Building a studio - litterally

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2002 4:08 pm

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Jon Best:
Bear brought up Wes Lachot before I did- I have heard good things about him. I wouldn't worry so much about finding a project manager yet- if you follow Angelo's rough estimation plan, and then contact Wes, you will have a budget to hand him, and I'm 99% sure that he is going to be more plugged in to the project managers/ builders/ contractors around your area than you. Let him help you through that part, as well as the actual design. Keep us all posted, too! <hr></blockquote>Jon,I talked to Wes yesterday afternoon and much to my surprise, he was not opposed to managing the project as well as design the studio and control room.. As a matter of fact, I think he's actually used to doing both the design and project management. He seemed pleased to know that his name and reputation were being put out there. He really does seem to be interested in making this as good of a project as can be done within my budget. So I am hoping to at least get his input on the feasability of making this happen right...I'm not ashammed to admit it here, or anywhere else for that matter, that I while I could "probably" handle the project management, but just like it is with lawyers... I'd have to be a fool to represent myself. I will definitly let you all know how things progress along.I also recommeded that he sign up for recording.org. Anyone know if he's signed up yet?Thanx,
xaMdaM

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2002 4:32 pm

Looking good!Are you going for soffit main monitors (in the wall) Are they a little old fashioned and impossible to get right?Free standing the new trend? + Cheaper?

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2002 5:26 pm

In addition to all the helpful aforementioned tips about design, costs, etc. I would like to mention that you may want to check your local zoning laws.
If it is 10 acres of residentially zoned property, your local zoning ordinances may forbid a commercial operation on the property.

It is better to find out in advance than to spend the money building the studio only to have problems with the local zoning board. It may not be a problem. But if it is a problem, they can shut you down.

Just something to think about in addition to the 10,000 other concerns during such an ambitious undertaking. I also suggest opening an account with your local contractor supply house if you do the DIY route. You will get to know them and visit them often! They can help you out on pricing and will usually deliver promptly. They know all the local contractors and can guide you to the right person for the right job. BTW, I hired a consultant, named David Rochester out of Nashville. I believe he is also currently the service manager for Amek in Nashville. He was immensely helpful, quite affordable, and saved me a bunch of money during my construction and design.

Good luck on your endeavor.

Chuck

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2002 7:09 pm

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Julian Standen:
Looking good!Are you going for soffit main monitors (in the wall) Are they a little old fashioned and impossible to get right?Free standing the new trend? + Cheaper?<hr></blockquote>Haven't quite gotten that far in the decision proce$$. I would prefer to, but I doubt if the budget will really allow for it.Any other opinions?xaMdaM

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2002 8:16 pm

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Chuck Jopski / Summerhouse Sound:
...
If it is 10 acres of residentially zoned property, your local zoning ordinances may forbid a commercial operation on the property.

It is better to find out in advance than to spend the money building the studio only to have problems with the local zoning board. It may not be a problem. But if it is a problem, they can shut you down.
...<SNIPIT>...
Good luck on your endeavor.

Chuck<hr></blockquote>Chuck,The zoning issue was the first criteria I gave to the real estate agent. Zoning ordanaces here in NC are a bit different... The property is out in the county. Most property over .5 acres is zoned for dual purpose. (residential - small business/cottage business) Unless the business is commercial in nature, i.e. manufacturing or storefront retail, I shouldn't have to worry about it. But that is being looked into and I am supposed to have an answer tomorrow by noon.There's plenty of timber on the property - Oak and pine. I've got a couple of friends who have sawmill operations who should trade out 1:1 on the lumber. (Thank God!) I also have the sawdust making hobby of making furniture and repairing antiques, so I've got a really good source for other types of exotic and domestic hardwoods... I can't see doing the entire floor in Zebra, Koa or Cocobolo... but it sure would be nice.Here's my general list of STD... (Shit To Do)
What's Done:
No commercial air traffic within 30 miles.
Light air traffic (no jets) is limited to daytime only and we would be 4 miles off the landing approach. (airport is 15 miles away)
No heavy commercial/industrial with 2.5 miles.
Nearest grain elevator is about 1 mile away.
Nearest house is approximately 1500 feet.Left To Do:
Verify Zoning - 99.5 percent sure it's OK
Soil Testing - Compaction
Water/Septic - Adding a bathroom/shower
Power - Line Load/Grounding/StabilityOnce all of these are completed only then will I make an offer on the property.If it does work out that the list is ok up to this point, then I should be able to get an estimate on the design/construction costs.That's when I go for the rest of the financing... so far my budget looks to be around 175-200. Wes indicated that this should be a decent enough budget to work with...Maybe a referb'd VR w/FF, a couple of A820's and Whirlwind copper... and if Jules will lend me those 2 euro's at a decnt rate Very Happy

