Building a studio

[Charka]

My brother and I are building a studio, but were not quite sure about everything we need for it. He needs a list of everything we need for the studio. Any help is appreciated. We have guitars, bass, and drums, but almost nothing else haha. If someone could make a list of actual items (brand, model, etc.) Ill give major rep. Price really doesnt matter (as long as its not an absurd amount ie. a 2 grand mic)
We have been reading about it on the internet, but real world experiance is probably better. We need to know mics, cables, amp, mixers, etc.

Thanks in advance. :)

[MDrummer88]

it's really dependant on your budget and what you are looking for.

I'm getting a mac for garageband/logic pro software and then a firewire mixer (alesis multimix 16 ($399) that way i can record separate tracks. i got 8 drum mics (Audix fusion 6 pc. ($299 new) Shure Sm-57 for snare ($100 new) and Audix D6 for kick ($200 new) and i'm just picking up cheap XLR cables for them and i'll see if they kill the recordings or not. All the instruments can then go into the mixer and into the computer where they can be mixed and edited.

[aggie182]

Too vague of a question, IMO.

[Charka]

Im sorry, what else do I need to make it less vague?

[dubsnack]

If you're starting from scratch, I suggest you read up on www.homerecording.com and http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/ .

I agree with aggie, waaaaay too vague of a question. There are hundreds of books dedicated to this. Maybe go find some?

And btw, you're promise of "major rep" doesn't really mean much because when you have one green square you give out piddly amounts of rep, if any at all.

[aggie182]

Too vague because you don't give a budget, what kind of studio you're going for, or anything. Looking for a pro studio? Need sound proofing? Looking for something to throw down ideas and demos? PC based?

[Charka]

I dont even know the budget, my brother just said "find the best **** you can and ill buy it." Weve already started building the thing. Its gunna be insulated with these soundproofing foam sheets. So basically I just need to know about equipment and electronics and what to buy. I was just trying to see what yinz use and how it worked out and possibly some suggestions on what I should go for. Thanks for the info MDrummer88, and thanks for those sites, dubsnack.

[Chief Pronto]

i really don't want to sound like a jerk, and i'll help any way i can when i know more about the project...

but if you have no idea what your budget is or any clue as to what is needed to build a studio, then you probably shouldn't be building a studio in the first place.



EDIT: just for clarification, i believe that "building a studio" and having some recording gear are two completely different things.

[Charka]

Eh, I should have made it clearer. Were buliding a small studio at his house, not just setting up some stuff. Since you all are making me make a price range pretty much, Id say around $3,000? just for the recording stuff.

[boro]

I didnt read the rest of the thread, so this is just a caveat.. but I saw someone mention garageband. garageband is fine if you're fooling around with vocals and guitars, but it's a major resource hog when you're multitracking drums, and will just piss you off.

[TuoKaerf]

Eh, I should have made it clearer. Were buliding a small studio at his house, not just setting up some stuff. Since you all are making me make a price range pretty much, Id say around $3,000? just for the recording stuff.

Ok then, that narrows things down some.

What kind of recording do you want to do? Just drums, full band, guitars, hip hop, hip hop vocals, and so on? How many simultaneous inputs/outputs do you need?

What kind of setup are you looking at? All digital, all analog, mix of both?

These kinds of questions need to be answered some before we can give you really specific gear ideas.

That $3,000 needs to pay for at a basic minimum-
Audio Interface
Microphone preamps
Software
Microphones
Cables
Mic stands
Headphone/headphone box
Monitors

[khomel]

I dont even know the budget, my brother just said "find the best **** you can and ill buy it."

I hope he is rich. To get the best **** you'll be in for hundreds of thousands of dollars. To get a working studio up with minimal fuss, you can do much better, but mics alone will cost you a fortune if you get top of the line.

Gotta get a budget...

[unclesam]

Isn't 3000 $ a little low to purshase the best **** ? You'll get some nice stuff for 3000$, but not the best.

[aggie182]

$3000 is a pretty small budget to build a studio from the bottom up.

[Charka]

I was just saying 3,000 just to put some numbers out there. Ive asked him again how much to spend, and yet again he just said "price doesnt matter." I cant see him spending more than 10 grand on it, though. Were gunna be recording drums, guitar, vocals, bass, and maybe another guitar (us two are gunna be only ones doing it all). I made this thread just to ask what kind of equipment we would need, but that site that dubsnack gave pretty much solves all our questions. I dont know how I didnt find it before. Thanks everyone.

