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J. Anthony Allen

Welcome to How To Build a Home Studio.

This class is for anyone who makes music and is looking for that perfect space in their home or apartment to do it in.

Read more

Welcome to How To Build a Home Studio.

This class is for anyone who makes music and is looking for that perfect space in their home or apartment to do it in.

  • We're going to aim for keeping things inexpensive. I won't be recommending the latest expensive equipment, but only what you really need.

  • Acoustics matter.  I'll be walking you through how to find (or build. ) sound panels and where to put them to make your room sound great.

  • We will talk about hardware, software, furniture, room design, and more. Everything to make your environment comfortable and sounding great.

  • At the end of this class, we will have turned your spare room into a great sound space for recording, mixing, producing, or any other music activities you need.

The goal of this class is to make a beautiful sounding room for you to work - making music, or whatever you do. 100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Topics Covered: 

  • Types of Studios

  • Essentials in a Studio

  • A Tour of My Studio

  • Mac or PC?

  • Mac Computer System Requirements

  • PC Computer System Requirements

  • Laptop Vs. Desktop Computer

  • Tablet Computers in the Studio

  • Picking Your DAW Software

  • Plugins to Consider Starting Wtih

  • Other Free Software Tools

  • Controllers (MIDI/USB)

  • Speakers: Selection and Placement

  • Subwoofers

  • Headphones

  • Audio Interfaces

  • Mixers

  • Keyboards

  • Analog Gear

  • The Right Desk

  • Desk Placement in Your Room

  • Other Furniture

  • Speaker Placement

  • Acoustics

  • Acoustic Treatment for Your Room

  • Sound Proofing

  • Movable Sound Panels

  • Installing Your Audio System

  • Audio Routing

  • Cable Length Considerations

  • Microphone Purchasing

  • Preamps

  • Other Outboard Gear

  • Music Stands and Mic Stands

  • And much, much more.

If you are ready to start making professional sounding tracks, this is the class that will start you on that journey. Get started today.

Dr. Allen is a university music professor and is a top-rated Udemy instructor - with nearly 100 courses and over 300,000 students.

In 2017 Star Tribune Business featured him as a "Mover and a Shaker," and he is recognized by the Grammy Foundation for his music education classes. 

I guarantee that this course is the most thorough sound design course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30-day money-back guarantee)

Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.

Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:

⇢  "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah

⇢  "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce

⇢  "Excellent explanations.  No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth

⇢  "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You. " - Jeffrey Koury

⇢  "I am learning LOTS.  And I really like having the worksheets. " - A. Deichsel

⇢  "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips. " - J. Pook

⇢  "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class. " M. Smith

Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts for all future classes in the series. 

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Setting up a home studio for music production, recording, editing, and music composition
  • Designing a room with acoustics in mind that sounds great in any situation
  • Making a productive environment for music production and all of your music needs

Syllabus

Introduction
What We are Covering Here
Tools You Will Need
Let's get started with looking at a few different types of studios, and narrow in on what we want to build for ourselves.
Read more
Big Recording Studios
Small Recording Studios
Home Studios
Project Studios
A Little Tour of My Home Studio
What do you need for a computer? Mac or PC? Tricked-out or off the shelf? Let's talk about options.
Mac or PC?
Mac: Minimum System Requirements
PC: Minimum System Requirements
Laptop or Desktop?
Tablet Computers in the Studio
Next, let's look at our options for DAWs and other software that we will need to get up and running.
Picking Your DAW
Thoughts on DAWs
Plugins to Consider
Other Free Tools
Up next: Hardware. Controllers, keyboards, interfaces, speakers, headphones, and more.
Controllers (MIDI Devices)
Speakers
Subwoofers
Headphones
Audio Interfaces
Pro Tools and Audio Interfaces
Mixers
Keyboards and Analog Gear
Let's talk about how best to setup your room. There are a lot of things to consider, but most importantly: Acoustics.
The Desk
Desk Placement
Other Furniture
Speaker Placement
Why Do We Care About Acoustics?
Acoustic Treatment for our Studio
Sound Proofing our Studio
Moveable Sound Panels
Other Odds and Ends
Next we need to figure out how best to connect all of this stuff. Let's draw out a plan in this section.
Installing Your Audio System
Audio Routing Options Using a Mixer
USB Hubs and Cable Length
Important! Power Cables
We should take a look at how to get started with microphones. There are a million options, but this is my rule of thumb to get you started.
Microphone Purchasing
Preamps
Outboard Gear
A few other odds and ends that will make your studio neat, comfortable, organized, and productive.
Furman Power Conditioners
Clamping Mic Stands
Music Stands
Microphone Stands
Velcro Cable Wraps
That's it for now! Let me leave you with a few more things...
What Next?
Bonus Lecture

