#Frail Autumn,, #GarageBand,, #meanderings, #music, #songwriting

The Den, the need to house ‘the music recording equipment’ and its considered space.

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The chair is now in another room and the home recording desk has replaced its space.

Reality.

Where the recordings of songs take place is called The Den. ‘Den Space’ is taken up for relaxation purposes. Reading, listening to music on vinyl, writing journals with fountain pens, typing on an old Olivetti Lettera 32, a bit of Mindfulness, phoning family and recording music. And the guitars and ethnic drums are housed in the room too. A sofa bed exists and three sets of shelves for books and vinyl are part of the furniture too. So, with the sofa bed consideration, the ultimate relaxation of sleep is also considered.

With all this…..space is at a premium.

Nighttime vibe.

Ergonomics……

Ergonomics are important in the room. Especially when recording the songs in The Den. Long recording sessions of some hours can be experienced. And I’ve experienced an aching back after some longer sessions.

The Tascam Model 12 mixing desk arrived yesterday and it needed space considerations on an already crowded desk of limited allowance. The basic set up had to be moved about, carefully thought out and a slightly larger front shelf was needed to house the AKAI MIDI keyboard. The keyboard usually sits on a sliding out shelf that goes back under the desktop when the AKAI isn’t in use. I modified the ‘under shelf’ by buying some drop brackets, taking the shelf off the sliders and using the drop brackets to house it on. Now the drop shelf is level with the desk top. The old sliding shelf size is okay, but actually needs a slightly larger one really. The keyboard just about fits in front of the mixer, depth wise when it is pulled out onto the desk top to use. It invades the keyboard area. It is all getting a bit too snuggly! And if I get a new shelf wider as well as deeper, the Apple keypad can sit right next to the AKAI keyboard too.

CURRENT SET UP TODAY.
The chair and a Modigliani poster print framed picture occupied this space. Now my Home Studio exists here. Used to be in front of the two bookcase shelves to the left. Tight spaces with much thought attached as to how to get the best ambience and efficacy.

I also now use an ergonomic desk chair. It used to be that I used an uncomfortable stool. The new chair is one where you kneel on a pad at the front. I got it free from the local community Swap Shop. The people wanted to give it away to a good home. They knew Angie as they are shop customers, but said they didn’t want anything from her Wholefood shop as a swap. Lovely generosity. Swap Shop emails to subscribers regularly state ‘Will swap with ‘a named product’ from Dyfi Wholefoods’. Bottle of wine or chocolate are the most popular.

The ergonomic chair? It both helps the posture in front of the screen and I can also put my right foot onto the kneeling pad and hold the guitar really comfortably when playing. I kneel on the pad with my left leg. Very comfortable.

The monitor screen is now raised onto a shelf too. This is also much better for comfort when looking at the screen. The top of the screen is at eye level now. Also, the shelf with space underneath allows the Tascam mixer to go under it to store away when not in use. Simply pulled forwards into the open to help close proximity when in use. And the shelf housing the screen monitor has enough space for the M-Audio interface and the TONOR pre amp booster.

The photograph makes this look as though a need to stretch to get the mixer over the keyboard exists. In reality it is an arms length distance and an easy reach. One of those estate agent photograph angles to make rooms look bigger than they are. 😊

Logical considerations.

Why am I doing this obsessing close proximity consideration? Everything in close reach is vital. Because recording is solo led. Me on my own. No one to do the recording, control the computer system whilst I simply play guitar, keyboards, djembe, percussion or sing. It’s all multitasking. Arrow pushing the record button to start recording with the Mouse control is easier than using the Apple keyboard pad. Whereas stopping the recording is easier hitting the Space Bar on the keyboard. Interaction with the computer whilst I record a song is consistent. Using the mixer in the future will increase interaction profoundly.

Also, setting a four beat or eight beat ‘clicking count in’ before starting to play helps by allowing time in preparation with guitar positioning and preparing to play. I choose the eight beat count in every time. Next up is a Gooseneck microphone holder that clamps to the desk (see above). Positioning for any singing or guitar/djembe/percussion playing situation will be easier. And when that arrives tomorrow, that should be everything needed.

PLEASE TAP ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE. THANK YOU.