I might look at a API lunchbox. Whatdaya think?xaMdaM

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2002 8:54 pm

Radon testing?All wood eh? Will an axe get through to your equipment? Alarms etcWill it be residential? How many will it be able to sleep? Fire exit's for the residents. Smoke alarms. Work with choirs eh? How many cars can you park?Clients with kids? Stuff for them? (go karts - air rifle range - ciggarette machines, beer etc) Seriously a swing outside and a ping pong / pool table might just get folks out of your hair when you need it..Make it uncomplicated to clean / hose out.. remember we are talking musicians pre-ocupied with their recordings, not where to put an applecore or candy bar wrapper. Some designs beg tidyness others give the feel 'oh whats the use'! Goe for the "keep it clean" look as opposed to the "homey vibe", cause - it aint their home!Can they cook there to save money on food delivery.. Will Balducci's deliver? Wink

It aint your house either, so build in lockable cupboards, and storage to keep pocketable items away from light fingered folks. Make it so if a client turns up with delinquent kids - you dont feel nervous - leaving to drive into town to pick something up you need...Comms
Fax
Phones
Internet (recomend wireless laptop connection)
Can a manager or artist make a call and not disturbe the session? (cordless)
Cost of calls? Metered? Do Cel phones work out where you are? If you have natural daylight (dont like it myself) watch out for my pet peeve, GLARE. carefully organise window / control window, live area windows so everyone can SEE and not be blinded by the reflections. (Fletcher and I don't have one BTW) Where do YOU want to see the light from YOUR vantage point in the control room - in the morning & at night. Angle the property accordingly..Oh and if you could organise a pitch black cellar with a coffin and some earth from 'the old country' I might be really comfortable working there..Make it so ANY freelancer / savey self recording artist could learn his way round in 15 mins... and not need the 'code book' Surprised

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2002 5:16 am

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Julian Standen:
Radon testing? <hr></blockquote>Actually, I know that Radon is required for the home, but I guess I wouldn't be able to have the additional testing until the buildings are complete... thanx for the reminder! <blockquote>quote:<hr>
All wood eh? Will an axe get through to your equipment? Alarms etc <hr></blockquote>Again, I'm ultimately gonna have to wait until I talk with the designer to get the list of materials... There is already an alarm system in the house so it should just be the add on of the other buildings to the panel. <blockquote>quote:<hr>
Will it be residential? How many will it be able to sleep? Fire exit's for the residents. Smoke alarms. <hr></blockquote>There's a 24x24 area that I should convert to sleeping for 4-8. Probably more with sleeping bags. <blockquote>quote:<hr>
Work with choirs eh? How many cars can you park? <hr></blockquote>What I roughly measured was enough room for about 12 cars and 2 busses. <blockquote>quote:<hr>
Clients with kids? Stuff for them? (go karts - air rifle range - ciggarette machines, beer etc) Seriously a swing outside and a ping pong / pool table might just get folks out of your hair when you need it.. <hr></blockquote>There's a nice playhouse, swing and a 24' aboveground pool... plenty for the adults to do, huh?There are some of those additional recreational type things within a couple of miles. <blockquote>quote:<hr>
Make it uncomplicated to clean / hose out.. remember we are talking musicians pre-ocupied with their recordings, not where to put an applecore or candy bar wrapper. Some designs beg tidyness others give the feel 'oh whats the use'! Go for the "keep it clean" look as opposed to the "homey vibe", cause - it aint their home! <hr></blockquote>I was really thinking about a fairly nice atmosphere. Something comfortable but you do raise an interesting point... <blockquote>quote:<hr>
Can they cook there to save money on food delivery.. Will Balducci's deliver? Wink

<hr></blockquote>Yes, there will be a kitchen... The Mrs. has already told me that the stove, refridgerator and dishwasher ARE going to be replaced in the house, so... guess where they go?Still not sure about delivery. <blockquote>quote:<hr>
It aint your house either, so build in lockable cupboards, and storage to keep pocketable items away from light fingered folks. Make it so if a client turns up with delinquent kids - you dont feel nervous - leaving to drive into town to pick something up you need... <hr></blockquote>EXCELLENT! I really hadn't thought about that. <blockquote>quote:<hr>
Comms
Fax
Phones
Internet (recomend wireless laptop connection)
Can a manager or artist make a call and not disturbe the session? (cordless)
Cost of calls? Metered? Do Cel phones work out where you are? <hr></blockquote>Cells definitely work fine. I'm contemplating a T1 so that we could transfer files to duplication facilities and possibly do web-casting and e-commerce. But again, you raise an excellent point about the metered long distance... damn there's alot of shit to put into action! <blockquote>quote:<hr>
If you have natural daylight (dont like it myself) watch out for my pet peeve, GLARE. carefully organise window / control window, live area windows so everyone can SEE and not be blinded by the reflections. (Fletcher and I don't have one BTW) Where do YOU want to see the light from YOUR vantage point in the control room - in the morning & at night. Angle the property accordingly.. <hr></blockquote>Again, I'll refer this to the design aspect that I haven't dealt with, but the heads up on the glare is something to keep in mind. <blockquote>quote:<hr>[b]
Oh and if you could organise a pitch black cellar with a coffin and some earth from 'the old country' I might be really comfortable working there..Make it so ANY freelancer / savey self recording artist could learn his way round in 15 mins... and not need the 'code book' Wink