[dubsnack]

OK, here is a decent "price doesn't matter" budget for you:

Computer - $3K (including display)
Interface - $1500 (Digi002/003)
Preamps - $1,500 - $50,000
Mics - $1,000-$50,000
Cables and Stands - $800+
Monitors - $800+
Headphones and Headphone Mixer - $600+
Acoustic Treatments - $2000


GET BUSY! :p


EDIT: btw, this is how much rep you give.... none! n00b LOL - I'll help you get on your way, though, have some greeeeeeeeeeeen

[Charka]

Computer
Interface
Preamps
Mics
Cables and Stands
Monitors
Headphones and Headphone Mixer
Acoustic Treatments

Are these like all thats needed to record and get the stuff to a comp to mix?
Already have a really good comp with a real nice sound card and speakers. We would just need some editing software. The structure and soundproofing are already taken care of.
I checked out some stuff on the internet and it seems like I could get the rest for about $8,000 for decent stuff. Does that sound about right?

Oh yeah, I am a noob when it comes to rep haha. The other forums Im part of dont have it. sorry

[guy0012]

Computer
Interface
Preamps
Mics
Cables and Stands
Monitors
Headphones and Headphone Mixer
Acoustic Treatments

Are these like all thats needed to record and get the stuff to a comp to mix?
Already have a really good comp with a real nice sound card and speakers. We would just need some editing software. The structure and soundproofing are already taken care of.
I checked out some stuff on the internet and it seems like I could get the rest for about $8,000 for decent stuff. Does that sound about right?

Oh yeah, I am a noob when it comes to rep haha. The other forums Im part of dont have it. sorry

what are you exact specs, on that 8,000$

[Chief Pronto]

Computer
Interface
Preamps
Mics
Cables and Stands
Monitors
Headphones and Headphone Mixer
Acoustic Treatments

Are these like all thats needed to record and get the stuff to a comp to mix?
Already have a really good comp with a real nice sound card and speakers. We would just need some editing software. The structure and soundproofing are already taken care of.
I checked out some stuff on the internet and it seems like I could get the rest for about $8,000 for decent stuff. Does that sound about right?

Oh yeah, I am a noob when it comes to rep haha. The other forums Im part of dont have it. sorry



^ still from the sounds of it, it doesn't seem like you're ready for this. the fact that you're saying that you have a good sound card and speakers doesn't mean that you "just need some editing software".

consumer computer peripherals like sound cards and speakers are good for everyday use, but are NOT studio equipment. again, to differentiate between "building a studio" and doing a bit of home recording, you can use your sound card and speakers if you just want some rough basement demos. but i wouldn't call adding some editing software to a "really good comp with a real nice sound card and speakers" a studio.


we have to start off slow... with the basics. get an interface of some sort. MBox, MBox 2, MBox 2 Pro, Digi002, Digi003, M-Audio 410, M-Audio 1814, M-Audio Delta 1010, MOTU 828, PreSonus Firepod.... maybe even an HD system.... this will replace your computer's stock soundcard, and the majority of them have some built in preamps.

then look into some software. the interface you use will almost dictate the software you use. if you get something by m-audio or digi, you'll be running Pro Tools. other interfaces will run with software like cubase, nuendo, logic, audition etc.

then, get some microphones and cables to plug into that interface. by getting enough mics to record a full drum kit usually gives you mics to record just about anything else, because drums use so many different types, like dynamics, small diaphragm condensers, large diaphragm condensers etc. start off by getting 4 or so Shure SM57s. You'll always need more 57s. this is good for snares, toms, guitar cabs. then get the shure beta52, akg d112, or audix d6. these is good for kick drum, floor toms, bass amps. then get a pair of large diaphragm condensers. check out the AKG 414 to start.

there are tons of other companies too that offer great mic similar to the ones i've mentioned like sennheiser, audio technica, audix etc.

then look into some monitors. KRK, Rockit, Yamaha, etc. I recommend the Yamaha HS50Ms.

with this gear, you can get sound into your computer, through some software, and out to your ears.

i say once you get this BASIC equipment, then come back to us and we'll talk about mixers and control surfaces, outboard gear, acoustic treatments and so on.

i think you can easily spend your $8000 alone on an interface, microphones (and cables and clips/mounts and stands) and monitors alone.

[Charka]

Ok, I just talked to my brother again about this. He said he just wants stuff to make demos and he wants to be under 10 grand. So, I guess that means non-pro stuff? He said hes getting a new comp for it too. I think hes talking about just getting something like this (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-AW1600-Audio-Workstation?sku=245013) with a bunch of mics. He really doesnt know what he wants, which makes it really hard for me to tell you all whats needed.