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides guidance on selecting Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, which is essential for modern music production and composition
Covers acoustic treatment and soundproofing techniques, which are crucial for achieving professional-quality recordings in a home studio environment
Focuses on inexpensive solutions for building a home studio, making it accessible to musicians with limited financial resources
Explores various hardware options, including controllers, keyboards, interfaces, speakers, and headphones, which are fundamental components of a functional studio
Discusses computer system requirements (Mac and PC), which may require learners to purchase or upgrade their existing hardware
Taught by Dr. Allen, a university music professor recognized by the Grammy Foundation for his music education classes

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Studio Techniques: How To Build A Home Studio with these activities:
Review Basic Acoustics Principles
Reinforce your understanding of acoustics to better grasp the importance of acoustic treatment in a home studio.
Browse courses on Acoustics
Show steps
  • Review online resources explaining sound waves and their behavior.
  • Summarize key concepts like frequency, amplitude, and phase.
  • Explain how sound interacts with different surfaces and materials.
Read 'The Home Recording Handbook'
Gain a broader understanding of home recording studio setup and techniques.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Home Recording Handbook'.
  • Read the chapters related to studio design and acoustics.
  • Take notes on key concepts and practical tips.
Follow Acoustic Treatment Tutorials
Enhance your practical skills by following online tutorials on building and installing acoustic treatment panels.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on building DIY acoustic panels.
  • Gather the necessary materials and tools.
  • Follow the tutorial steps to build and install the panels.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Studio Layout
Apply the course concepts by designing a detailed layout for your own home studio, considering acoustics, equipment placement, and workflow.
Show steps
  • Measure the dimensions of your intended studio space.
  • Sketch a preliminary layout, including furniture and equipment.
  • Refine the layout based on acoustic principles and workflow considerations.
  • Create a final, detailed studio layout diagram.
Document Your Studio Build
Solidify your learning by documenting your studio build process, including challenges, solutions, and lessons learned.
Show steps
  • Take photos and videos of your studio build progress.
  • Write a blog post or create a video series documenting the process.
  • Share your documentation online to help others.
Read 'Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio'
Learn advanced mixing techniques tailored for small studio environments.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio'.
  • Read the chapters related to mixing techniques and studio setup.
  • Experiment with the techniques in your own mixes.
Share Studio Designs
Get feedback on your studio design and provide feedback to others to improve your understanding of studio design principles.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or communities for home studio enthusiasts.
  • Share your studio design and ask for feedback.
  • Provide constructive feedback on other people's designs.

