are the most demanding in terms of computing/processing power, and thus require higher computer processing capabilities. Majors will need to secure a Student subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud during semesters in which they enroll in studio courses using those apps.

Though Apple Macintosh computers tend to be the professional standard in many creative industries, the software applications taught and used in DMA courses are designed to be functional across multiple platforms, and most functions are identical on Mac and PC. Each platform has pros and cons. PC laptops (e.g. Dell, HP, Microsoft Surface, Acer, etc.) tend to be less expensive, though high-end PCs can cost as much as a Mac. Mac laptops (e.g. MacBook Pro) tend to be more durable, though with proper care and updating PCs can last just as long. Ultimately you will want to balance cost vs. technical specifications vs. warranty and expectation of the life of the device. Also think about what you want to connect to: external hard drives or USB jump drives are important for backing up your work. An SD card reader is a good idea for photography, video and audio, as most equipment records to SD cards. Some laptop models (including newer Macs) have limited connection options, so be aware that you may need to purchase adapters and/or hubs to add extra ports for maximum connectivity.

DMA recommended specifications

You may also want to consult the technical requirements from Adobe: those interested in video should consult the specs for Premiere. Other areas of interest can base their specs off Photoshop or Illustrator specs.

Premiere: https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/system-requirements.html

Photoshop: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html

Illustrator: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/system-requirements.html

Facilities

DMA Computer labs

BSC 2 – 16 Window laptops with Adobe CC Suite installed. EditShare high speed media server for storing large media files.

Lab Policies:

  • The labs are open between 7am and midnight except during holidays and school breaks.
  • Use your Hamline ID on the door card reader to gain electronic access to the rooms.
  • You have after-hours electronic access to DRH from the main door on Hewitt.
  • The lab is exclusively for students currently enrolled in a DMA course. No other students may use the lab.

Features:

  • BML21 – 20 iMac (model numbers) , organized into pod workgroups each sharing a large HD display for group work. Adobe CC Suite installed. Editshare high speed media server for storing large media files.

Lab Policies:

  • On weekdays, the Bush Media Lab is scheduled for DMA courses and is only open to students enrolled in classes that meet in that space, during the time that class meets.
  • The lab is open for general student use during convo hour and on weekends.
  • The Bush Media Lab is open to the general public from 5 to 10pm , including all DMA students. 

Features:

  • BML10 – ## Windows machines (model numbers) .  Adobe CC Suite partially installed – use BML21/DRH5 for video and audio applications

Lab Policies:

  • This lab is open to students when it is not occupied by a class.

Makerlab

BSC 6 - Bush Student Center Lower level

MakerLab – 15 Raspberry pi computers,  Makergear 3D printers, soldering stations, electronics tools, etc. 

Policies:

  • This lab is only available to students enrolled in DMA 1490 or by permission from DMA faculty.
  • Access to this lab is arranged through the DMA Tech Support Desk. Students with permission must reserve the time on the 3D printers at dma.bookedscheduler.com.
  • Students must have had coursework in the MakerLab and be properly trained in use of soldering irons, 3D printers, and other tools.
  • Student may not fabricate any weapon, anything that might be construed as a weapon, or any parts of weapons in this lab.

Audio Suite

BSC 2B - Bush Student Center Lower level
  • This lab is only available to students enrolled in DMA 3420, 3480, 5480, 5920, or by permission from DMA faculty.
  • Access to this lab is arranged through the DMA Tech Support Desk. Students with permission must reserve the room and a key on dma.bookedscheduler.com.
  • Students must be properly trained in use of the lab equipment in order to use the space.
  • Be respectful of others (and your ears) – record and mix at reasonable, appropriate volume levels.

video edit suite

BSC 3B – Bush Student Center Lower Level
  • 27” iMac installed in a separate room for a quiet editing space. Outfitted with large external hard drive, access to EditShare high speed video server,  reference monitor for color correction work, audio monitors.

Type Lab

BSC 6B - Bush Student Center Lower Level
  • This lab is only available to students enrolled in DMA 1450, 3450, 5450, 5920, or by permission from DMA faculty.
  • Access to this lab is arranged through the DMA Tech Support Desk. Students with permission must reserve the room on dma.bookedscheduler.com.
  • Students must be properly trained in use of the lab equipment in order to use the space.

VR/AR Lab

BSC 3A - Bush Student Center Lower Level

The VR lab hosts a PC and Vive headset for creating immersive and interactive virtual reality projects. Students use 360º video cameras, such as GoPro Fusion, and software, including Adobe Premiere and Max 8, to create 360º video stories and experiences in 3D space.

Lab Policies

COVID-19 Safety Rules

All DMA computer labs strictly follow the COVID-19 safety rules set by the Minnesota Department of Health and Hamline University. You can find those rules in full detail here: https://www.hamline.edu/covid-19/

Students found in violation of these rules will be denied access to the labs.

Lab Access

The Digital Media Arts Department provides access to media production computer labs to students enrolled in DMA courses. All software and computer hardware necessary for course projects will be provided. At present, there are three primary lab spaces.

  • Media Arts Lab (Windows) – Bush Student Center 2 
  • Bush Media Lab (Mac) – Bush Memorial Library 21 
  • Windows Lab – Bush Memorial Library 10  

Lab spaces also function as classroom spaces. You may only use the lab when a class is not in session in the space. DMA students have card swipe access to BSC 2 and BML 21.

General Lab Policies
  • Respect the DMA student workers. It is their job to enforce the rules and ensure the labs are running smoothly. Students who disrespect the workers may lose access.
  • No food is allowed in the labs.
  • Only spill-proof drink containers are allowed in the labs.
  • Labs are unavailable for use during scheduled class time. See posted schedule beside the lab door or on hamlinedma.net. Some classes may appear to be empty while students are out in the field working on projects – check the schedule.
  • Use of the labs may not prohibit access to student users or interfere with their work in any way. DMA labs cannot be reserved except for scheduled classes.
  • Do not store files on the local computers. The labs are periodically re-imaged and all files will be permanently erased. All students have been given Google Drive access. Please ensure that your files are being stored on the network space or other media such as USB drives, etc. Special servers are available for web-related classes. See your instructor for details.
  • The purpose of the lab is for media production coursework. Additional computer labs are available at Hamline for word processing and other non-media intensive work.
  • Be respectful of others in the lab. Use headphones for audio. People making noise or otherwise interfering with student work will be asked to leave.
  • Students are prohibited from installing software on lab machines.
  • As a primary user of a lab, it is your responsibility to help keep it running properly by reporting all technical difficulties. Each machine has a node number on the back to help identify it. If you have a problem with a machine, notify the ITS Central Service Desk by filling out a help ticket.
  • Unless it has been placed in public domain, or utilizes alternate approaches to licensing, software is protected by copyright law. The owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to the reproduction and distribution of the work. It is illegal to duplicate or distribute software without permission of the copyright owner.

General Tech help

Visit the ITS portal self help page to see if you can find your solution there! Or you can always contact the central service desk through email at CSD@hamline.edu