How to build a simple home studio (for beginners)

[shellsings]

Hey Everyone

I have gotten a lot of requests to show people my set up, help them set up a home studio. So I decided to make a video on how I created my home studio. I talk about sound reflection and some basic equipment, and other things you should look out for.

If you are just starting to build your simple home studio and want to do it on a budget, then this is for you!

https://youtu.be/SZynU0Xu1MM

[funsongs]

Hey Everyone

I have gotten a lot of requests to show people my set up, help them set up a home studio. So I decided to make a video on how I created my home studio. I talk about sound reflection and some basic equipment, and other things you should look out for.

If you are just starting to build your simple home studio and want to do it on a budget, then this is for you!

https://youtu.be/SZynU0Xu1MM

Michelle -
Thank you very much for posting this. For one who is reading-challenged (instruction manuals are useless to me), seeing and hearing your description is helpful - I'm just starting to get stuff together.

Question - I noticed you have your monitors on floor-stands, and not directly on a table top;
a 'must' for honest playback? Recommended type or brand(s)?

Comment - (having been in the architecture/building bizz) regarding your door. Most newer/tract homes are built with 1-5/8" thick hollow-core doors - a sandwich construction in which the raised panels you see are made of masonite. If you switch your door for a 1-3/4" thick solid-core door, that may greatly reduce noise leakage there. For the extra thickness of the door, you will likely need to have the door jamb 'stops' moved: that should not be a big deal.
If you do this, I'd like to hear back how much improvement you achieve.

Cheers.

[funsongs]

Nuther question:
how about sound transmit control (STC) for 2nd floor-over-ceiling of living area beneath?
Anything you can lay down on top of carpet that actually works?
Mostly it's bass that's tough to block out.

[shellsings]

Hey Everyone

I have gotten a lot of requests to show people my set up, help them set up a home studio. So I decided to make a video on how I created my home studio. I talk about sound reflection and some basic equipment, and other things you should look out for.

If you are just starting to build your simple home studio and want to do it on a budget, then this is for you!

https://youtu.be/SZynU0Xu1MM

Michelle -
Thank you very much for posting this. For one who is reading-challenged (instruction manuals are useless to me), seeing and hearing your description is helpful - I'm just starting to get stuff together.

Question - I noticed you have your monitors on floor-stands, and not directly on a table top;
a 'must' for honest playback? Recommended type or brand(s)?

Comment - (having been in the architecture/building bizz) regarding your door. Most newer/tract homes are built with 1-5/8" thick hollow-core doors - a sandwich construction in which the raised panels you see are made of masonite. If you switch your door for a 1-3/4" thick solid-core door, that may greatly reduce noise leakage there. For the extra thickness of the door, you will likely need to have the door jamb 'stops' moved: that should not be a big deal.
If you do this, I'd like to hear back how much improvement you achieve.

Cheers.

Hey Sorry for delayed response:

I have my monitors on floor stands because I have no desk space for them lol. Also you want to make sure you position them at an able and height that will direct the sound diagonally to a point that hits YOU . Basically YOU are the tip of a triangle and the speakers are the two points forming the angles of at equilateral triangle. The sound will sound like it is coming from a point directly in front of you . I also have my monitors on aural foam panels to remove any disturbance from the metal of the stands themselves. You may be able to find stands that sit on a table, height is important.

and thanks for the door recommendations!

[shellsings]

Nuther question:
how about sound transmit control (STC) for 2nd floor-over-ceiling of living area beneath?
Anything you can lay down on top of carpet that actually works?
Mostly it's bass that's tough to block out.

I don't seem to have too much floor transmission, I get it mostly from the hallway and the high foyer ceiling. I have a carpet on the floor which helps. I would imagine auralex might have something. But a carpet is def a must. Thanks!!

[andygabrys]

Question - I noticed you have your monitors on floor-stands, and not directly on a table top;
a 'must' for honest playback? Recommended type or brand(s)?

here is a thought:

if the monitors start resonating the table, less clear sound may result (constructive / destructive interference). Same thing on a console although sound also reflects off a consoles working surface into your ears.

If you go to a mastering house, generally the monitors are mounted on their own stands away from the walls etc.

you can do the same at home by either buying stands or making them.

here are some pre-made solutions: http://www.sweetwater.com/c762--Studio_ ... G9vciJdfX0

note that some of them like the "ultimate support" have "decoupling pads" built in which are also available separately (like the Aurelex MoPads that Michelle and I have) or the Primacoustic Recoil Stabilizers (more expensive, and more heavy duty, and for the use, probably a better investment). Decoupling pads seek to cut any sound resonance going from the monitor into the stand (or table as it were).

If you make your own stands (about $60 for a pair including materials) you can fill the columns with sand, which not only makes the stands heavier and sturdier, but also acts as a decoupler so sound from the monitor doesn't vibrate the stand.

I built mine and they are similar to these: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/studio- ... -pipe.html or http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/r ... l/317.html

[funsongs]

Thanks again, Andy & Michelle.

[shellsings]

Yes thanks Andy and your welcome funsongs!