A Harley fueled Home Studio!?!

[Lexinator]

Work progresses on the Man Cave!

Even though I'm on the road a lot lately, we're heading in the right direction.

Several things have been defined;

We're gonna use the front two warehouses, and build an annex between them, as a connector. There's already a small 16' x' 16' office there, that mostly just serves as an access point for the "barracks" located in the basement. (It's just a small crash pad, tucked out of the way!)

Using these warehouses allows Man Cave to have a live space that is almost 1000 square feet. It grants us space for a medium sized control room, housing a Duality 48ch slab, with several racks stuffed full of goodies. Several conversations with both Don and George (email and phone), and conversations with pals (The Peter, Peter, and Peter show... )overseas... have basically closed the deal for me, where the Duality is concerned.

It gives us a decent sized ISO booth, with the potential for a "flip-down" podcast desk built in.

It gives us a nice flow, a cool vibe, and decent airlocks. We'll build an exterior airlock to allow equipment handling from "outside."

Here's an idea that we're batting around.

We'll cut the skylights out of the front warehouse, and use the wall extensions that already exist to help frame a "roof lift" that will allow us another 5-8 feet of air at least, allowing the drums to breathe. (The exact height has yet to be determined. The math geeks will determine the number.)

The control room will be the same height as the live space, and we'll build an office over it (accessed from the lobby), to allow business to take place as usual.

This "live space" and "CR" layout is very similar to several places I already play, so it shouldn't be that difficult to accomplish.

The biggest question is that of cash, or... the lack thereof. The budget has tripled since I started this, and it's headed for quadrupled.

May should bring Wes on board as the designer of record, and all my scratchings and sketches will probably go right into the trash, but we'll see what happens...

And now you know...

[HookedOnHardware]

You went from 60/70k to 400k? Wtf?!
Sounds like it's going to be awesome!

Great thread

[Lexinator]

Originally Posted by HookedOnHardware

You went from 60/70k to 400k? Wtf?!
Sounds like it's going to be awesome!

Great thread

Well...

It's like this. Originally, I had a board already, and I was gonna push about 120k into the pot, for the build and the gear. Then, I sold the board. That bumped it up to over 200k. Then I started having trouble with doing it "half-assed' and we did an assessment. I sold some stuff for about 50k. That got me to almost 300k. But, I was still in that "in between" area, "good... but not great."

So, now, I'm looking at letting it out about 15-20 weeks a year for other projects, and building a real studio. The business part was easy, I know a LOT of people and there is already a list to record. I was just in LA and Miami closing business deals, and doing some gigging. It's looking sweet.

The big bullet was deciding to use the Duality 48ch slab... That sucker is pricey!

We'll open with an entire year pre-booked. It'll be okay... "he said, rolling his eyes!"

[HookedOnHardware]

Originally Posted by Lexinator

Well...

It's like this. Originally, I had a board already, and I was gonna push about 120k into the pot, for the build and the gear. Then, I sold the board. That bumped it up to over 200k. Then I started having trouble with doing it "half-assed' and we did an assessment. I sold some stuff for about 50k. That got me to almost 300k. But, I was still in that "in between" area, "good... but not great."

So, now, I'm looking at letting it out about 15-20 weeks a year for other projects, and building a real studio. The business part was easy, I know a LOT of people and there is already a list to record. I was just in LA and Miami closing business deals, and doing some gigging. It's looking sweet.

The big bullet was deciding to use the Duality 48ch slab... That sucker is pricey!

We'll open with an entire year pre-booked. It'll be okay... "he said, rolling his eyes!"

Thanks for the reply

I know this stuff isn't cheap. I myself am opening a new high end studio at the end of the year. Fortunately for me pretty much all the budget is going to gear (and instruments, but mostly gear) as the construction is as good as sorted (knock down a wall x2 build 3 and presto, done! Just to keep it simple).
My budget is about 65k so no where near you are, then again I'm easily half the age (23). My pockets aren't that deep, yet!

I was reading your blog which was very enjoyable. You are also doing a good job staying anonymous because I can't find anywhere who you are haha.

