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Multimedia installations invite hands-on interaction so that visitors can explore the tools of rock 'n' roll through electric guitars, drums, samplers, mixing consoles, and more.
Sound Lab is included with museum admission and is free for MoPOP Members.
JAM STUDIOS
Check out the state-of-the-art Jam Studio where you can record your own song using drums, guitars, keyboards, and vocals, then download and share with your friends for free.
DJ HALLWAY
In the hands of a skilled DJ, turntables can produce music that would have been impossible just a few short decades ago. Ever wonder how DJs make that scratching sound or move from one record to the next? Find out in DJ Hallway, situated in the back of Sound Lab.
AUDIO TECHNOLOGY INTERACTIVES
How do guitar players make such different sounds? Can an audio engineer really fix it in the mix? Technology has played a huge role in the creation of the sounds of rock 'n' roll, both behind the scenes in the recording studio and up on the bandstand. Find out more about the recording process, amps, samplers, effects pedals, and microphones.
THE BIG DRUM
The heart of Sound Lab, The Big Drum recalls the early rhythms our ancestors played around the fire. You don't need any special skills to play it, other than the ones you'd bring to a conversation. Just listen and answer back.
TRIOS
Each of the tall semi-enclosed structures on Sound Lab's main floor contains three interactive instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboard or drums. These instruments use sophisticated audio, computer graphics and MIDI to guide you through a variety of learning activities, whether it's learning to play "Louie Louie," or discovering what a 12-bar blues is. You can also choose to forego a lesson to play instruments on your own or with friends and family. Acoustically optimized dividers in each trio let you rock your socks off without disturbing anyone else.
SOUNDPROOF ROOMS
Twelve acoustically isolated rooms known as studio pods, contain interactive devices, gear, and traditional instruments. Take a lesson, jam with others in the room, try out vocals, and learn about the art of mixing. Special reverberation technology lets you adjust the sound so it's as big as an amphitheater, or as intimate as a living room.
Exhibition Sensory Rating
Sensory impact is rated on a scale from 0 (no impact) to 5 (very high impact).
1
- Bright lighting
3.5
- Loud in center areas
- Soundproof in music rooms
0
- No noticeable scent
2
- Instruments are tactile
0
- There are some places to sit
This exhibit allows you to play different instruments. There can be a wait time for music rooms ("Jam Studios") but times are posted above each door.
Sensory ratings provided by Sensory Access
MoPOP would like to thank the following for their generous support of MoPOP’s Sound Lab: