Setting Up Your Studio

Ready to take the next step with you recording and mixing work?

You may want to upgrade your home studio or start building your own studio from scratch.  Planning a project like this can feel overwhelming, but there are a few steps you can go through in order to create a professional studio, either out of your home, or in a space of your own. 

1. Get Your Software Right

Thankfully, recording and mixing music doesn't require as big an investment as it did 20 years ago. With advancements in recording software and plug-ins, you can start with the right DAW, a few decent compressors and EQs, as well as Reverb, Delay and other plug-ins that will help with the mixing process.

Start by picking decent software to record music through. If you are an Apple user, Logic is the standard choice. If you use windows, you may want to use programs such as Pro-Tools, with advanced functionality, or something like Cubase. 

Each of these programs comes with standard EQs, Compressors and Reverb plug-ins. If you want more advanced equipment, which is recommended if you are charging people for sessions, then purchasing additional plug-ins would be ideal. Here is a list you can choose from, some of these companies will charge you individually, others will charge a subscription or have bundle packages available: 

1. Waves Audio
2. FabFilter
3. Universal Audio
4. iZotope
5. Soundtoys
6. Cableguys

Remember to find the right company for your budget, style of music and ensure they are compatible and easy to use with your DAW. 

2. Purchase a Decent Microphone and Mic-Pre

Every decent recording starts with a microphone and a decent audio interface and/or mic pre. You can use post-production to improve the audio quality, however, as a teacher of mine once said, “you can’t rub sh*t in glitter and sell it as gold”. So starting with a decent microphone and mic pre is always a good choice. 

For vocal recording, a condenser microphone is a great start. Companies such as WARM audio model their microphones after vintage microphones such as their WA-87, which resembles a U87 at a fraction of the cost. You could always go with a microphone such as a Neumann TLM102.  

To record into your software, you will need an audio interface at the very minimum. It might be a good idea to head into your nearest audio store. If you live in Melbourne, stores such as Store DJ or Factory Sound are a great option and the audio technicians can help you select the right microphone and interface for your budget. 

3. Acoustic Treatment

Treating your room is another key step in ensuring your recordings are clear, it also assists with the mixing process so that you aren’t hearing artifacts from the natural sound of your studio.

 Acoustics is a complicated topic, and it can involve math and a process called spectrum analysis to get a perfect result, however you don’t need this to get started. Here are four steps to get a decent sounding space:

1. Start with a diffuser: an audio diffuser scatters frequencies across the room which ensure there is less build up of the same frequency, adding more clarity to your space.
2. Add a couch: I know, this seems a little simple. However, due to the density of a couch it can actually assist in absorbing low end sounds, making it easier to mix bass and other sounds in this frequency range. Throwing a couch in the back of your space is always a great way to help with acoustic treatment. 
3. Sound panels: You can make these at home or buy them from an audio or acoustics dealer. Putting these panels on your walls and ceiling helps with reflection control (when a sound bounces from a surface) and improved sound clarity. So, either head to your nearest dealer (not that type of dealer) or look up how you can build panels to fit your space.
4. Use Bass Traps: Bass traps are acoustic treatment devices designed to absorb or diffuse low-frequency sound waves, which are typically harder to manage than mid and high frequencies due to their longer wavelengths. Typically you put one in each corner of your room. 

Pro-Tip: If your room isn’t carpeted, ensure to use a rug to reduce sound reflections from the floor. 

Treating your room as described above, really takes your space from an average home studio to a professional sounds space. Ensure to get this right, not just for benefits of recording and mixing with clarity, but also for a professional look people are happy to pay for. 

4. Lighting & Atmosphere

Creativity, whether songwriting, recording, mixing and producing, can be enhanced in a space with a great atmosphere. Ensuring you set your space up as one that matches the aesthetic of your music style, and matches your audience, is key to a professional looking recording space. 

Ensure the space has decent lighting and comfortable seating, that cabling is neat and that you have amenities that add to the space. Things like plants, a vintage fridge, a turntable, posters and artwork and even candles can help people feel at home while you record and mix their music. 

GO & BUILD

In conclusion, setting up a professional recording studio involves selecting the right software and plugins, investing in quality microphones and acoustic treatment, and creating a conducive atmosphere. 

By focusing on these elements, you ensure clarity in your recordings, enhance the mixing process, and create a welcoming environment that fosters creativity and professionalism.

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