Hello, I am brand new to studio design. In fact, I am only trying to build a studio in my basement to do some recording and jamming with friends. I don't plan to completely isolate the room because I don't have the space nor the $$$. My room is 18x12 and I need to wire some jacks in the walls at each location where someone will sit. I will need an XLR, headphone, 1/4in, and MIDI at each station. I was thinking that I would have to buy an XLR snake and a 1/4in snake and attach to the patchbay and the wall jack. I know there is some consideration of normaled/half normaled, and balanced/un-balanced connections. I don't understand what I need and that's why I need some help. My main goal is to give each person a headphone connection, a connection to plug a guitar into (probably in a DI box first), and a microphone connection. My main reason for the jacks in the walls is to keep the cables off the floors. Where do I buy patchbays and cables and where do I get help configuring all this? (I am good at soldering and making cables)
Since I am brand new to the whole concept, I really need some guidance from the beginning. Is this the right forum for this question? Are there websites or books on the topic that I should check out?
My studio is certainly not for professional use in anyway so I'm looking to keep costs down. Can you help me with this?
Thank you!
Brian
How to wire a studio
Moderator: Aaronw
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http://www.recordingwebsite.com/articles/cables.php
This is on making cables
As far as you panels or patchbays go, it's faaaaaaaar cheaper to get plate mount XLR, 1/4" and MIDI jacks and make it yourself.
There's tons of companies that sell the connectors and wire.
try
http://www.redco.com
Cheers, hope this helps
This is on making cables
As far as you panels or patchbays go, it's faaaaaaaar cheaper to get plate mount XLR, 1/4" and MIDI jacks and make it yourself.
There's tons of companies that sell the connectors and wire.
try
http://www.redco.com
Cheers, hope this helps
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How many XLR/mic inputs do you need?I will need an XLR, headphone, 1/4in, and MIDI at each station.
Headphones...what kind of cue system are you going to have? Are you running a power amp w/ headphone boxes, or something like the Furman headphone system that uses Cat 5 wiring.
How many 1/4" jacks do you need?
MIDI...how long of a run are you talking about? Typically you don't want to run more than 10-15 ft max, or you get too many drop outs and delay.
What kind of patchbay are you looking to use? TT, 1/4"? Do you plan to use a soldertype on the rear of the patchbay. Here's a link to some different patchbays:I was thinking that I would have to buy an XLR snake and a 1/4in snake and attach to the patchbay and the wall jack.
http://www.patchbays.com
As far as the snakes, if you're soldering, use a patchbay that you solder or use elco's (edac) connectors, or punch down's like the ADC patchbays, then run your cable over to a wall plate (or you could use a stage box) and connect to panel mount connectors (XLR, 1/4").
You can use something like the Middle Atlantic plates and make a small box if you only have a few connections.
http://www.middleatlantic.com/rackac/ucp/custom.htm
If your pluging into a DI box, all you need are the mic line inputs (XLR).My main goal is to give each person a headphone connection, a connection to plug a guitar into (probably in a DI box first), and a microphone connection.
First off, where in the world are you? Update your profile to reflect your geographical location.Where do I buy patchbays and cables and where do I get help configuring all this?
Here's another link to patchbay info:
http://www.adc.com/Library/Literature/1180270_2.pdf
Cabling...I prefer Mogami for snakes and permanent installs (if you can afford the budget).
Here's another link for goodies... http://www.markertek.com
Aaron
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I second http://www.patchbays.com they have some great stuff.
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