Let's see a construction thread soon alright! I'm dying to see this puppy blow up.

[djgizmo]

Nice preliminary design (last one)

I like how all the walls in the CR aren't parallel. Another thought, if you need to cut your budget, build a control room rectangle with these internal dimensions:

13'11" x 11'6" x 9' or 17'1" x 12'7 x 9'- Either one of those have the more perfect ratio's that'll reduce the need for extra bass trapping / frequency fixing.

IMO, The live room should be shrunk down just a tad from 1000 sqr feet. Maybe down to 500 sqr feet. You're going to spend a mint trying to acoustically treat or build out a 1000 sqr foot room accoustically correct room. If money is tight, you could even build out 2 live rooms at 300 sqr feet each. 21' x 14' 5" x 9' each. Have these side by side would help out when bands would like to record live and need see each other via glass, but you need to mic each cab seperate. (In theory you could even make the short side of these rooms open up to each other for additional space if you just wanted a jam space for a bunch of musicians.)

use the remaining space for storage for gear such as a roll out piano, drum set, guitars, amps) Keep it simple.

(Props to ethan for his mode calc providing preferred ratio's)

Either way, if you have a budget, as a married man myself, think how your wife will feel if you come UNDER budget and can take her out to dinner before it opens

[xaMdaM]

Originally Posted by djgizmo

Either way, if you have a budget, as a married man myself, think how your wife will feel if you come UNDER budget and can take her out to dinner before it opens

pfffft... yeah....

Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell.....

[djgizmo]

Originally Posted by xaMdaM

pfffft... yeah....

Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell.....

pffffffffftttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

If I spent 100k on a studio, and was under budget by 20k, you better well believe that if I didn't take my wife out for NICE dinner, she'd not only beat me, she'd probably change the locks on the house.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by djgizmo

IMO, The live room should be shrunk down just a tad from 1000 sqr feet. Maybe down to 500 sqr feet. You're going to spend a mint trying to acoustically treat or build out a 1000 sqr foot room accoustically correct room.

Wes will tell you the truth, but what I've been gleaning from this whole process is that treatments for large rooms are simpler and present fewer compromises, whereas treatments for small rooms are devilishly complex and present more compromises.

Think big.

[xaMdaM]

Originally Posted by djgizmo

pffffffffftttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

If I spent 100k on a studio, and was under budget by 20k, you better well believe that if I didn't take my wife out for NICE dinner, she'd not only beat me, she'd probably change the locks on the house.

BWAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Now that's funny!!

I ain't NEVER heard of a studio coming in THAT far under budget!

[djgizmo]

Originally Posted by Clueless

Wes will tell you the truth, but what I've been gleaning from this whole process is that treatments for large rooms are simpler and present fewer compromises, whereas treatments for small rooms are devilishly complex and present more compromises.

Think big.

But is bigger more economical? Bigger may be more efficient, but bigger space typically means bigger budget. OP originally said his budget was around 70k for the build out. Even if it expanded to 20% above that estimate, he'd still be under 100k, which is a hella lot better than 300k for the build out. Adding plumbing and raising the ceiling will probably costs a large part of that due to the nature of it. If he's really in the mood to give back to musicians, I think have 2x300 sqr foot live rooms is plenty for most artists. (Not that I'm a designer by ANY means). This is still something thats on his property and that he'll have to be present during such sessions. (Unless he's hiring staff).

I'm just presenting some minor options to have his money stretch a long way. Wes will know best what will fit for his budget and I think the OP should stick with a realistic budget and not have to take out a 2nd mortgage to do this.

[djgizmo]

Originally Posted by xaMdaM

BWAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Now that's funny!!

I ain't NEVER heard of a studio coming in THAT far under budget!

yea, it was an over exaggeration, but I typically plan to over budget things than under budget them for that. If I over budget, and things come in at that number, I'm a good guy. If I over budget, and things come in UNDER that number (even by 5-10%) then I look like a great guy.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by djgizmo

But is bigger more economical? Bigger may be more efficient, but bigger space typically means bigger budget.

