How to set up a jam room/studio

bshafr · 11-02-2013, 11:01 PM

Does anyone have advice on how to set up a music jam room that can double as a studio? I am especially concerned about what would be the best speaker setup.

I'm thinking of having two electric guitars, an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar, a digital piano and an electronic drum set in the room. More instruments might be added later.

I am interested in the idea of running everything through a powered mixer and then having the sound go out to wall-mounted speakers along with a subwoofer. Has anyone tried this?

I should probably explain here that I'm over 40 and as much into jazz, blues and folk as I am into rock, so we're not talking about wanting to blow the windows out. This is why I'm interested in getting an electronic drum set -- it may not sound quite as good, but volume control is essential. As a result, I'm not seeking any soundproofing advice, because I don't plan on doing any soundproofing.

Thanks for any thoughts you have!

haydenpurcell · 11-20-2013, 05:31 AM

Studio, as in recording studio?
Soundproofing might be a consideration if you're planning to record stuff.

But anyway, what you're suggesting doesn't sound like a bad idea from the interests purely of volume control.

Punching everything through a mixer will allow for better control of everyone's levels, rather than telling people to turn down or turn up their amps and what not.

How big is your room?
Have you considered investing in a lower wattage PA system?

If you're planning on gigging with your group, it can sometimes be helpful to own your own amplification system, and having a PA gives you the option to go loud if you need it.

Other than that, for speakers, I would suggest looking into Studio Monitors, as they're designed to give you an accurate representation of the sound. If you're wanting to use the studio for recording too, then monitors will be essential for mixing/mastering. At least one pair of them anyway. These can range anywhere from the £00s to the £000s.
I own a pair of KRK RP5s, which for the pair cost me £240, they're classed as 'Mid-Range' monitors.
I like them mostly, but they have quite a high amount of bass, which I'm now not so fond of, because it can hinder my mixing process a bit.

Desk wise, I'm a bit of a Mackie fan, usually quite affordable, and give a decent sound. I would personally avoid Behringer, they can sometimes tempt you with a good price, but I personally haven't heard a Behringer product I've liked the sound of, in particular, their Powerplay XL is an affordable, reliable headphone splitter, but it sounds HORRENDOUS!

Mackie recently released a new Firewire range of products called Onyx, which if you're looking to start recording too will act firstly as a mixing device to punch through levels for practicing and what not, but will also plug into a DAW to function as an audio interface. That way you won't have to fork out several hundred quid for a separate soundcard.

Subwoofers, I don't have much of an opinion on, but if you were to go with a PA, you'll likely get one included.

11-02-2013, 11:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
bshafr Groupie Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 1	How to set up a jam room/studio Does anyone have advice on how to set up a music jam room that can double as a studio? I am especially concerned about what would be the best speaker setup. I'm thinking of having two electric guitars, an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar, a digital piano and an electronic drum set in the room. More instruments might be added later. I am interested in the idea of running everything through a powered mixer and then having the sound go out to wall-mounted speakers along with a subwoofer. Has anyone tried this? I should probably explain here that I'm over 40 and as much into jazz, blues and folk as I am into rock, so we're not talking about wanting to blow the windows out. This is why I'm interested in getting an electronic drum set -- it may not sound quite as good, but volume control is essential. As a result, I'm not seeking any soundproofing advice, because I don't plan on doing any soundproofing. Thanks for any thoughts you have!

11-20-2013, 05:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
haydenpurcell Groupie Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Wing, Buckinghamshire Posts: 5	Studio, as in recording studio? Soundproofing might be a consideration if you're planning to record stuff. But anyway, what you're suggesting doesn't sound like a bad idea from the interests purely of volume control. Punching everything through a mixer will allow for better control of everyone's levels, rather than telling people to turn down or turn up their amps and what not. How big is your room? Have you considered investing in a lower wattage PA system? If you're planning on gigging with your group, it can sometimes be helpful to own your own amplification system, and having a PA gives you the option to go loud if you need it. Other than that, for speakers, I would suggest looking into Studio Monitors, as they're designed to give you an accurate representation of the sound. If you're wanting to use the studio for recording too, then monitors will be essential for mixing/mastering. At least one pair of them anyway. These can range anywhere from the £00s to the £000s. I own a pair of KRK RP5s, which for the pair cost me £240, they're classed as 'Mid-Range' monitors. I like them mostly, but they have quite a high amount of bass, which I'm now not so fond of, because it can hinder my mixing process a bit. Desk wise, I'm a bit of a Mackie fan, usually quite affordable, and give a decent sound. I would personally avoid Behringer, they can sometimes tempt you with a good price, but I personally haven't heard a Behringer product I've liked the sound of, in particular, their Powerplay XL is an affordable, reliable headphone splitter, but it sounds HORRENDOUS! Mackie recently released a new Firewire range of products called Onyx, which if you're looking to start recording too will act firstly as a mixing device to punch through levels for practicing and what not, but will also plug into a DAW to function as an audio interface. That way you won't have to fork out several hundred quid for a separate soundcard. Subwoofers, I don't have much of an opinion on, but if you were to go with a PA, you'll likely get one included.