Starting From Scratch

[endo]

Ok. I'm planning to build a 200 sq ft personal recording studio in my backyard. I'm seeking guidance while the planning stage is in infancy.

First of all, the dimensions. I don't think my carpentry skills would allow me to build a non-rectangular structure, so I was thinking 12' x 16.5'. What do you think? Does it need to be tall? If enough of you are passionate about no parallel walls, I'm willing to work harder on my building skills.

I write and perform in a wide variety of sounds from acoustic guitar singer/songwriter stuff, to poppunk, rock, metal, and hardcore, and most recently a friend and I have been excited to start a hiphop/rap project. I want my creativity hut to be able to produce recording quality similar to small-to-medium independent label stuff if possible. I don't think I'd need to record more than 2 signals at a time.

I own an sm57 and a beta58, cables, stands, and tons of guitar and bass related goodies. I plan on buying a Roland TD-12 electric drum set.

So the big question: After constructing the building and buying the electric drums, remaining budget is about $4000 (give or take a thousand). If you could start from the ground up, how would you complete the hut?

[brandondrury]

First: I HIGHLY recommend that you do not build anything until you know you absolutely love what you are doing.

Second: I HIGHLY recommend that you do not build anything until you have recorded enough to know what you want. You MUST know why you are building something a specific way. It's way too expensive to build a studio just to find out that you did everything wrong. I've recorded in my house enough to know exactly what I want for real deal recording. i could list 100 things that I've learned the hard way that I would change about my setup. I'll probaby address any and all of these things when I build my house some year.

Third: The way I've chosen to work allows me to get what I want in a house. If necessary, I setup Rockwool gobos to knock sound down and reflections down. I do drums in other studios or program then in DFH Superior. I put my guitars in my guitar fort.

http://www.recordingreview.com/artic...itar-Fort.html

If nothing else, record 4 albums and then build your facility. I'm not saying you shoudn't build, but I am telling you that if you just jump in and start building with no idea of what the hell you really need out of a studio, you are going to waste a ton of time, energy, and money.

If you don't have the drive to figure out a recording place without building, I don't think you have what it takes to be a recording guy in the first place. I'm not trying to offend you. I'm doing you a favor. Take notice and listen. I've been doing this for a long time.

Brandon

[endo]

Ok. So, specifically, how should I spend my gear budget to get me started? I've read the "starting" article, but I'm looking for specific suggestions on prioritizing the allocation of my budget. Should most of it go towards a computer? Also, is Cubase Studio 4 the new Cubase SX3? How would you weigh your love of Cubase against your suggestion to network with friends (I have two close friends who use Sonar).