Advice for setting up home studio

[joshcolemanmusic]

Thank you all. I appreciate your feedback on this. Logic definitely seems like it offers a lot and I have a lot to learn there. Will look into some of the room treatment suggestions.

[mojobone]

Hah, not done here. Audio is a whole 'nother field; related to performing and composing, yes, but it can be way more technical in some ways. There's maths and stuff. But don't be frightened, you already know what sounds good, so the rest is just making decisions, and being able to hear the results.

Experienced studio rats know you should budget 80% for your monitors; (in the modern digital studio, they might be the only thing that makes a noise, barring the singer) the other large variable is your room, and how the space is configured. The ideal for monitoring is an equilateral triangle with the point six or so inches behind a line intersecting both of your ear canals, with the tweeters aligned in the plane described by the same ear canals, when you're seated at the mix position. THIS is square one, and room treatment starts from square one; you don't just install a bunch of acoustical treatments, before you determine a need and develop a plan. This is because your space has demands of it's own; you can't jes' slide the doors and windows around to suit your plan, less'n you're Richie Rich or Richie Sambora. The important thing to know about professional studio monitors is that, unlike consumer speakers, they're not supposed to sound good, they're supposed to sound accurate, and the adjustment can be wrenching, for a neophyte. You actually want speakers that reveal your mix's flaws, cuz you can't correct what you can't hear.

Determining the treatment needs of your room is a process, and although every room is different, the process has a procedure; the first step is determining where the mix position should be. If you have a choice, look up Ethan Winer, who has lots of great advice on his site; if not, set up where you must, and start taking measurements. For now, the equilateral triangle with a point a bit behind your ears will do just fine.

[joshcolemanmusic]

Hi Mojobone

Thanks for the detailed reply. That's useful. It is a frustrating process to know what I want a mix to sound like and to feel far away from getting it but that seems like a great place to focus.

[sguiles]

Josh,

I think I'm in the same boat as you. I actually have a fair amount of decent equipment, but I don't think I'm HEARING it correctly.
I'd be interested in monitors that you all might recommend?

[shellsings]

Hey Josh

check this out

http://www.acoustics101.com/

Covers room treatment and somewhere on this site there is a tool that you can use to put in your room type and it will recommend treatments.

One thing to note is that these will dampen the room, but not sound proof it, that comes in the construction of the room

I still hear all kinds of noises from outside and in the house if people or dogs are moving around, or the neighbors decide to mow in the middle of the day or a plane flies by, or someone runs their generator ALL DAY to maintain it...

anyhow, that link should help with room treatment If I find the room tool I will send the link

-Peace

[shellsings]

Here is the room treatment tool

http://www.auralex.com/praf/digital.asp

[joshcolemanmusic]

Hi Shell
Thanks so much! Will definitely check it out!
Josh

[johntwistmusic]

I second Stuart's advice about the necessity for treating your studio room with acoustic panels/bass traps, etc. It really is amazing how much that changes what you are able to achieve. I've made DIY sound treatment using rockwool, mounted in a frame made from roofing falshing (riveted together), and covered with batting, and then covered with fabric. The work really well. Check out these websites for more ideas and information. I found the ethan winer site invaluable in helping me to grapple with the true necessity of sound treatment in acheiving recordings that sound good. http://acousticsfreq.com/blog/?p=62http ... stics.html

Good luck. Keep us posted how it works out for you!

John

[StanSwin]

Good monitors are key. I use Dynaudio BM5As, and really like those. A tube pre-amp for live recording is great to have, but can run you some money. I agree with mazz that you've got enough that comes with Logic Pro to do quality work. Logic also has a lot of pre-set channel strips and plug-in presets which can get you pretty far without having to know too much about the plug-ins. You should hear what my students are doing in their dorm rooms with their laptops, and recording in their coat closets.

I think the time to start investing in more high-end sampling libraries is if you are serious about doing more orchestral work, where you need all the articulations, etc. The most important thing is to "get it good going in". The sound and tone of whatever you're recording - vocals, guitars, etc. is clean, at a good level, the performance is accurate, in tune and in the pocket. The better the input, the less you will have to do on the output.

[bassman]

I have to agree with Mazz here. As a library music composer or even a song composer Logic 9 has everything
required to get songs placed. All the other stuff is great but not much help if the basic ideas aren't there.

My advice: If you're not doing it already start writing lots of music. If you're new to production, study records, study arrangements. Notice how the guitars are played to make room for the lead instrument. THat great hook you've got going how can you turn it from an idea into a whole song. What can you
expand on.

Just my opinion of course