The size of the space is already fixed and defined. Breaking a large space into many smaller spaces will cost more in terms of both materials and treatments, and will pose greater challenges as well.

The first proposed designs chopped the place into lots of independent spaces. The latest proposed design basically has three acoustic spaces: a large live room, a control room, and an iso booth. That's tough luck if you need 5 ISO spaces, but could be great luck for those who like the "make a record in a room" vibe, and who like the quality of sound that can be developed in a larger acoustic environment.

I agree that if he were starting from scratch that every square foot of space costs more $$, but in this case, the space is already a given, it's just a question of how that space is going to be used.

[djgizmo]

Originally Posted by Clueless

The size of the space is already fixed and defined. Breaking a large space into many smaller spaces will cost more in terms of both materials and treatments, and will pose greater challenges as well.

The first proposed designs chopped the place into lots of independent spaces. The latest proposed design basically has three acoustic spaces: a large live room, a control room, and an iso booth. That's tough luck if you need 5 ISO spaces, but could be great luck for those who like the "make a record in a room" vibe, and who like the quality of sound that can be developed in a larger acoustic environment.

I agree that if he were starting from scratch that every square foot of space costs more $$, but in this case, the space is already a given, it's just a question of how that space is going to be used.

I see what you mean. More walls = more surface area to work with.

I agree, the first one with everything chopped up wasn't my favorite design, but to have such a large live space...

I guess I'd have to be in such a large room that was perfected to really understand.

[Lexinator]

Originally Posted by Clueless

Wes will tell you the truth, but what I've been gleaning from this whole process is that treatments for large rooms are simpler and present fewer compromises, whereas treatments for small rooms are devilishly complex and present more compromises.

Think big.

YEAH!! WHAT HE SAID!

Here's my thinking;

I DO have a predetermined space, that can't be changed.

Chopping a big space into little spaces gets not only expense, at some point you end up claustrophobic, and unhappy. I hate being unhappy. It makes me run outta frosty cold beverages!

I've talked to Wes Lachot extensively about HOW we'll do this. Wes is the only designer I've ever met who can take a dime and squeeze it into a quarter. He'll save me his fees, and then some.

Remember, right now I'm flying solo, until Wes gets some time freed up. He'll come on as the official "No you can't have that! guy" in late May.

The way I see it, I have to do this right. If I don't I'll regret it every time I walk into the room. I get one shot at this, and I'll probably die in that studio. I have no intention of leaving the farm. After all, it supplies all my needs and it's very private!

If it costs a little more, I'll work a little more, to make sure I'm flush enough.

I have deals pending to help with cashflow, via "outside projects." I have an arrangement with (2) Universities (both SSL shops) who are going to participate in the studio operation as well.

I have "marketing ilk" i.e. ad agencies that want time as well.

I already have "pledges" for 15 - 20 weeks after we open. And we haven't even hammered a nail yet.

So I see this as an investment into my own future. I'm spending less money than buying a house, to build a studio that will allow me to ply my craft forever. (Remember, I'm old and I'll probably die soon! )

The statement that; "treatments for large rooms are simpler and present fewer compromises, whereas treatments for small rooms are devilishly complex and present more compromises..." is exactly right. Go big, or stay home.

The construction changes, although larger in scale, aren't "deal breakers," as we'll do much of the construction ourselves under Wes's watchful eye. We got skills, and we ain't afraid to use them. beside's the local "first responders" need people to practice on!

Most of my pals are "in the same room" kinda players, so I'm not overly concerned with having a bunch of ISO booths. I've given it careful thought, and I'm not gonna generate that kind of traffic.

(Plus, the airlock could always be designed to be used as another "emergency" ISO, if necessary.)

And as large as the live space is, it grants great opportunities for video and media development!

I am amazed that you guys have taken so much time to offer up opinions on "this hole I'm throwin money into." I am grateful! Kudos to all of you!

Lexx

[HookedOnHardware]

Any updates Mr. Man cave?