1. How Will You use It? – This is a super important question. If you are just recording a podcast in the space, then that will greatly alter the way you design, fabricate, and utilize the space. For instance, if you want to record a NPR type radio vocal, you’ll want a very tight audio booth space around the vocal mic with lots of acoustical treatment to make sure there is very little reverb/ambient room noise. If you want to record bands, high ceilings can often be beneficial to creating a more “live” feel to the recordings and getting bigger sounds overall.

2. Gear – This is connected deeply to how the space will be used. If you are planning only to do a podcast then you can have way less in the way of equipment. You could get away with just a laptop, a USB to analog audio interface, a decent microphone (like a Shure SM7B), a mic stand, and a comfy chair with a desk. If you are going to record a band or musical instruments, that gear list can be miles long and virtually endless depending on what kind of music you are hoping to record.

3. Comfort – Okay and because recording studios can often require sitting for 8hrs or more at a time…get comfy, yo. If you try to sit on a piano bench for 8hrs you’ll be walking like a cowboy after a cattle drive for freakin’ days. Place things in an ergonomic way so that you aren’t straining your body or eyes. You want to be absolutely comfortable so that you don’t get the physical fatigue you normally would.

In long/short – Your studio space setup and design is highly specific to your intentions for it. Find an audio nerd friend like me or just become one yourself by pouring over articles and books before tossing money into building one. They can be a beautiful, engaging place to forge creative content but to sound “pro” takes a ton of research and know-how, unfortunately. So get your reading glasses and a warm cup of tea and dig in!