Building a studio in a house or apartment comes with a unique set of headaches. I created this site to be the resource I wish I had when I started.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE
Solid, Practical Advice
Because of our experience in setting up home studios, we are able to advise on how to get things done without breaking the bank. There will be costs, but we’re not setting out to build the next Sound City or Abbey Road.
Practical Gear Recommendations
Some things work better than others. Finding the right equipment for the job at the right price point is vital. This goes right from the acoustic treatment we use on the walls to the microphones, pre-amps, monitors, computers, and DAWs. There is a lot to choose from, and we can help.
Pre-packaged Know-how
So, now you’ve got what you need. Now what? How do you use it? The chances are pretty high that if you’re reading this, you already have some experience in the recording field—you may even be a seasoned professional. We’ll assist with information on getting your studio up and running the right way, starting with your signal flow using clear blueprints. No vague theories or opinions. This is really where the fun starts.
Home-Studio Focused
Everything here is focused on home studio recording and the unique challenges that come with it. We don’t have masses of space or high ceilings to create that perfect natural reverb for the Bonham-styled kit you’re craving. It doesn’t matter; we’ll work around it.
WHAT YOU WON’T FIND HERE
Gear Hype Equipment!
The Achilles’ heel for musicians and studio owners. We lust after that Neve desk (or even just a single-channel pre-amp, if we’re honest). This site isn’t for that. We’ll recommend the absolute requirements for a professional setup. Buying right is the key. We’ll steer clear of the fads, hype, and “must-have” marketing.
Studio Elitism
We’ve all been in studios that take our breath away—lush leather couches, wood-paneled interiors, rooms and booths for days, and vintage Neumanns hanging off every mic stand. That is the dream. However, let’s back up a little and start with what we have and where we’re at—in your bedroom—and take it from there with practical advice.
Top Ten “Spam”
Lists You won’t find generic top-ten lists for gear you don’t need. There are so many options available today that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You don’t need everything right now, and your studio won’t stop if you don’t own that one plugin. Instead, we focus on the practical priorities to get your studio up and running.
Four main points to ponder when starting your home studio.
Foundations
Clear, step-by-step guides to help you understand the basics of audio without the jargon. We focus on the core principles that make a recording sound professional, regardless of your budget. → Start with the basics, the foundation.
Gear and Equipment
Practical advice on choosing tools that last. We skip the hype and focus on the essential hardware you need to capture clean sound in a home environment. → See recommended gear
Room and Acoustics
How to make your space work for you, not against you. Realistic ways to treat a “normal” room for better recording and mixing without spending thousands. → Improve your room’s sound
Software and Workflow
Simple systems and templates to help you spend less time clicking and more time creating. We focus on efficient workflows that fit into a busy schedule. → Streamline your workflow