Having a bare bones recording setup is not that expensive. Even the equipment for a mid-level studio is not out of reach for a lot of people (though, loans may be involved). Having a place to put it is the costly part. And how one does that often makes or breaks the studio's back.

The purpose of having a recording studio is to only allow the material you want in the final product into the microphones. There are a couple of things that recording studios do in order to accomplish this goal:

1. Isolate the recording from outside noise.
2. Create an ideal (silent/comforatble/stimulating/pleasing) environment in which to record.

With this in mind, I am creating a series of posts on the subject in which I will attempt to summarize, and link to various sources of free information on the web.

There is a plethora of information on the internet about designing and building a recording studio. In many cases, though, the information is provided by someone who has something to sell the end-user (you, or me).

Auralex is a good example of this. They have a PDF available for download called “Acoustics 101.” Its very good reading material, and I have nothing against their products--aside from the overuse of purple. This document covers the basics of building a studio, while promoting Auralex products. It is not “in-your-face” type advertising, but that is why they published the document.

[Note: I am merely using this company as an example, there are many others who do similar things. It is not wrong to do this, but it can lead to a one-sided assessment of one's needs. Hence the caution against it. I would encourage you to read “Acoustics 101” along with others I will suggest along the way, and weigh the advice using your own common sense.]

There are a great number of resources online, which, with the help of your favorite search engine, are only a click away. I have found a couple, however, that are particularly helpful. And, the main purpose is to help you have the best studio you can, not sell a particular product. [Click here for an example search.]

Some of the sources I will pull from are listed in links below. These are the best I have found, and will hopefully help you out as well.

• The SAE College site has some of the most comprehensive information out there. While I have never heard of the school, this site has great information on everything from building the room you are in, to setting up microphones, and tuning drums.
• I am not a fan of forums, but the Recording Studio Design Forum has excellent information, as well as free advice.
• Sound Control Room, Inc. is a studio designer and builder, but they also have some useful documents on their site. They also sell certain products.

There are other links as well, which will be included in future posts.