Innovations in technology have made it easier than ever to set up a recording studio. It’s no longer necessary to invest thousands of dollars (and hundreds of square feet) in a bulky mixing board. Many of today’s most popular songs were created with little more than a laptop and some software, but it still takes a few simple things to make a great home studio to capture vocals and instruments at their best. As you build your home studio, include these five elements.
While you can build an entire song electronically with nothing more than a computer and a keyboard, there is still plenty of power in creating songs with live players. Make sure your studio has enough space for several musicians to be seated comfortably. Be sure to leave space for mic stands and guitar necks, not just for someone on a stool. Also, add some comfortable seating for writing time or to listen to playback of the finished product.
The right kind of echo can sound great, but most of the time it’s better to stick with a quiet room. After all, you can always go back and add echo effects anyway. Build your studio with acoustic paneling that will keep your sound where it belongs, and don’t forget to soften the floor with rugs or carpeting. Hardwood and tile are just as troublesome with sound as drywall, and they can allow amps and mic stands to add unwanted vibration to their output.
There are enough cords running around for guitars, mics, and amps without adding extension cords for power. Have an electrician review your home’s power and see if it can handle some more outlets in your studio. Be sure to explain what you’re doing so that he or she understands the amount of power involved. Think about placement of receptacles, as well as where you might need lamps, extra light fixtures, or other illumination for sheet music and notes.
You may lay down your tracks on a laptop, but your lap is not the best place to hold it. Be sure your studio has a sturdy desk with provisions for handling lots of cables, notes, and probably a sandwich or two. Be sure you take care of the computer’s power needs, not just by having current close by but also by having surge protection and a battery backup to keep spikes, brownouts, and failures from ruining your work.
Creativity is all about maintaining momentum. Nobody wants to be on a roll with a great idea and have to stop and run to the kitchen for food. Keeping a microwave, small fridge, and some cabinet space in the studio will allow everybody to nibble along through the day, keeping the songs on track by keeping their energy up. Just make sure to handle their noise and potential electrical interference.
Home studios are more popular today than ever. With the right features, yours can be a great addition to your creative process.