How to Build a Home Recording Studio
Author: Stephanie Ciccarelli
When a business is in startup mode, usually the entrepreneur looks for ways
to cut costs while obtaining all of the necessary objectives to run their
business.
In the case of a voice talent, building a home recording studio is paramount
to their success and fundamental to conducting business on a daily basis.
That being said, a voice talent entrepreneur's highest expense when getting
started is the equipment to build their home recording studio. Ideally, a
professional-grade home recording studio comprises of a computer, recording
and editing software, a professional microphone, a microphone stand, head
phones, mixing board, speakers (to hear the balance of your mix with), and a
proper room to record in. This recording studio, or room, may be a full-out
sound booth or a spare bedroom depending on the resources available to the
voice talent.
To give us an idea of what's out there, professional recording studios are
worth tens of thousands of dollars. The most expensive recording studios
cost well over 1 million dollars to construct.
On average, a professional-grade home recording studio costs in the
neighborhood of $10,000 to $25,000. Smaller project studios or freelance
voice talent home studios could range between $2,500 to $5,000, brand new.
Regardless of industry sector or creative background prior to the start of
an imminent voice career, the purchase of a professional-grade home
recording studio is the largest, most tangible investment that will be made
in the life of a voice-over career.
The equipment, once purchased by the business owner, becomes a hard asset,
and if need be, can be sold in order to raise funds to purchase newer, more
efficient equipment in the future.
Keep in mind that these hard assets are also subject to depreciation. In
Canada, computers and electronic equipment depreciate at 50% a year. That's
quite a hefty sum, meaning that a new piece of equipment could depreciate
significantly in less than 3 years.
When someone is in the market to buy gently used recording studio equipment,
the odds that they will be getting a great deal and equipment in good
condition are definitely in their favor. There are many places that buy and
sell used equipment ranging from the local newspaper classifieds to online
listings on eBay.
There is no shortage of second-hand equipment looking for a good home,
that's for certain, but how can you tell if the equipment is worth the
asking price and if it will happily meet your needs?
First off, always be sure to seek out photographs of the object you are
interested in. If you are networking locally with someone, setup a meeting
to evaluate the equipment in person, including a test-drive of what the
piece can do for you and how it operates.
Check for scratches, dents, loose items, and quality. Brand names the likes
of Shure, Neumann, and Digi002 are high-end whereas a microphone from an
all-purpose electronics store in the mall may be less professional.
Ask where the item was purchased, how much it was purchased for, and when it
was purchased. Knowing these variables will give you the leverage you need
to decide whether the price for the equipment is fair or way off base. You
can also request a copy of the original receipt.
Ask for original boxes, warranties, and user guides. This documentation will
prove that you are purchasing from the original owner.
Some manufacturers offer "transfer of ownership" papers allowing you to
benefit from free software and hardware upgrades or promotions in the
future. The serial number would then be registered under the purchasers
name, thus making you eligible to receive bonuses and free upgrades by
virtue of your business dealings.
Your return on investment will be evident in good usage of your equipment.
As long as you are learning how to use it, you will get something out of it.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/how-to-build-a-home-recording-studio-64584.html
About the Author:
Stephanie Ciccarelli is the VP of Marketing with Voices.com , the voice over
marketplace hosting more than 7,000 professional voice talents. Stephanie is
also the author of The Definitive Guide To Voice-Over Success.
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