Unessential Items in Your Production Space: Eliminating Seven Unnecessary Elements from Your Workplace
Let's Cut the Bullshit, Buddy:
Gotta Save Your Cash, Boo:
When it comes to setting up your studio, it's easy to fall head over heels for all those shiny toys and gadgets. But hold your horses, partner! You don't need everything that catches your eye. Check out these 7 things you're probably dreaming about (or already own) but don't really need to make your tunes pop:
1. Shitty Tape Machines:
Don't waste your hard-earned cash on low-quality tape machines expecting that vintage lo-fi vibe. Most of the time, they'll only disappoint. Save your pennies and try using plugins to achieve that lo-fi sound you crave.
2. More Than 16 Channels:
If you ain't got a console bigger than a fridge, countless outboard racks, or a regular gig orchestra, then you can handle most recording situations with no more than 16 tracks. Modern audio interfaces are more advanced than ever before, with higher channel counts each year. Splurging on a massive amount of channels might seem cool, but the truth is, you'll probably only need a handful at a time.
3. Fancy Acoustic Foam:
Don't get swayed by the brand names or price tags on those trendy acoustic foam panels. In most cases, they don't offer enough of an advantage to justify their high cost. Opt for DIY acoustic panels instead. There's plenty of tutorials online to guide you through the process of creating your own.
4. Overpriced Studio Furniture:
High-end studio furniture may look sleek, but it's usually damn expensive. Unless you've already snapped up your dream gear setup, you're better off spending your cash on gear that impacts the sound of your tracks. Plus, you can make cheap, inexpensive furniture models work just as well with a bit of creativity.
5. High-End Cables:
Premium cables? That's about as much audio snake oil as it gets. Even if there's a slight improvement, it's never the first thing you should focus on when trying to boost the sound quality of your tracks. Buy cables that are durable and affordable, and save your cash for more important upgrades.
6. External Mixers:
The idea of having an entry-level FOH mixer in your studio might seem cool, but remember: there's no need for that stuff when you're recording. You shouldn't need to mix down multiple sources before they hit your DAW either. Plus, software monitor mixes are a breeze. If you're looking for more preamp channels, consumer live sound gear should always be your last resort.
7. Giant Displays:
Do you really need a massive TV screen to display your DAW rig? Probably not! A huge display is another hard surface that can add problematic reflections to your mix room. Your mixing experience may even suffer from all that extra screen real estate. Keep things simple, focus on key sounds, and let your mixes shine without the distractions.
Ditch the BS, Focus on What Matters,
- Your Friendly, Honest Assistant
Incorporating technology into your lifestyle, you may consider upgrading your studio setup. However, resist the urge to splurge on expensive lifestyle items like high-end technology gadgets such as tape machines or large displays, like giant TV screens, that aren't essential for your recording needs. Instead, focus on what truly matters, such as quality plugins, affordable cables, and DIY acoustic panels, to create a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
