Guide to Building a Home Recording Studio

Building a home recording studio nowadays has become easier and more feasible. This is due to a number of reasons. Primarily the equipment which is required to carry out the recordings is being produced in such a way that it takes up much less space. Improved designs and technological advancements enable this equipment to be less bulky and much more compact. Apart from this various simple soundproofing methods have been developed to lessen the amount of noise which could be a nuisance to relatives and neighbours. We shall be discussing some basic aspects and guidelines to help you setting up your own home recording studio.

Step 1 - Determine the Best Location

First of all you need to choose an area which is least likely to cause a hindrance to people in the vicinity. This will also reduce the costs for soundproofing.

Step 2 - Measure

Afterwards measure the room, garage or basement so as to determine how much foam or carpet you need to buy so as to soundproof the room. These measurements will also help you to make a good decision when it comes to purchasing the recording equipment and other accessories as you will need to see how to locate them to make the best use of the space available.

Step 3 - Purchase the Material and Acquire the Necessary Tools

Now you can purchase the carpeting and the foam you will be using for insulating the room for soundproofing purposes.

Step 4 - Cutting and Fixing the Carpeting

Cut the carpeting accordingly and start to fix the pieces on the floor and the walls. Use a good quality glue to ensure a good fastening, and nail it at every few inches so as to straighten it.

Step 5 - Cutting and Fixing the Foam

For added insulation it is suggested that you install a layer of foam over the carpeting. Cut the foam in the required parts and fix it on the walls over the carpet layering. Try to do this neatly and as precisely as possible since if you overlap a foaming pad over another this may lead to a distortion in the recording sounds. It is best to use nails to fix the foam especially if the padding you choose are a bit thick.

Step 6 - Fill up any Edges

Once you are done you will need to fill up any edges and gaps around windows, doors and ventilators. It is recommended that you install vinyl strips for these areas as they are effective and quite easy to attach.

Step 7 - Purchase and Install the Recording Equipment and any Furniture

Once the soundproofing is ready check that the sounds are clear when recorded to avoid distortions or echoing. The next step is to decide what equipment you will be buying, after paying special attention on the setting you will use to place everything in the room. Then, compare prices and brands to make a good choice. Once you have purchased everything, including computers, microphones and other recording requirements you need to install them. Try to avoid leaving wires around, or passing beneath doors. Gather as many as possible together and connect within the walls. Choose software which is easy to use but which can produce a good quality musical output. If you intend to record live music you will need to leave space for musical instruments to be set up in. Some basic furniture items will also required including chairs and cabinets.

Now you have your own home recording studio and you can start working on creating some musical masterpieces.