12 Unit Three, Part Four: Final Project–Design Your Own Studio Space
Here is the scenario for our final project:
Over the summer, you helped renovate your cousin’s shop. In return, your cousin has given you the key to the shop’s basement for you to build an after-hours recording studio. You have saved up $3,000 and decided to spend that money on the equipment you need to get started.
The basement comes with five approximately 8′ x 10′ rooms and one large closet (Room 6). The rooms are empty except for a nice movable work table. Plus you already own a good computer with the newest version of Pro Tools and a 49 key midi controller.
Other than those items (work table, computer, and Pro Tools with 49 key midi controller), you will need to purchase the equipment required for starting up the kind of studio you’ve always dreamed of having. You might need microphones, cables, midi keyboards, sound proofing, etc.. All the things we’ve learned about in this course will apply here. You have to spend at least $2,000 but can’t go over your savings of $3,000.
Use the floor plan included to write or draw what each room is being used for and where you plan to place the equipment. NOTE: One of the rooms can be used as an already existing bathroom if needed.
Use a separate sheet of paper to list the following:
- The name of your studio
- What kind of projects is your studio being designed for?
- A brief sentence or two on why people should choose your studio for recording or performing
- What services do you offer?
- What are your rates for these services?
- What is each room used for?
- List each item of audio equipment or other items you plan to purchase, the cost of each item, and which room(s) you plan to use it in
Remember to reflect on our three pillars of audio production when making choices for your studio.
The instructor will make changes to your rough draft. Upon completing the final drafts, students will present their studio to the class and take questions or address comments.
A blank floor plan is shown and linked below. An example of a final project is also included.
Final Project Completed Example:
BAXTRAX STUDIO
7355 N. Lakewood St. Baxter, MN
218-555-1643 baxtraxstudio@NTML.com
Rec Room Comfort///Great Live Sound
Pro Tools 12 with essential plug-ins
Studio made for solo performers, small rock and acoustic combos, hip hop, jazz, spoken word
Ideal for high quality demos and 1-3 song based projects
Rates: $35/hr.
Packages: Monday Night Special $125 for four hours (7-11pm)
What you bring: Your own instruments and amps. Original songs (no cover bands).
What Baxtrax Studio provides: Three separate recording areas for performers including designated drum and percussion room, isolation booth and 6’x10’ band room. Acoustically treated control room with Pro Tools 12. Listening lounge and easy load-in through large shop doors.
General guideline for booking a session: One song = Two hours of studio time (one hour to record, one hour to mix)
Room 1: Control Room
Pro Tools 12 with Basic Plug-Ins
48 Key Midi Controller
Work Desk Placed in Front of Window
Tascam 8 Channel Interface …………..………………… $300
Multi Channel Headphone Jack (5)………………… $50
6 Behringer Headphones………….…………………… $250
Behringer Monitor Speakers……..……………………… $125
Wall Mount Sound Absorber (6)……………………… $50
Desk Chair…………………………………………………….. $50
Room 2: Recording Room
8 Channel Input Snake…………………………………… $100
2 57 Mics…………………………………………………. $200
2 48 Mics………………………………………………… $100
2 Audio Tech Condenser Mic………………………… $200
2 DI Box …………………………………………………. $200
Room 3: Drum Room
Various Drum Mic Clips and Stands…………………… $100
Drum Mic Kit…………………………………………… $200
Sound Treatment Squares (6)………………………… $50
Rug……………………………………………………… $25
Room 4: Storage
10 XLR and 10 Various Cables……………………………. $225
6 Mic Stands…………………………………………… $150
Power Strips/Extension Cords…………………………… $50
Room 5: Playback Lounge
Used Couches/Posters/Lamps………………………. $150
Playback Stereo with Bookshelf Speakers…………… $200
Used Fridge………………………………………….. $50
Room 6: Iso Booth (Vocals and Solos)
Vocal Iso Shield……………………………………. $50
Audio Tech AT202 Mic ………………………. $100
Pop Filter……………………………………………. $25
Total………………………………………………….. $3,000
