KVR Audio

Mike20 · Post by **Mike20** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 11:45 am

Hey guys

I would like an opinion on maybe some more experienced producers or engineers,

I have always spent around 10-12 hours a day producing music (electronic) for the past 12-18 months, however over the last few weeks i have found i have upped my game a bit, i typically get on my computer around 10am, and come off it at around 1am, then the same again the day after

I do this mon-saturday typically, what i want to know, is it OK on your ears to do it for so long? I keep my volume level to around about 60-65db and i take breaks every hour and a half, but it just seems that when i go to sleep is the only time i have a proper break,

Does anybody have any insight? The only reason why i ask is because i don't want to over-do it, but because i do it at such low volume levels (and i never listen to loud music), i was thinking i should be OK? As most shops and work environments are typically more toward 80db and people work ridiculously long hours in them as well

Thanks any insight would be great!

Mike

j79 · Post by **j79** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 11:58 am

I wouldnt worry about you ears if you take as much care as you say...but make sure you have a decent chair and an ergonomic setup.

If you dont you back, shoulders or neck will start acting up. Get some exercise too...

ZenPunkHippy · Post by **ZenPunkHippy** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:02 pm

Eat well + exercise, then it won't matter so much. Otherwise, it's as good as being a couch potato ...

Peace,
Andy.

ZenPunkHippy · Post by **ZenPunkHippy** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:13 pm

Oops, you were asking about your ears

Well, above advice still stands, it's important.

Ears: you are being careful (low volume, regular breaks) so nothing much to worry about IMO.

Plenty of people listen to music all day working in a sedentary office jobs. I've done that for years, now work from home. Not suffering any ill effects, yet.

PEace,
Andy.

tehlord · Post by **tehlord** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:14 pm

Posture is still important and worth not overlooking.

You won't actually know it's a problem until damage has occurred.

TwoToneshuzz · Post by **TwoToneshuzz** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:26 pm

To me 13 hours a day 6 days a week sounds like way too much time to be producing. Take a lot of breaks go for walks. It's not only the Ears, it's the Eyes, the Back, legs, everything that'll get locked up. So I'd reduce the overall time, and find another activty that is complimentary to Sound/Computer.

Variety is the Spice of life.

DaveHoskins · Post by **DaveHoskins** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:42 pm

When mixing,I find my ears get tired after a few hours, and objectivity starts to drift. You know the feeling of going back to something the next day, and the old 'what the hell was I thinking?' Also there's a tendency for volume creep, if you're not careful. There's been a few times in the past where I've picked my headphones and been astonished how loud they were set to. I'm more careful now though.

mellotronaut · Post by **mellotronaut** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:47 pm

TwoToneshuzz wrote:
Variety is the Spice of life.

+1

make frequent breaks, go outside and do some exercises, don't use the mouse too much, use low volume and ... 13 hours is much too much. you'll learn more in less time a day in the long run.

and to paraphrase tehlord: you won't acually recognise health problems until damage has occured. (i know, what i'm talking about!)

musikmachine · Post by **musikmachine** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 1:04 pm

tehlord wrote:Posture is still important and worth not overlooking.

You won't actually know it's a problem until damage has occurred.

I use one of those seat attachents for posture and had zero back issues since i got it. OP, if you sit in a chair that doesn't have good support and comfort and your spending that amount of time producing you need one even if you take regular breaks, protect your parts; i think they are more at risk than your ears but you can always get them tested to put your mind at ease. My 2c anyway.

VariKusBrainZ · Post by **VariKusBrainZ** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 1:50 pm

Depends if you make Tarnce or not which has been clinically proven to shrink the genital organs and increase oestrogen levels, after just 30 minutes of listening.

This is why most Tarnce producers are dickless wonders

Bathrobe · Post by **Bathrobe** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 2:34 pm

it's not only the ears. it's also dangerous to sit so much, that's why i'm mostly standing. and if you have too much equipment on thee will be much ozon in the air which is poison to the breathing system.

David Carpenter Wind Core · Wed Dec 05, 2012 2:43 pm

It could be worse at least you don't have to do 60+ hrs of construction labor work. I think that sitting in a studio is mild compared to what a majority of what the work force has to do. I would recommend exercise during breaks a little jog or standing while in the studio.

As far as ears go at least your not on stage 3 times a week.

musikmachine · Post by **musikmachine** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 2:45 pm

Or you could dance to your latest masterpiece.

lotus2035 · Post by **lotus2035** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:12 pm

diggler wrote:It could be worse at least you don't have to do 60+ hrs of construction labor work. I think that sitting in a studio is mild compared to what a majority of what the work force has to do.

There's wear and tear and there's total stagnation. Both are just as likely to cause all kinds of irreversible damage and put you six feet under ahead of your time.

Mike20 · Post by **Mike20** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:03 pm

Thanks very much for the replies, its great to see the responses

Yeah about posture - completely agree, my chair sort of sticks inwards at the lower back so it remains that 'S' sort of shape, i try to stick to it

In regards to the replies that it is too much in terms of learning, i would usually agree, however my time is divided usually between 10am-noon i practise piano, composition and theory etc., then noon-10pm actual production of tracks then 10-12/1am i practise sound design, so it is sort of split so i can feel advances every day. I quit a very well paid job to try and achieve my dream so i can't afford to spend time doing other things really

And yeah variety is definitely the spice of life, i just think i have another 12 months in me to practise hard then hopefully i can reap the rewards then!

Thanks again for the responses!

Mike

Is it safe to produce for very long hours every day