[aggie182]

^ still from the sounds of it, it doesn't seem like you're ready for this. the fact that you're saying that you have a good sound card and speakers doesn't mean that you "just need some editing software".

consumer computer peripherals like sound cards and speakers are good for everyday use, but are NOT studio equipment. again, to differentiate between "building a studio" and doing a bit of home recording, you can use your sound card and speakers if you just want some rough basement demos. but i wouldn't call adding some editing software to a "really good comp with a real nice sound card and speakers" a studio.


we have to start off slow... with the basics. get an interface of some sort. MBox, MBox 2, MBox 2 Pro, Digi002, Digi003, M-Audio 410, M-Audio 1814, M-Audio Delta 1010, MOTU 828, PreSonus Firepod.... maybe even an HD system.... this will replace your computer's stock soundcard, and the majority of them have some built in preamps.

then look into some software. the interface you use will almost dictate the software you use. if you get something by m-audio or digi, you'll be running Pro Tools. other interfaces will run with software like cubase, nuendo, logic, audition etc.

then, get some microphones and cables to plug into that interface. by getting enough mics to record a full drum kit usually gives you mics to record just about anything else, because drums use so many different types, like dynamics, small diaphragm condensers, large diaphragm condensers etc. start off by getting 4 or so Shure SM57s. You'll always need more 57s. this is good for snares, toms, guitar cabs. then get the shure beta52, akg d112, or audix d6. these is good for kick drum, floor toms, bass amps. then get a pair of large diaphragm condensers. check out the AKG 414 to start.

there are tons of other companies too that offer great mic similar to the ones i've mentioned like sennheiser, audio technica, audix etc.

then look into some monitors. KRK, Rockit, Yamaha, etc. I recommend the Yamaha HS50Ms.

with this gear, you can get sound into your computer, through some software, and out to your ears.

i say once you get this BASIC equipment, then come back to us and we'll talk about mixers and control surfaces, outboard gear, acoustic treatments and so on.

i think you can easily spend your $8000 alone on an interface, microphones (and cables and clips/mounts and stands) and monitors alone.


Great post - Rep.

[TheBananaMan09]

Ok, I just talked to my brother again about this. He said he just wants stuff to make demos and he wants to be under 10 grand. So, I guess that means non-pro stuff? He said hes getting a new comp for it too. I think hes talking about just getting something like this (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-AW1600-Audio-Workstation?sku=245013) with a bunch of mics. He really doesnt know what he wants, which makes it really hard for me to tell you all whats needed.


see that is a "porta studio" it invovles no computer at all which is a whole different ballpark.

[Tju85]

I'm not sure if anyone on this board has a Digital Studio like the one you just mentioned. I've never used one since I always like mixing/editing on the computer.

[TuoKaerf]

The all in one units work well, but you can be limited by them. It's much more expensive to expand and update down the road than just using a PC, plus you have limited options for expandability software and plugin wise.

[King In Amber]

Ok then, that narrows things down some.

What kind of recording do you want to do? Just drums, full band, guitars, hip hop, hip hop vocals, and so on? How many simultaneous inputs/outputs do you need?

What kind of setup are you looking at? All digital, all analog, mix of both?

These kinds of questions need to be answered some before we can give you really specific gear ideas.

That $3,000 needs to pay for at a basic minimum-
Audio Interface
Microphone preamps
Software
Microphones
Cables
Mic stands
Headphone/headphone box
Monitors

hahaha, hey man, who even pays for software these days... ;)

[Butnutz]

hahaha, hey man, who even pays for software these days... ;)


people who make a living from that software.

software and media piracy is great until you realize that there are serious consequences when you start to make money from software you stole.


in the professional recording community, 99% of people pay for software for a number of reasons:
1] most people have a conscience
2] most professional software requires an ILOK or Dongle (protools HD requires an ILOK AND Digidesign Hardware or the software wont even start)
3] it is fairly reasonable to expect to recoup your investment into software when you are making money from it.
4] potential and existing clients will generally be turned off by seeing cracked software and will view you as a dishonest businessperson. alot of cracked software is cracked by cocky hackers who make it very obvious to anyone even moderately computer saavy that the software is illegal. (IE, changing the default startup to include nintendo music and their handle)

[unclesam]

people who make a living from that software.

software and media piracy is great until you realize that there are serious consequences when you start to make money from software you stole.


