Combination live/control room

[amgray]

Hello y'all and John,

I ditched my last idea of putting a studio in my basement, as I just don't think I have the space I want. However, in the future, we are adding on to our house, and I want to build studio space in the addition, do it right, etc. What does anyone think about a combo live/control space? I am the predominant recorder and performer on guitar, with some vocals by my wife. Would it be feasible to have one room to do both? Or should there be a vocal booth/other room for drums if I so desire, etc. etc. etc.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Andrew
Fairbanks, Alaska

[John Sayers]

Andrew - I'm sure that would work in your situation - it's better to have one big room that works than a small control room and small booth which neither work.

cheers
john

[laptoppop]

I have a small space, so I chose to build a one-room studio. I'm glad I did.

There are advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:
1) There is a wonderful sense of intimacy with the musicians.
2) It is VERY easy to move the microphones around to get the best sound
3) As John mentioned, its easier to get a larger room to sound good. I LOVE the sound of my room.
4) About 1/2 the time I'm doing mixing anyway -- so no wasted space.

Disadvantages:
1) You must be absolutely QUIET while the take happens. Watch out for squeaking chairs!
2) Be careful about feedback when you play it back on the main monitors, as opposed to headphones.
3) Make sure your equipment (computer, if applicable) is either silenced (I built a silencing desk), or in a different room.

You can see what I did under the "studios under construction" area off of John's main page.

-lee-

[dymaxian]

I concurr with the folks above. If you have room for an iso booth, that'll help later on, but if you need a practice space as well as a recording space, then having it all in one place is a great idea. If you have a big enough room to fit the whole band in, then after practice is over and everyone goes home, you can sit down and mix in a HUGE room.

And like John mentioned in another thread- if practice sounds awesome, just take a few steps and hit 'record'. I'll be doing this myself soon, and although I'll have a drum room and iso booth separately, the control room will be big enough for a 4-piece band.

Good luck!

Kase
www.minemusic.net

[qiktune]

A friend of mine has recorded dozens of albums in his studio which is basically one big room.The results are absolutely brilliant and he has become a much sought after producer of "power pop" both here and abroad.

check it out...... www.mcarp.com

Brett