Questions About Studios? We Have the Answers

You’ve been writing music alone or with bandmates and have amassed a collection of songs. Now that it’s time to record your work, what will you do? You could rent studio space downtown or outside of the city. But if you’re a serious musician who has the resources, building and owning your own studio has incomparable benefits. You’ll have the freedom to record anytime inspiration hits and can even rent out your space to other musicians.

But a studio is much more than a room with equipment and wiring. You’ll need the right acoustics and design for recordings to sound professional. To get started with a studio construction service in New York, NY, read our frequently asked questions below.  

 

SEE ALSO: Why You Need A Professional Music Studio Builder

 

Why Build a Professional Studio?

Simply put, you cannot achieve reference quality without the right acoustics, soundproofing, and equipment that a professionally installed studio has integral to its design.  Unless you want your music to sound like amateur demos and unless you continually rent on borrowed time, you won’t achieve the sound of pro’s nor will you have the unlimited time available to create and capture the moment.  The flexibility of your own space means you’ll record anytime creativity strikes and can freely collaborate with other musicians in your studio. The atmosphere and design of your recording space will be entirely up to you, which can enhance your overall mood and comfort.  Every pro studio has a “vibe” to it and pro “home” studios usually take that up a notch …or two!

 

Do Acoustics and Soundproofing Really Matter?

Yes, they do. As we have written about before, soundproofing and acoustic treatments are the keys to recording clean and clear instruments and vocals. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things. Soundproofing controls sound that travels into and out of your studio, blocking out noise from the street, outside the door, and from mechanical noise as well as the studio computer fans, etc.  Soundproofing will also keep your studio’s noise contained so that neighbors won’t complain about loud audio playback, drumming or guitar solos.  Acoustics, however, control the sound inside the room so that your playback and recording spaces are reference-quality, neutral but still alive. In simpler terms, acoustic treatments control the sound within the studio to eliminate unwanted reverb and echo.

 

What Are the Windows For?

You’ll often see large windows between rooms in studios, perhaps separating a vocal booth, guitar isolation room, and live recording room.  This is helpful so that musicians can maintain a line of sight between each other for visual cues while recording in acoustically isolated spaces. If you’re playing guitar in the booth, you may want to look at your drummer at the end of a section to signal, ‘Alright, now.’  When designing studios, we run panels and wires through each room’s walls to send headphone mixes and signals so that everyone is in communication as well as have room for expansion.  Every studio grows and you don’t want to have make new holes or do construction to accommodate the wiring and connectivity for new equipment.  

 

Why Do You Need Headphones in the Studio?

Proper recording requires isolation and competing speakers can disturb microphone feedback. By using headphones, you’ll reduce sound bleed while still hearing audio or playback after a take.

 

What Software Is Best?

Instruments and microphones are only part of the equation. You’ll also need a digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording, editing, and producing files. If you’re wondering what the best DAW software is to use in your studio, there isn’t one clear-cut answer. However, most people have a Pro Tools system for the number of plugins available and level of workflow productivity along with other client favorites such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro and FL Studio.  Some DAWs are more suited to certain types of musicians. For example, FL Studio is often suggested for EDM producers. You can test out trials of each to see which software comes more naturally to you.  Most producers and songwriters have a combination of software solutions on their DAW workstation or they run two workstations.  One with Pro Tools HDX and one with Ableton Live or FL Studio.  Universal Audio just released UA Luna which is a new DAW solution that we think many producers and artists will enjoy using.

 

With studio construction services by Frangioni Media in New York, you won’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty of building a studio. Once we’re done, you’ll have a world-class space ready for you to record your best work.  

 

Contact us to discuss your music studio project and find the right solutions.