Having a comfortable space to work is critical to working efficiently. If your gear isn't readily available to you, you aren't going to be as likely to use it, so don't cram yourself into a corner someplace or exile yourself to a basement.

Being comfortable is vital to working efficiently in any area to have things within hand's reach. You can either make do with the tables and chairs you already own or invest in studio furniture. Yes, they make furniture just for this kind of thing! But before you furnish your studio, you have to establish what your main focus is. For most people, easy access to their main instrument is their greatest concern. Then comes placement of the recording device or mixer. If you use a computer, do yourself a favor and put the computer on the floor if you can. This will free up much needed desk space. FIGURE 3-1 shows a well-organized recording space.

FIGURE 3-1

Setting up a good space

You need a place where you can get work done. Your music requires concentration. Selecting a spot for your studio might not always be in your control, but you should take a few things into account when setting up your space. To record with microphones you will need someplace quiet. Microphones have this pesky little way of hearing things you don' want them to hear: dogs barking, doors shutting, and phones ringing, just to name a few. If you plan to work late at night you'll want to be someplace out of the way so you don' disturb anyone.