Might start my own recording studio -- Advice please!!
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- KVRAF
- 1703 posts since 11 Nov, 2004 from Kansas City, MO
I was just approached by someone who wants to front me the capital to start my own recording studio. My only experience is the small PC-based project studio I have in my apartment. I have next to no gear, but I could have access to lots, and I need advice on how I should plan this. I'd need to be able to record a full band so I'd need a good mixer(preferably one that will also act as a software controller), I'd need room treatment, and that seems pretty straightforeward(but then what do I know?) and I guess I'd need outboard equipment to better process the audio. And an actual tape recorder for capturing the finished product would be good too. So am I doing well here so far? What am I leaving out? Any advice would be welcome since I really don't know what I'd be getting into.
"The Law speaks too softly to be heard amid the din of arms." -- Gaius Marius {Roman consul,soldier}
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- addled muppet weed
- 111341 posts since 26 Jan, 2003 from through the looking glass
my advice,hire me 
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- KVRian
- 901 posts since 1 Dec, 2003
Is he fronting the capital on the grounds that this studio will become a profit making venture? If so, the first thing you need to know before all the gear arrives is the business end. Things like:
How many existing studios are in your area?
What are their rates...who is their clientele?
What will you be able to offer that they can't in order to lure customers?
How much will the rent and utilities be for a proper facility to record a full band?
How good are you at all the paperwork you'll need to keep and all the paperwork you'll encounter at tax time?
As for the audio end, among lots of other stuff you'll need knowledge of proper mic techniques for various instruments, especially the drums, and knowledge of the phasing issues that come with multiple mic setups. And you'll need the microphones, preamps etc. You'll need to spend a good chunk of money on cables, and possibly another chunk on proper electrical wiring to insure a hum-free environment. Room treatment isn't all that cheap, either...and it goes both ways. You'll need to keep most reflections down on the inside while ensuring that the sound doesn't travel to the outside and bother any neighboring residents or businesses, unless you locate in an industrial area. Then you'll need to keep the outside noise from getting in...and a good security system since industrial areas are prone to vandalism and theft.
A couple of other issues you might come up against are the zoning laws in your area for running a business, and insurance. You MUST have insurance.
And lastly, how and when does this investor expect to be paid back?
I'm not trying to be an old fud and piss on your opportunity, and I don't know the scenario between you and the investor or the extent you may want to take this project. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.
Before you sign anything or accept ANY money from an investor, make sure that you know their intentions and make sure you've done the homework for the business side....
then we can talk gear.
sorry if I come off bitter sounding, but I've been burned in the past and still have the lawsuit docs in my file cabinet to remind myself to be more careful when engaging an investor.
How many existing studios are in your area?
What are their rates...who is their clientele?
What will you be able to offer that they can't in order to lure customers?
How much will the rent and utilities be for a proper facility to record a full band?
How good are you at all the paperwork you'll need to keep and all the paperwork you'll encounter at tax time?
As for the audio end, among lots of other stuff you'll need knowledge of proper mic techniques for various instruments, especially the drums, and knowledge of the phasing issues that come with multiple mic setups. And you'll need the microphones, preamps etc. You'll need to spend a good chunk of money on cables, and possibly another chunk on proper electrical wiring to insure a hum-free environment. Room treatment isn't all that cheap, either...and it goes both ways. You'll need to keep most reflections down on the inside while ensuring that the sound doesn't travel to the outside and bother any neighboring residents or businesses, unless you locate in an industrial area. Then you'll need to keep the outside noise from getting in...and a good security system since industrial areas are prone to vandalism and theft.
A couple of other issues you might come up against are the zoning laws in your area for running a business, and insurance. You MUST have insurance.
And lastly, how and when does this investor expect to be paid back?
I'm not trying to be an old fud and piss on your opportunity, and I don't know the scenario between you and the investor or the extent you may want to take this project. I wish you luck in whatever you decide
.Before you sign anything or accept ANY money from an investor, make sure that you know their intentions and make sure you've done the homework for the business side....
then we can talk gear.
sorry if I come off bitter sounding, but I've been burned in the past and still have the lawsuit docs in my file cabinet to remind myself to be more careful when engaging an investor.