Now that we have the basic room and have found it to be sound (pun intended), we will need to fill it with equipment. If you were expecting a long list of the ultimate recording equipment in both hardware/software, let me remind you that I am a retired professor of music and not a wealthier member of society. This studio was done on a budget and for those of you who are in the same financial situation; you may be surprised at what can be done with limited funds.
Recording equipment-
Analog- Yes, there are people still using tape for recording. I have found that starting a reel to reel at the beginning of a rehearsal can be just as effective as using digital equipment. It is so easy to push record and watch the tape revolve on its reel. At least you know if you are getting something recorded. Rewinding and playing back may take more time but if the quality isn’t critical, the tape works well. I might be just a little too old school for some of you but remember I was there when the big decision was; do we go with Beta or VHS?
I have a Sony four track and an Akai two track which I use from time to time. Usually their use is for playing back old tapes of my recitals and ensembles while I was teaching at the university. Most of the more important recordings have been transferred to CD by now.
I have also saved an old 33 1/3 turntable for playing the old “scratch as it turns” records. And everyone still has to have a cassette recorder although I can’t remember why any more.
In the Digital area I use a Tascam US-1641 16×4 96k/24-bit USB 2.0 Audio/Midi Interface to connect the mikes to the computer. I most often use the old stand-by SureSM57 microphones for recording and have been very pleased with the On Stage Stands for mounting the mikes. For remote programs, I record with the Tascam Pocket Studio DP-008.
I use two different software programs when recording- Audacity (free) and Cubase 5. For composing, arranging and sequencing, I use both Finale and Finale Songwriter programs. And now back to the room features.
The strikingly RED furniture was purchased at a neighborhood garage sale from a fellow musician. He once had a studio in Nashville and the furniture was from his recording studio lounge. He referred to the davenport as the Kate Jackson (Charlie’s Angels fame) sofa for it was there that she had one time sat. My wife and I often refer to the other chair as the Elvis Presley chair. Not because Elvis sat on it, we just call it the Elvis chair.
In closing, I would like to say that even though I was limited to a budget, I have been very pleased with the outcome of this project. With close mikeing and digital editing, some surprising things can be done in the recording area. As far as an ensemble rehearsal room, it fills all of my needs. By moving the sofa to the opposite end of the room, I am able to fit a rhythm section in the far corner very easily and even the loudest playing feels comfortable to the ears. When I am alone practicing, I have absolutely no complaints for I can hear my true sound at all dynamic levels. As I said earlier, this room comes as close to a perfect room as I have ever seen. This was partly because of design and partly because of luck.
If you have any questions about this project, please add your comments at the bottom of this post.
