Studio Ergonomics

I have talked about mics, micing techniques and all sorts of musician related information. However, I forgot to talk about your studio, after all it is a huge part of you as a musician.

I have spent a lot of time in professional recording studios, and if you look around, their studio is designed and built for:

           

      ·        Sound Absorption

      ·        Ergonomics

      ·        Comfort

Comfortable Chair

Ask yourself, have you ever seen a Sound Engineer sitting in a $15 folding chair from Wal-Mart? No you haven’t, I know firsthand from spending time in a Control Room, Engineers have really comfortable, sleek design chairs. Why? Because they spend hours upon hours in those chairs mixing. Try doing that on a cheap chair, believe me, your back and butt will be aching for days. So I have looked around and found a couple ready comfy leather chairs at Office Depot and Amazon.com – between $167 - $200 dollars. 

This really is an important piece of your recording studio furniture. The main thing is that it’s comfortable of course. You will get tired after many hours in your studio mixing and recording, but be sure that the chair is not to blame. Having an ergonomic chair would be the best thing. You NEED a chair that lets your body rest in a natural position while you work. Another important thing to make sure of is that it doesn't squeak. That might just kill your most important recording.

A sturdy, comfortable (preferably ergonomic) non-squeaky chair would be a good way of taking care of yourself during the countless hours in your recording studio. I recommend you make a wise investment and buy yourself a really comfortable chair – then you won’t mind sitting for hours doing something you really love, without your back or butt hurting.

 Workstation

I have setup numerous Home Recording Studios and I know that just starting out, you are on a budget. But I have to tell you, there are certain things you CAN NOT skimp on, and your Workstation is one of these.  

I have seen many musicians use a $40 dollar table they bought from Wal-Mart. Then they cram everything on this 5 foot table, their Music keyboard, their computer and Monitor – along with keyboard and mouse. Then they have their mixer along with an Equalizer’s and the like sitting on a neighboring desk or end table. They don’t get that it isn’t in the least bit practical or even ergonomic – and forget about any creative work flow.

So let me straighten up this confused mess and chaos into a very creative, practical and yes Feng Shui like ergonomic workplace. How do you ask??? Easy, but spending about $450 and buying a very cool, practical, ergonomic workstation – The Raxxess ACD-42-56B Large Angled Center Desk.  

Note: The ACD-42-56B is shown here with optional RB-60B Rack Bridge and optional KBS-2B Keyboard Tray. (See Recommended Accessories Below)

A wide range of components allows a system to be configured to suit any room size and shape. These features make the Config-U-Raxx system just as comfortable for the MIDI composer as it is for the audio engineer.

The Config-U-Raxx line consists of an array of desktop surfaces, side wings and shelves, as well as add-ons such as doors and keyboard trays. Each component can be easily interfaced with any other component in the system, allowing for an almost endless variety of configurations to fit any of your music needs. Future expansion of the system will be just as easy. This furniture is designed to provide years of trouble-free service and rock-solid performance. I love this Workstation because it is so flexible, you can put your music keyboard to the desk level, put your monitors speakers and Computer Flat Panel on the upper shelve – while putting your computer keyboard underneath in the keyboard pullout drawer. On top of one of the side wings you could put your 16 channel mixer, while below keeping your computer tower. The possibilities are endless, whatever configuration that you require – you can create it – making your studio, practical, ergonomic, so those creative juices can flow.

Features:

·         Large, angled center desk.

·         Color: Ebony

·         Dimensions: 56.5" (at back), 42" (at front) x 30"

·         Model number is for center desk only.

Recommended Accessories:

§  Upper Shelve - $149

§  USB Keyboard Drawer - $149.

§  Left or Right Side Wings - $229 each side

Check out any Professional Studio’s Control room, you will see it is laid out very methodically, practical, making the Engineers live a whole lot easier.
 Until tomorrow,

Rory

 http://www.thenextsoundyouhear.com/