in the professional recording community, 99% of people pay for software for a number of reasons:
1] most people have a conscience
2] most professional software requires an ILOK or Dongle (protools HD requires an ILOK AND Digidesign Hardware or the software wont even start)
3] it is fairly reasonable to expect to recoup your investment into software when you are making money from it.
4] potential and existing clients will generally be turned off by seeing cracked software and will view you as a dishonest businessperson. alot of cracked software is cracked by cocky hackers who make it very obvious to anyone even moderately computer saavy that the software is illegal. (IE, changing the default startup to include nintendo music and their handle)


Word! :cool:

[TuoKaerf]

4] potential and existing clients will generally be turned off by seeing cracked software and will view you as a dishonest businessperson. alot of cracked software is cracked by cocky hackers who make it very obvious to anyone even moderately computer saavy that the software is illegal. (IE, changing the default startup to include nintendo music and their handle)

I laugh so hard at the dudes who post up issues like this on other home recording forums-

"WTF! MY CUBASE KEEP CRASHN PLZ HELP ALSO MY COMPUTER RUN SLOW WHAT GOING ON PLZ HELP!"

Or when they can't figure out how to record a track in Nuendo and have no idea where their user manual is, but they for sure bought it off a friend.

That's why I usually just give page numbers for the manual when the dumbass obviously didn't buy the software, then watch them get all mad and angry when they can't figure it out.

If you plan on being professional and charging money for people to use your equipment, it better be reliable. I wouldn't call cracked software reliable. When it crashes, you'll look like a fool, and lose business.

[Drummer519]

then look into some monitors. KRK, Rockit, Yamaha, etc. I recommend the Yamaha HS50Ms.

Chief, I think you already know this, but just so we don't confuse any noobs, Rockit monitors are made by KRK. They are great from home studio setups. I've got a pair of RP6's and I'm quite happy with them.
people who make a living from that software.

software and media piracy is great until you realize that there are serious consequences when you start to make money from software you stole.


in the professional recording community, 99% of people pay for software for a number of reasons:
1] most people have a conscience
2] most professional software requires an ILOK or Dongle (protools HD requires an ILOK AND Digidesign Hardware or the software wont even start)

Even the non HD Pro Tools M-Powered require an ilok and the m-audio interface to run the software. It's all proprietary.

[Milkman]

I dont even know the budget, my brother just said "find the best **** you can and ill buy it." Weve already started building the thing. Its gunna be insulated with these soundproofing foam sheets. So basically I just need to know about equipment and electronics and what to buy. I was just trying to see what yinz use and how it worked out and possibly some suggestions on what I should go for. Thanks for the info MDrummer88, and thanks for those sites, dubsnack.

Are you actually hoping to soundproof this space?

[Butnutz]

Even the non HD Pro Tools M-Powered require an ilok and the m-audio interface to run the software. It's all proprietary.


im well aware of that, and i was trying to make a point about Professional software...i suppose the same point could be argued for consumer software. (piracy is wrong, see my original post, etc..)

[Niall McEvoy]

im well aware of that, and i was trying to make a point about Professional software...i suppose the same point could be argued for consumer software. (piracy is wrong, see my original post, etc..)
Do they say that only Pro Tools is "Pro Software" and everything else like Sonar and Cubase are consumer, just wondering? Oh and Sonar has a software key too.

[Butnutz]

Do they say that only Pro Tools is "Pro Software" and everything else like Sonar and Cubase are consumer, just wondering? Oh and Sonar has a software key too.


no, there are many software platforms that can be considered "PRO"..i used protools as an example because of its copy protection scheme.

Nuendo, Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer, Sonic Solutions, and many other software applications can all be considered "pro"...

..the important thing to remember is that the software WONT make or break your recording...the songwriting, arranging, performance and engineering WILL.

[jeebustrain]

Are you actually hoping to soundproof this space?


heh, there goes that $10k right there.

[TuoKaerf]

Ha, plus cabling.

When I fist started into engineering, I looked at a bunch of good gear, and it would only come out to be like $10,000. I think "not bad", this is easy...Until I started adding up costs for running 24 cables around 2 rooms, the trough system I'd have to put in, and soundproofing for it all. It would have costed more than the gear itself.

[SweetDrums1234]

Hey man, i hate to burst your bubble, but if you buy all this equipment, do you even know how to use it?

[Butnutz]

Hey man, i hate to burst your bubble, but if you buy all this equipment, do you even know how to use it?


lol knowledge is power, huh?

it a good thing if somebody wants to learn, but you defintely make a good point that people spend way too much money and get themselves in over their heads and then get scared and wind up not learning anything useful.

/long days at work, so this might not make sense

[SweetDrums1234]

Yeah, i was thinking the same thing. if he spends all the money on this gear and doesnt know basic techniques, the money he spent will be wasted.

