What essential pieces should I start a recording studio with?

Question

To put a functional recording studio together from scratch that would be quality enough to charge a minimum of $25 and pay for a business space what pieces are nesscary? I got my ideas but I need other input.

Answer 1

$25 dollars an hour?  That is a very inexpensive recording studio fee.  I would charge more - you are going to need to buy stuff.

You will need:

microphones

mic stands

mic cables

1/4 inch cables

direct boxes

mixer or digital studio with mixer

CD or DAT or harddrive recorder

computer (MAC or PC)

computer audio interface

effects processor

compressor

studio monitors

headphones

There is some "overlap" with that equipment list.  Some items may not be needed if they are included with other items.  If you get an "all in one" digital studio (see link), you may not need a recorder or recording interface.  What I'm saying is that there are about a million ways to set up a good studio.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--KORD3200

Have fun with it and it is no crime to start small and build from there.

Answer 2

I agree with Daniel K...

Don't forget:

Sound dampening material on the walls, ceiling and floor.

A room in the studio to isolate what is being recorded from the work area.

User adjustable lighting to make the artists comfortable.

Furniture: Couches, chairs tables, desks.

Set up a small kitchen. Sink, microwave, refrigerator, table, chairs, dishwasher, dishes, glasses, silverware, etc...

Guitar amp, keyboard amp, bass amp, small drum set, acoustic piano, electronic keyboard.

Movable panels in the recording area to allow the artists to be in the same space but acoustically separate.

Wall hooks for storing AC, mic and other cables.

A secure, locking storage area for expensive mics (unless you don't care if the mics walk away).

A security system to protect from break-ins.

Perhaps a visit to a recording studio would help...

Answer 3

First, in our city (Phoenix), studios that charge less than 35/hr are located in a bedroom or garage.  It is impossible, 100% impossible to have a commercial space and only charge 25 per hour.  

See, commercial space means that you pay commercial rates for everything to include, but in no way limited to, electricity, phone, internet, legal fees and insurance.  BTW, no one will lease you commercial space without insurance.  Next, good luck finding someone to insure your "studio".  It was quite a challenge for us and the insurance company sent underwriters (unannounced) to our facility 3 times just to make sure we were not doing all the things musicians are normally associated with.  My insurance is more than my friend's who owns a tattoo and piercing shop.

If you plan on only charging $25 then you need to keep it at home.  Pick up an all-in-one channel strip like the Focusrite ISA, the Avalon 737 or a Universal Audio 6176.  Get a digi 003 and some good monitors.  Go get two or three really good microphones like a U87, Blue Dragonfly, 414 and maybe a sm57.  You could probably put something together at your home for about 15k.