xaMdaM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2002 8:31 am

Just got officially GREAT NEWS!! Very Happy

It's official, I have NO ZONING restrictions... and hey, I've got an extra 4 acres in front of the house that's suitable for pasture...I can either put horses, pigs and or AR guys out there! ... not so sure how safe the pigs would be with the AR guys in the same field... as long as they were vacinated they should be ok shouldn't they?... the pigs that is. :p As far as monitors... I'm leaning toward Genelec in a wall mounted configuration. Anyone know anything about Griffin monitors? I believe they are made in Norway.xaMdaM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2002 10:09 am

"I'm leaning toward Genelec in a wall mounted configuration."I think that could look great. However ask around, wall mounted speakers might be a PITA, $$$ & not sound as good as free standing... Ask around... Do what SOUNDS best, if it a visual thing skip it, spend the money elsewhere..
As a freelancer I know wall mouted stuff to be 99% weird sounding / unusable. On that subject, Nomis studio London descided to tear down the Tom Hidley designed main studio (the main monitors sounded great there - each sides amp was about $10,000 (some Japenese custom amp))
The accounts dept decided they needed more office space... Smile

Dont assume wall mounts are the best...

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2002 1:22 pm

I was supposed to go to a listening of the Griffins during the AES, but things got so crazy I had to back out. I figure I'll be sitting in on a mastering session soon that uses them anyway. Unfortunately that doesn't help you much right now, eh? I can tell you that the Griffin can be done in eiter free-standing or soffit-mounted versions.For Griffins, get in touch with the American half of the design team, Francis Manzella. He is located in Yorktown Hts. NY, and is number is 914-248-7680. Francis also happens to design studios, so he might have some useful suggestions about your situation as well.Cheers!p.s. You don't have to worry so much about vaccinations, but somebody might still call the ASPCA on you for treating them that way.

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2002 4:30 pm

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Ang1970:
p.s. You don't have to worry so much about vaccinations, but somebody might still call the ASPCA on you for treating them that way.<hr></blockquote>Who... the AR guys or the pigs? The way I look at it that at least a pig has potential value... ham, bacon, ribs, etc... THEY are worth vaccinating against desease infested varmits... Oh wait, that WOULD be the definition of AR right?Francis Manzella Design is where I saw the Griffins. Damn they look nice, and if they sound as good as they're being touted, I might be better served going stand alone as opposed to a soffit mount and come out about the same... but with far fewer headaches.If you do hear em' please let me know your opinion. I've listened to some KRK's and wasn'tr all that impressed.I've listened to some Meyer stage monitors and would think that the X-10's might be worth giving a listen to as well.I've used EAW and MacPherson in FOH and Monitor applications and didn't know if anyone had ever used the EAW stuff or not. Don't know of a Mac box that would even be worth considering.xaMdaM
xaMdaM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2002 9:42 pm

Howdy everybody! I love this thread very interesting.About the monitors. I'm a New Genelec dealer, and I would definately go with them. I am of course biased, but I think they are a great solution. If you do wall mounts with Genelec you need to let me know and I will get you hooked up with the engineers. Your price covers installation, a very touchy thing, as you guys know. If you contact them after the fact (after construction has begun) then it is a can of worms. Thats why you contact them first so they can help you design the whole wall structure so it is done right, and to specs. The price is around $50k, but it is done RIGHT.Let me know if you have any questions or gear needs, I don't know all the answers ... but I know where to get them. Keep up the thread! I love this board
Darren
[url=http://www.dixondigital.com<a href="http://www.dixondigital.com]www.dixondigital.com[/url]" target="_blank">www.dixondigital.comwww.dixondigital.com</a>

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2002 10:05 pm

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by xaMdaM:
... not so sure how safe the pigs would be with the AR guys in the same field... as long as they were vacinated they should be ok shouldn't they?... the pigs that is. :p
<hr></blockquote>
You might want to keep the girl pigs in a separate field. Also, I'm not sure, but I've heard that you shouldn't feed pigs stuff that contains the ground bones of AR guys.
:w:

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2002 12:52 am

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by xaMdaM:
Who... the AR guys or the pigs?<hr></blockquote>The pigs of course! I don't think there's a ASPCA&RG (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Artist & Repetoire Guys), if there was it would be pretty sickening.

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2002 4:18 am

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Ang1970:
The [b]pigs of course! I don't think there's a ASPCA&RG (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Artist & Repetoire Guys), if there was it would be pretty sickening.[/b]<hr></blockquote>Hmmmm, ASPCA&RG... isn't that actually a bit of a contradiction of terms? Beides, if it did exist, shouldn't that be a organization with another name... Unemployment Benefits?...and I don't think I could get a union dues card for a member that just says "pig" either...
wait that didn't make sense... AR Guys aren't union are they? :p xaMdaM