We’re living at a time in which you have greater ability to be an independent recording artist than ever before. This isn’t just about having access to streaming services and social media so you can reach audiences. Recording equipment has become affordable to the point that renting studio space isn’t strictly necessary. With a little investment over time, you can produce great results from your own home.
There are still challenges to this, though. Most indie musicians have a limited amount of space available. Whether you’re operating from your bedroom, a closet, or your garage, it’s important to find ways to maximize your space without sacrificing sound quality.
With some solid ideas and a little elbow grease, this is certainly achievable. Let’s explore a few of the practical ways you can create a functional tiny studio space that allows you to best unleash your creativity.
Consolidate Your Resources
Let’s face it: one of the weird joys of being a musician is gathering a whole range of gear. Unfortunately, this isn’t always conducive to having a practical, safe, and effective small studio space. Your first step to maximizing your area should involve looking honestly — and perhaps a little brutally — at what you can consolidate or dispose of without sacrificing sound quality.
This isn’t necessarily about selling your collection of instruments. That’s likely a last resort and there are usually other places to keep instruments. Indeed, that might be your first consideration. Ask yourself what you absolutely have to have in your studio.
However, also consider the analog items that you can convert to digital. If you have bookshelves filled with notebooks, look into transferring the contents of these to digital files. For instance, upload sheet music to music software or even just scan notebook pages. This allows you to put your books and the bookcase elsewhere. Not to mention it can be a better way to stay organized, allowing you to access your notes via the computer or laptop you’re already using for recording.
Another element to consolidate might be your recording and production equipment. Do you need multiple types of guitar pedals and amplifiers? Or, could you sell these and invest in high-quality amp modelers — like the Line 6 Helix LT or the Kemper Profiler — that give you a range of options on a single device?
Adopt Storage Solutions
Sometimes making more space in your small studio isn’t about getting rid of or consolidating your items. It’s simply a case of finding more appropriate storage solutions for the gear you have.
Among the simple storage ideas that can provide you with more space is the option to go vertical wherever possible. For instance, hang guitars on the wall rather than stacked on the floor, taking up the room. You could also introduce well-labeled bins and drawers for items that are not currently in use. Slide these under your mixing desk or in closets. If you must keep these in the recording space, it can be wise to line them with soft insulation material so as not to create another hard surface for sound to bounce from, affecting recording quality.
You should also consider how your furniture plays into your storage approach. One option is to buy folding items that can easily be stored away when not in use. You could also invest in some items that double up as storage solutions in themselves. For instance, buy chests that you can place soft cushioned seats atop of.
Design Your Layout Mindfully
When you’ve consolidated what you can and adopted some effective storage solutions, there are still some additional ways you can maximize your space without sacrificing quality. This comes down to carefully considering the layout of the studio space to make the most of its working area.
Firstly, in a small space, it’s not always necessary to have a separate vocal booth and mixing area. Instead, think about making your whole studio soundproof. This enables you to use the same space for recording instruments and vocals. It’s also wise to think about whether it’s essential to have mic stands in the middle of the floor, taking up space. Can you hang microphones from the ceiling, retracting them when they’re not in use?
Another key design point is your choice of sound treatment. Hanging blankets and pillows can make for cost-effective soundproofing, but these tend to take up valuable space. Wherever possible, invest in professionally designed soundproofing panels that absorb sound with minimal bulk. If your budget doesn’t stretch to these, you could also make your own acoustic panels by creating some plywood frames, filling these with insulating foam, and covering them with soft fabric.
You should also identify features of your home that are disrupting sound quality. For example, when you’re recording in hot weather, air conditioners can make a great deal of noise. A noisy fan isn’t an option for cooling your studio, either. Cut down on excess AC noise by insulating HVAC ducts, tuning up the AC unit, and removing reflective surfaces near the AC.
Conclusion
Your home studio is a gateway to creative freedom. Therefore, it’s well worth taking a bit of time to maximize its potential with some practical measures. These will range from reducing unnecessary items to making smart design choices.
Remember, though, that your home studio is also a very personal creative space. Alongside these general space-saving measures, think about the features that best meet your individual needs and preferences as an artist. Make your studio the best tool to produce your unique output.
By Indiana Lee.