Many bedroom recording studios these days consist of nothing more than a laptop, headphones, various connectors, audio peripherals, and software applications, but this is mostly for electronic dance music production and editing. A more comprehensive home recording studio that can handle analog recording and full instrumental sessions will require proper soundproofing and acoustics, which means that you will need the following construction materials.
Unless your home is located in an isolated place hundreds of feet away from neighbors, you will need to soundproof your home studio for the purpose of containing noise. The purpose of soundproofing is twofold: you want to keep sound inside and prevent outside noise from disrupting your session. Mass loaded vinyl, also known as “sheetblock” is sold in rolls rated by their sound transmission class, which should ideally be close to 50 for best results. Sheetblock is fairly easy to install with green glue.
Some beginners may skip soundproofing and go straight for the acoustics, which entails making them from scratch or purchasing them for installation. The problem with the build-your-own approach is that you will likely not have access to the equipment needed to measure the noise reduction coefficient of your DIY panels; furthermore, they are not that easy to make. A great advantage of acoustic paneling is that you can start with about 50 percent coverage of your surface area and sound test the room to determine if you need more.
Pure analog sound will always get along with natural wood; this is the case for the finest pianos and acoustic guitars, and it extends to the recording studio. There is also a psychological element to using natural wood in the sense that it will subconsciously inspire musicians and engineers to perform at their best levels.
Stone and hardwood floors have a disadvantage in the sense that the impact of footsteps upon them will produce vibrations and even reverberations in some cases. The best way to soundproof flooring in a recording studio environment is to install a subfloor material that will isolate sound, and the most adequate surface will be soft carpeting material. If your studio is located on a top floor, carpeting will not be enough to contain sound; you will have to install underlay panels.
In the end, the four building materials described herein will help you get started with your home recording studio. Do not forget to research the best techniques for installing acoustic panels; the layout of the room and the positioning of the control booth plus instruments will determine the number of tiles and how they should be installed.