How to wire a studio

[coonbri]

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

[Ptownkid]

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

[Aaronw]

I will need an XLR, headphone, 1/4in, and MIDI at each station.

How many XLR/mic inputs do you need?

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.

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.

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:

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

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.

If your pluging into a DI box, all you need are the mic line inputs (XLR).

Where do I buy patchbays and cables and where do I get help configuring all this?

First off, where in the world are you? Update your profile to reflect your geographical location.

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

[cfuehrer]

I second http://www.patchbays.com they have some great stuff.

[Aaronw]

I had a friend of mine give me 3 of their patchbays (brand new never used). But they are 1/4". They are built solid though. Very nice bays.