You know you’ve gone professional in your craft as a musician when you feel the need to upgrade your gear. Going beyond premium audio editing software, you might also want to invest a great deal of your earnings in a recording studio where you can have all the creative space you need to create your first EP. However, this is one decision you will need to examine carefully since a recording studio entails high costs, especially if your career trajectory leads you towards establishing an independent label.
Upgrading to a more sophisticated recording studio can’t be achieved within a short timeframe. This is true if you’re planning to make music full-time. You will need a conducive place not only for creative work but also to help establish the credibility of your craft. It might be difficult to think this through, but the guide below should help make the process easier to deal with as you look towards building your craft and making a name for yourself in the local music industry.
1. Assess your needs
Before you get into planning for a studio renovation or renting out a space, it matters to know what your main priorities are as an artist. You wouldn’t want to spend on a studio that’s too large or advanced if it’s unnecessary for your craft.
It pays to take as much time as you need to explore options that not only align with your needs but also fit the amount you’re willing to invest. Consider how much floor space is required to accommodate the equipment and facilities you need. It’s also important to set aside some resources for optimal acoustics and ventilation.
2. Consider renting out
You might not have enough in the bank to finance a studio construction, so the more practical option is to look for commercial spaces you think are ideal. Within your neighborhood, you may find recording studios and coworking spaces that already come with the equipment you need. The only downside to this is that you may not fully utilize the space to your liking. There’s also limited space to expand your facility, especially as your studio grows.
A better and more scalable option is to look for commercial spaces for rent and invest money in constructing and renovating the place. You may have to shell out a considerable amount to pull this off, but it’s much cheaper compared to building a studio from the ground up and more practical than renting out an existing studio.
3. Get the right partners to help out
Whether you’re building a studio from scratch or moving your equipment to a space that’s up for renovation, it pays to rely on the right people and suppliers to help you accomplish your goals. You will likely need contractors specializing in acoustic treatments and soundproofing.
If you’re hauling large equipment such as mixers and speakers, consider enlisting a pack and move service that can safely handle essential equipment. You might also want suppliers who can provide you with upgraded gear as you look towards building a more professional recording studio.
4. Analyze the costs
Improvements and changes cost money, and you will have to make sure that the upgrades you’ve made to your studio setup will help generate a good return on your investment. It makes hardly any sense to pay more for upgrades only to end up with minimal cash flow.
As you work towards upgrading your recording studio, run up every expense and make adjustments so you won’t go over budget. It pays to be realistic and practical, so prepare your studio within your means and scale it as business picks up.
Endnote
Whether you’re an independent musician or a record producer, having the perfect studio will help you do more and accomplish more. You just have to consider these tips as you look towards upgrading your space.