Mixer invading keyboard space.
Dropped shelf.
Shelf opened flat.
That little white disc is the ‘Circle of Fifths’. Great for songwriting considerations.

A bit of a weird blog, but I thought that if anyone does find themselves in front of a computer screen or recording equipment and additionally playing a guitar or other musical instrument, podcasting, YouTube recording with demonstration content and therefore multi-tasking…..then ergonomic set up is really important.

THE EVER EVOLVING ‘DEN’ SCENARIO. IF WE EVER MOVE FROM THIS HOUSE……A DEDICATED MUSIC ROOM WILL BE A NECESSITY .

Needs consideration re: housing guitars better.
Old set up in front of book shelves.
Instrument invasion. Will consider hanging them on walls.
Bass amp is still here presently.
Amplifier on stand, so off the floor directly, and angled for better sound.

Sitting and assessing this slightly altered set up now shows me how uncomfortable the previous system chaos was to use. Nothing considered for comfort at all. Guitars were balanced by finding a wooden box to rest my right foot/leg onto to balance when playing. Audio interface and pre amp booster boxes were moved here, there and everywhere so space could be found for other considerations. The desk microphone stand was of limited movement. A sheet with lyrics written down for example would mean finding somewhere close on the desk to read them. The monitor screen was housed on desk height and therefore low and I was bending my neck and head forward when looking at the screen.

So all in all……more music recording comfort now.

THE NEW MIXING DESK.

12 thoughts on “The Den, the need to house ‘the music recording equipment’ and its considered space.”

    1. Thanks Sheila. I only put this blog together as I suddenly realised importance of limited space and much needed comfort considerations. And the limited Den space was becoming more badly used as more recording equipment and instruments were collected over the months to past year and a half. I still want the books, stereo for vinyl, etc. in there. It has a nice vibe.

      I thought of others in the same or similar situation. YouTubers or Podcasters. A few ideas here might be useful. Strangely, I have a large space out back of house that runs along the whole back of the house wall. It has a polycarbonate roof though. Radiators exist out there for warmth. Frankie the Fella cat sleeps out there overnight. If converted, it would make a great studio with musicians being able to set up too. But it’ll never happen. The cost to get it to be a decent studio set up would be vast. Two little workshops exist off the main part too. One great for a drum den for recording and the other a vocal booth. Never happen though. If I won the lottery maybe. But, in reality, I don’t want any ambitions to get a studio engineer involved and other bands involved. Just little old me, a musician, recording his little songs in The Den, relaxing in the vibe and having fun in retirement is Nirvana.

      Cheers Sheila.

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  2. the den’s amazing, Gray. I hope to have more tools of my own someday. what strikes me more is the warmth of the space. the cozy chair, bound books, framed silent faces, vinyl records: they create a beautiful balance between the old and new, bringing life to the room in a way that goes beyond the equipment. I love the vibe.

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    1. Thanks cookie. When visitors arrived over the decades to our houses, they always said they felt comfortable and at ease. The grandchildren love sleeping in The Den on that sofa bed. When younger it housed all four of them! We did have another room for them to be split up, but they all rather preferred The Den. Now, with all this recording stuff, I’ll have to throw a big blanket over it away from spilt drink possibilities from the youngest. Frankie the Fella cat is currently eating into my ability to spend time with music. He is a constant needy cat. I have been in the garden for three hours reading. When I go down to the house to make a coffee he follows me down. He’s on a 50 feet lead with harness, so can only get so far. Then he waits until I’m back again and gets on with his chasing ghosts and ethereal entities in the garden.

      If you really research recording equipment, and you use what you have already, then you can get great results without spending an absolute fortune. It’s how I started due to lack of funds as a pensioner. I started with the iPad and a compatible Shure microphone. The iPhone works with the Shure mics too. Those Shure mics are brilliant sound wise. They go through an app called MOTIV Audio. There is a MOTIV Video one too for visual podcasters. On eBay you can pick up bargains for second hand Shure mics at times. I got the Shure MV5 mic for £20 approximately. It’s the one I have used most on my recordings. You can see it in the photographs on the right. Like a vintage silver globe mic. Then of course GarageBand is free on the Apple systems too. Again, my recording platform on the songs.

