The nuances of a home recording studio build

by Ryan Mandigo 03/14/2023

What exactly goes into a recording studio build? If you're thinking about setting up a home recording studio, there are plenty of factors to consider beyond the basic needs for equipment. The location, size and layout of the space can have a huge impact on sound quality and other functional aspects of recording.

Here are some of the nuances to remember when setting up a home studio:

Choose a location

Where is the best place in your home to add a studio? Ideally, it should be a place with minimal outside distraction that's still easily accessible. It's also important to consider the comfort of your fellow residents and avoid putting a recording studio right next to a child's bedroom, for example.

Basements make an excellent place for studio spaces, but might require a bit of basic renovation before they're pleasant to spend time in. The right lighting, furnishings and creature comforts can turn even the creepiest basement into a stylish and cozy studio.

Elevate the floors

Lifting the floors improves acoustics in your studio while limiting the amount of noise transference to other parts of the house. To DIY studio floors, try simply laying wood over foam blocks. You can cover the wood with cozy area rugs to complete the effect.

Add ventilation & insulation

In recording studios, all gaps and cracks should be patched and filled with soundproofing. Not only does this assist with reducing reverb, it keeps the studio quiet from the outside.

However, you also need to breathe! Proper ventilation in a studio is critical, so take plenty of "open door" breaks and consider adding a fan or silent air purifier.

A professional recording studio is full of equipment like monitors and digital audio workstations, but there are other important factors to consider before you move any furniture or buy any gear. Focus on these key things when building your own DIY recording studio to have the best possible experience making music at home.


About the Author
Author

Ryan Mandigo

Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"

When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.

Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"