Well, with the new “normal” meaning social distancing and a damn economic shutdown, gigs are minimal these days. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to be resourceful, right?
So I figured I would build a home recording studio so I can learn the craft of actually recording drums. I have played in a number of studio situations, but this is an entirely new animal.
First, I started with the room. I took a corner office in my house where I kept drums (stored… sad, right) and simply converted this to my new drum studio (see before and after pics… kind of cool). I used sound control blankets (10′ x 8′, 2 inches in thickness… about 50 lbs each), hanging 5 blankets in a perimeter to 2 x 4 beams I screwed into the ceiling. I also hung 3 additional blankets on the exterior wall to help keep sound bleed down (thinking of neighbors) as well as keep outside noise to a minimum (I am trying to record, right).
After building the perimeter blanket wall, I attached foam insulation to the ceiling (after changing out the ceiling fan / light with a more appropriate overhead lamp for the studio setup), and BAM – I have a decent recording setup
For gear, I loaded up on a number of Senheiser e604 dynamic mics for toms. I already had a number of AKG mics including a D112 for my kick and a butt-load of c-1000 condenser mics (great for overheads and hat). I put a Sure Beta 57a on the snare top with an AKG c418 condenser on the snare bottom.
For my interface, I originally picked up a Focusrite Scarlette 18i20 with a Focusrite Octapre and went with ProTools for my DAW. However, I also had the chance to pick up a nice Allen & Heath QU-SB mixing console. So, I decided to use this for my interface for now. This will give me the chance to learn this iPad console so I have the equipment if needed for live shows in the future (I can always use the Scarlette and Octapre in the studio as well).
So, the studio is now operating. Time for me to learn what I don’t know about recording drums. And I can promise you…. that is A LOT!!!!
Will post recordings as they become available.
More to come…
MOUTON