      An Audio interface into the computer can be used for guitar or keyboard leads if you want to use an electric guitar on a laptop or Mac system. My first interface was £28. The M-Audio was about £70. The full on Mac home recording system was my very much considered leap of faith! Luckily my wife, Angie, backed me all the way with encouragement. You will get there cookie. I have made mistakes with buying some equipment that broke down quickly. But that Shure mic with iPad/iPhone/GarageBand combo is brilliant. Oh! And a decent pair of headphones or earbuds too to listen back. The iPad speakers I have are rubbish.

      I am probably saying what you already know. So forgive me if so. And of course there are other microphones and laptop systems out there too which are better suited. But hopefully this info may help. Cheers cookie. 💫

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    1. You are so more technically minded than myself I should imagine cookie. My brain isn’t one that suits technology. But I suppose with me going through this recording scenario and searching for ideas over a year and a half, I have gained a few little insights. There were/are some great YouTube videos that were/are enlightening. The MV88 and MV5 Shure mics were really good for myself as they have reviews by musicians on YouTube. They do capture a great sound and being linked with both iPads, iPhones and GarageBand means sound choices can be made too. Be nice to see where you go with this plan cookie. I bet you absolutely smash it (that means ‘succeed’ 😊) and find amazing new avenues. All the best.

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    1. Cheers Danny. I bet you love the technology stuff here. Right up your street. I wish I had your technical brain for this project. It is difficult to find out the skills to be honest. I get very muddled when reading technical instructions and guidance. Also, I’ve been using cheaper equipment options too, like an audio interface for example, and the result is a muddy sound with external plugged in options like guitars or vocals being recorded. So this new mixer with top audio interface quality should change all that and make the songs sound completely different. Again, thanks for your input Danny. Much appreciated.

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      1. Gray, it is all about encouragement. Yes the equipment has my attention I am loving it. But you have to set up the Den and the equipment in a fashion that makes sense to you. Introduce change a little at a time. I recall when I was a teenager, I would record 8-tracks via a microphone. Then I realized I could use wires to directly connect the turntable to the tape recorder. Mind blowing I know, it is all about the little steps. And the music you are producing sounds great, you may prefer some of the songs in the “old” format. Good luck.

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      2. See! You are so at one with technology. Using a new Audio interface called M-Audio, which cost a bit more than usual, actually opened my eyes to the difference in guitar sound clarity and quality which can be achieved. I suppose it is the difference akin to video tape and DVD or cassette tapes and CDs. But specific music ambience is all important for me presently for reminiscing older sounds and trying more experimental vibes.

        Muzak, for example, was a massive inspiration for Jerry Dammers of The Specials when he was writing songs for the second More Specials album. We toured with them on their UK tour for promoting that album. So Muzak is something deep in my psyche due to the massive affect that tour had on me. Playing really big gigs with large audiences and having a great time. So spot on about getting my music to sound just right for keeping it for prosperity.

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      3. Touring would be very cool. Again you are proving my reference to “master” of your music. The final product has to be done right. It has to have the sound you are proud of. There is a world of difference in quality between the media you mentioned. using the M-Audio interface is going to open doors you never considered. To some the music recorded prior to the new interface was “good enough.” You take pride in what you produce an d it shows.

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      4. The memories of all my life’s ‘days gone by’ are never going to be visual memories due to the Aphantasia situation. Such a shame. No ability to ‘see’ recall those happenings in my mind. But I can rely on the emotional levels of feelings in owning what I know to be the ‘thrill of it all’. And of course, most of the music was recorded so can listen to what was produced back then. Albeit poor quality recordings. With the gig dates done with supporting the band Madness, we were given the opportunity to use The Rolling Stones mobile recording studio and so recorded five live songs. Madness were using it for their live gigs at the time. No one knows what happened to that Master tape Danny. But I have a dodgy sounding cassette of the songs. Things like that are priceless happenings Danny.

        I suppose with myself only owning a dozen or so poor quality cassette tapes from those past days, I am now focused on getting a result that won’t disappoint for future listening. I’m not seeking perfection in the music playing abilities I own by saying this. Just a great vibe to the songs with a sound result that is on a higher level. The M-Audio interface is fantastic. I have a feeling that the Tascam mixer interfaces will be equally as good or maybe better even.

        Very nice comments from you Danny on this blog. So appreciated. All the best.

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