[guy0012]

kinda my general rule, if you dont know all the benefits and ways to use a piece of equipment, dont buy it.

[slipknot001]

okay tho i agree with you guys... i just have to say this

for the 3 people that said


"durrrrr you knowz you havez to soundproovz and everything rightssss?"

he has said multiple times in a few different posts, that all of that is done, and not included in the 10k, god comeon start to read maybe? we're all able to on here.... even if its not in 1337.....

[Milkman]

okay tho i agree with you guys... i just have to say this

for the 3 people that said


"durrrrr you knowz you havez to soundproovz and everything rightssss?"

he has said multiple times in a few different posts, that all of that is done, and not included in the 10k, god comeon start to read maybe? we're all able to on here.... even if its not in 1337.....

The reason that I asked in the first place was because of this comment:


I dont even know the budget, my brother just said "find the best **** you can and ill buy it." Weve already started building the thing. Its gunna be insulated with these soundproofing foam sheets.

For anyone that has ever worked with studio construction or isolation, they know that there is no such thing as magical "soundproofing foam sheets." Sound isolation - especially of high SPLs - is a very complex and costly endeavour involving a carefully engineered mass-air-mass system...foam and other such products are great for acoustic treatment but are not going to stop sound.

[khomel]

people who make a living from that software.

software and media piracy is great until you realize that there are serious consequences when you start to make money from software you stole.


in the professional recording community, 99% of people pay for software for a number of reasons:
1] most people have a conscience
2] most professional software requires an ILOK or Dongle (protools HD requires an ILOK AND Digidesign Hardware or the software wont even start)
3] it is fairly reasonable to expect to recoup your investment into software when you are making money from it.
4] potential and existing clients will generally be turned off by seeing cracked software and will view you as a dishonest businessperson. alot of cracked software is cracked by cocky hackers who make it very obvious to anyone even moderately computer saavy that the software is illegal. (IE, changing the default startup to include nintendo music and their handle)

Indeed.

[pxdrum]

Bumping this thread up....Have you purchased anything?

Sort of going back to your latest question, involving the all-in-1 mobile studio....if you want to do it "semi-pro" right, then I would recommend avoiding that. Others have mentioned it as well, but to elaborate on it, it can be very limiting. For instance....I will compare that $1000 solution to something else for the same price, and show you the difference.

Take your mobile one, with (didnt even look at it that closely, but assume its 8 mic inputs) for 1k.
here is something I would recommend for a person who wants good sounding recordings/demos. THere is seriously NO need to spend anywhere near 10k on stuff unless you plan on making it a side business, in which case, it can develope over time, so if you start with things you can easily upgrade and add too, then you are all set. no need to drop the dough right now.
anyway, assuming you are using your personal computer that you claim is "good", then go with an interface such as the firepod (399). this gives you 8 mic inputs and a pre amp, which is the same as the allin1. now you can add a second, giving you 16 inputs, or up to 3 giving you 24 total. But back to 1, then you get some nice mid range software, such as Cubase 4 (400-500 I think) which should have everything and more than what you need. THe benefits now with software compared to the mobile is you can always add plugs ins, sounds, vsts, etc etc. you can continue to expand it and give you options out the wazoo. also things like synth tracks, drum track/sound, all can be had (most included in cubase 4). So far you have a much better system with far more options than the all in 1, and your have spent LESS money and have the ability to expanding nearly indefinatly.
Depending on the size of your drum kit, and the amount you want to mic it, will have a large affect on how many inputs you truly need. For instance, if you have a basic 5 piece, then you need at least 3 mics for toms, 1 snare top min (if you want to do the bottom snare is your 2nd option i am refering too) anywhere from 1-3 on the kick, 2 overheads and 1 on the hats. Thats right around 8 inputs, and to get a more ideal sound, add a second firepod and you can then mic up everything, as well as include a few needed room mics.
As far as mics go, like someone said, if you get them for the kick, then you probably have them covered for everything else. However I would personally avoid 57s on any toms...I hate the way the sound. Snares they sound good and are basically the standard go to mic. Just as for toms, get some 421s. Many people love them (me) while some dont. I would only use them for your high and mid toms though (8-13, maybe 14) and then something like a d112 for your larger toms (16+). I am a fan of the d112 and audix d6 for kicks, and these also work great for bass cab micing too.
You have the site resources, so just read and read somemore. Maybe pick up a few home recording dvds, they are usually helpful cause you can see them placing and adjusting things much better than just reading it and seeing a pic.
good luck