Studio building

dj switch(matt)

I am looking to start producing. I know basically what i want and need eg. Sampler, synth module, PC, mixer, and all of that malarky. The only problem is, i need to know exactly what i need, right down to small things like cables,even how to connect it all up, because i am no where near any shops of that kind, and have to buy everything off of the net.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Sen

Got any friends who know what they're on about?

Gimme an idea of your skills with computers, piano, any musical abilities?

Also your budget?

dj switch(matt)

I am skilled at computers. I have no orthodox musical training, but i have taught myself basic keyboard and piano skills. Budget is around £4000

Sen

hmm...let me think on that...I sure others on board will give their opinions as well.

DJ Fat Zed

Let us know what computer you have if any and we can help you...

A good rule is that for every pice of gear you have you need to spend about £25 on cables or £15 if you make you own or £40 if you use good stuff (Neutrik connectors Van Damme cable).

Another good rules of thumb is that your setup is only going to be as good as the weakest part of the recording chain.

eg. If you have a simple recording chain (mic, preamp, mixer, soundcard) and the soundcard is poor quality, then there's no point having a good mic etc...


The most commonly overlooked things are often the simplest. People usually get excited about nice keyboards with flashy lights on them when simpler things like loudspeakers and cable are more important.

I think the most often overlooked matter is the room in which you intend to make music. Every recording bears the mark of the room in which it was mixed. For example, if you misposition your speakers to give more resonance on one side then you will quite possibly overcompensate for this and have uneven tracks. It might be worthwhile spending a couple of hundred quid on some well positioned acoustic tile than on some extra fx unit etc.

Sen

That's the point where I bow down in deference to the more experienced of us...I can't comment on building a acoustically sound studio, as I don't have one. One day though

Depending on how you want to write, the computer you use will likely be the hub of your studio - it's essential to know what's in it in order to get the most out of recording.

The other thing is to know what kind of music you want to write - a good synthesist can make anything out of nothing, but there are some programs/synths that are better suited for certain styles of music out of the box. Are you intending on recording original vocals/mcs/live instruments? Because if you are, we're looking at a whole other branch of equipment - Personally, knowing your musical tastes Matt, adding this branch to your stuido tree will probably help you write the music that you like.

dj switch(matt)

Yeah, i will want to record vocalists at some point in the future, but at the moment, i just want to get onto the bottom rung of the proverbial production ladder, and develop my production style/skills first

Danger D

I am starting to but i only have a budget of 500 pound, so i am gonna save up and get a decent computer first, built for sound and $$$$, with software and stuff then i will build up as i go instead of buying it all at once so i can learn thing by thing

dj switch(matt)

B U M P

DJ Fat Zed

“	I am starting to but i only have a budget of 500 pound, so i am gonna save up and get a decent computer first, built for sound and $$$$, with software and stuff then i will build up as i go instead of buying it all at once so i can learn thing by thing	”

That's exactly the right way to do it.

I know people who've gone out and bought loads of stuff at once. I like these people because they always have loads of second hand stuff to sell in very good nearly new condition when they decide they don't need/want any of it.

You'll probably find that you can start on just a computer, then you want a better soundcard, then a controller, then a few external things, then a mixer to mix them, then some nice speakers.......

.........it just goes on. I'm just at the stage where I need primitive root diffusion built into a wall along side helmholtz absorbtion cavities. And you wouldn't know that when you were just starting out, would you.

Sen

Nor could you probably afford it.

The other thing to consider is the whole Baby Steps premise made famous in the movie "What About Bob?"

You need to take time to learn each and every piece in your studio so you know what tool to use when you have a job to do...and so you know the strengths and limitations of each piece.

The other piece of advice I'll give you know is - buy once. try not to have to upgrade things ever. It's one thing to get an updated version of software, but if you trade a korg synth in for a roland, you now have a learning curve - that's time taken away from doing what really matters - writing music.