USB Microphones Now Accessible to all Vermonters via Public Libraries
Above: Big Heavy World volunteer, Essex High School student Ella Thompson with new USB microphones. Photo by Lafoi Faith Awotho.
Musicians Supported by Digital Infrastructure Grant to Big Heavy World and Statewide Collaboration
BURLINGTON May 6, 2022: Ninety RØDE NT USB Mini microphones are now available to all Vermont musicians and the public via the state’s public libraries and their inter-library loan system. This new statewide resource is a program of Big Heavy World, made possible with support from the Vermont Arts Council with funds from the State of Vermont and the generous participation of RØDE. The program is a partnership between Big Heavy World, the Vermont Department of Libraries, and Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. In 2021, the Vermont legislature approved $1.15 million in funding to the Arts Council to help build the digital capacity of Vermont cultural organizations. More information can be found here:
https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/programs/digital-capacity.
During the COVID pandemic digital equipment and streaming platforms like Facebook and YouTube provided the only opportunities for artists to perform their art for others while venues for live performance were ordered closed. Big Heavy World proposed that recovery-related infrastructure funding be used to ensure that Vermont’s music community is always able to connect with audiences via digital infrastructure that provides good quality sound. Vermonters are not fully outfitted for high quality streaming from their homes. One step to correct this and improve the quality of Vermont’s live music when it is shared is to ensure that USB microphones are available to be borrowed statewide at public libraries.
James Lockridge, Big Heavy World’s Executive Director, said, “Vermont’s musicians were impacted dramatically by the pandemic, economically and socially. Big Heavy World fielded intense inquiry about streaming technology. Digital infrastructure was essential and remains a foundation for sustaining the musical art form in Vermont and the wide continuum of society that it contributes to.”
Pictured: James Lockridge, Executive Director of Big Heavy World, and Catherine Delneo, Vermont State Librarian at the Dept. of Libraries headquarters in Barre. Photo by Tom McMurdo.
Beyond the ability to respond to public health challenges, digital infrastructure also provides connections that mend the challenges faced by widely separated rural communities. Big Heavy World recognizes that Vermont’s musicians elevated their understanding of digital technologies because they had to, and now they value the option to deploy streaming for economic or social benefit as artists. It has become a component of Vermont’s resiliency-related infrastructure and the creative economic sector. Catherine Delneo, Vermont State Librarian, said, “The Department of Libraries is excited about this partnership, and the opportunity to make this technology more accessible to Vermonters. We’re happy that the InterLibrary Loan system and courier services we support throughout the state will deliver these resources directly to Vermonters at their local public libraries.” The Vermont Department of Libraries also purchased high quality protective Pelican hard cases for each microphone with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding received through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The RØDE NT USB Mini microphones operate with both Mac and Windows computers as well as tablets, and no preamp, interface, converters, or mixer are necessary for recording. It is powered by the USB bus of a computer and separate software is not required. RØDE NT USB Mini microphones record audio at 24-bit / 48 kHz; make use of a directional cardioid polar pattern to minimize off-axis sound; and can be mounted to any standard microphone stand or their own magnetic stand. The NT USB Mini works with RØDE Connect, a free streaming podcasting software, https://rode.com/en/software/rodeconnect. Doug Marhoffer, RØDE Microphones General Manager, said, “RØDE has a culture of innovation. It is delightful to know the people of Vermont are also thinking in a bold, innovative way about how to serve creators so inclusively with our product.”
About Big Heavy World: Big Heavy World is an independent, nonprofit volunteer-run music office serving the state of Vermont. Founded in 1996, it has leveraged a technology-heavy D.I.Y. ethic and inclusive philosophy to support musicians and advance the music sector, preserve Vermont’s music legacy, and empower young adults in an environment that focuses their passions and intellect. The organization was selected by an international jury to receive the 2020 Music Cities ‘Best Global Music Office Award.’ Its programs are supported in 2022 by the National Endowment for the Arts; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the USDA; U.S. Department of State; Vermont Arts Council and Vermont Humanities. bigheavyworld.com
About RØDE. RØDE is a global leader in audio technology with a mission to amplify the voice and vision of the world’s creators. With a storied history dating back over 50 years, RØDE is a uniquely Australian-owned and operated company with a passion for innovation, obsession with quality, and enduring commitment to making incredible audio accessible to everyone. Since the beginning, they have been at the forefront of creator technology, revolutionizing everything from home studio recording to audio for filmmaking to podcasting with iconic products that continue to inspire. https://rode.com
Contact: James Lockridge, jim@bigheavyworld.com, (802) 373-2890
Download a print-resolution image at https://bigheavyworld.com/press-images.