Career center

Learners who complete Studio Techniques: How To Build A Home Studio will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Producer
A music producer oversees the creation of a musical recording, often involved in aspects of song creation and in all elements that contribute to the final sound. This course, dedicated to building a home studio, is particularly helpful for a music producer. The course focuses on essential studio elements, including room acoustics, sound treatment, and hardware and software choices. A music producer will gain skills in selecting equipment such as controllers and interfaces. They will also learn about the importance of room design and acoustics. By learning these principles, a music producer can create an environment that promotes both comfort and high quality sound, a necessary part of their workflow.
Audio Engineer
An audio engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of sound recording, mixing, and mastering. This course, focusing on building a home studio, directly benefits an audio engineer by providing foundational knowledge of studio setup. The course covers essential topics such as acoustics, sound treatment, hardware selection, and audio routing which are all important daily considerations for an audio engineer. This course will assist in building a professional practice space. Understanding how to optimize an environment for sound recording and mixing, including proper acoustic treatment and gear setup, helps any aspiring audio engineer. This course will equip them with the knowledge needed to create a great workspace.
Recording Engineer
A recording engineer captures sound using various equipment and techniques. This home studio course offers knowledge beneficial to a recording engineer by teaching them how to create an ideal space for recording. The course discusses important considerations including room acoustics, sound treatment, hardware selection, and audio routing. The course will help a recording engineer build their understanding of studio fundamentals. A recording engineer also will learn how to select and set up vital gear, including microphones, interfaces, and cabling. This knowledge is crucial for creating high-quality recordings and setting up a suitable workspace.
Mix Engineer
A mix engineer combines individual audio tracks into a cohesive final product. This course, which focuses on how to build a home studio, directly helps a mix engineer in creating a space to do their work. The course covers essential topics like acoustics, sound treatment, hardware, and audio routing. A mix engineer will find particular value in the speaker placement section as well as the acoustic treatment section. They will also gain understanding in the kinds of furniture that works best in a studio. These considerations are crucial for creating optimal listening conditions, which are necessary for producing high quality mixes. By understanding these principles, a mix engineer can ensure their workspace is optimized for their work.
Sound Designer
A sound designer creates and manipulates audio for various purposes, such as film, video games, or music. This course, which focuses on building a home studio, provides foundational knowledge for a sound designer. It covers room acoustics, sound treatment, hardware, software, and the arrangement of the studio. A sound designer will benefit from the course by understanding the technical aspects of optimizing a space for audio work. This course teaches fundamental skills essential to building a great sound workspace. Having a well-treated room is crucial for accurate and creative sound design work.
Podcast Producer
A podcast producer oversees the creation and production of podcasts. This course, concentrating on building a home studio, directly applies to a podcast producer. The course addresses crucial areas of studio setup like acoustics, sound treatment, microphone selection, and audio routing. A podcast producer will learn all of the principles of optimizing a room for audio recording, editing, and mixing. The course also covers topics such as selecting the best software and hardware for a home recording environment. By taking this course, a podcast producer can create an ergonomic space suitable for all of their audio needs.
Music Editor
A music editor prepares audio files for their final uses, editing them for length, content, and other parameters. This course helps a music editor by providing all of the skills and knowledge to set up an efficient home studio space. The course covers crucial studio-related areas, including acoustics, sound treatment, and hardware and software setup. A music editor will find value in the sections about desk setup, cable organization, and audio routing. By understanding how to create optimal conditions, a music editor can streamline their workflow, ensuring they have a functional and pleasant space in which to work.
Composer
A composer creates original musical works. This course, focusing on how to build a home studio, assists a composer by providing an environment to work in. The course covers essential elements of how a studio should be laid out, including topics such as acoustics, studio design, sound treatment, and hardware choices. The course will help a composer select the right furniture and room arrangement to ensure productivity. A composer will also learn how to select and set up a workstation with the right audio interfaces and controllers. A well set up studio directly impacts the workflow of a composer, making this a useful course for any composer.
Sound Effects Editor
A sound effects editor is responsible for creating and integrating sound effects into various media, such as film or video games. This course, focused on setting up a home studio, may be useful for a sound effects editor. The course covers room acoustics, sound treatment, hardware and software choices, and more. This course will help a sound effects editor create a workspace optimized for audio work. Learning how to set up necessary gear enhances the workflow of a sound effects editor.
Game Audio Designer
A game audio designer creates and implements all sound elements for video games. This course, focusing on how to build a home studio, may be useful for a game audio designer. The course discusses essential studio elements including acoustics, hardware, software, and studio design. A game audio designer will benefit from the course by understanding how to create a professional recording environment. The course helps a game audio designer set up a home studio for sound design, recording, and mixing. This course may help a game audio designer create an excellent work environment.
Audio Post Production Specialist
An audio post production specialist handles the audio aspects of media projects after initial recording, often working on films or television shows. This course, which focuses on building a home studio, may be useful for an audio post production specialist. The course includes information on acoustics, sound treatment, and studio design which are important for creating a professional work space. An audio post production specialist will benefit from learning how to optimize a room for sound work, including selecting the right equipment and setting up everything for accurate audio monitoring. This course provides a space optimized for audio work.
Voiceover Artist
A voiceover artist provides voice recordings for various media, such as commercials, documentaries, or animated shows. This course, about building a home studio, may be useful to a voiceover artist. The course concentrates on essential elements such as acoustics, sound treatment, and microphone selection, which are all very important for quality voice recording. The course teaches how to optimize a room for clear sound recordings. This course provides a voiceover artist with the skills needed to create a high quality home studio.
DJ
A DJ selects and mixes recorded music for an audience, often in a live setting. This course, focused on building a home studio, helps a DJ optimize their workspace for music production and practice. The course covers room acoustics, sound treatment, hardware and software selection, and studio design. A DJ often does their mixing and practice at home and this course will help them create an ideal practice environment. This course will be useful for selecting the correct audio equipment and understanding studio fundamentals. A DJ will benefit from setting up a productive space for music production and practice.
Foley Artist
A foley artist creates everyday sound effects for films and other media in a studio setting. This course, which focuses on building a home studio, may be useful to a foley artist. The course covers acoustics, sound treatment, and room setup which could all be applicable to a home studio. A foley artist may benefit from the principles taught in the course, including how to optimize a room for sound work and create a comfortable and efficient workspace. This course may help a foley artist understand the fundamentals of acoustics and sound in a studio setting.
Live Sound Technician
A live sound technician manages the audio for live events, such as concerts or theatrical productions. This course, which teaches how to build a home studio, may be useful to a live sound technician. The course covers acoustics, sound treatment, and hardware, all of which are also relevant in the live sound context. While a studio environment differs from live settings, a live sound technician will find value in the fundamentals such as signal routing, proper speaker placement, and basic hardware setup. A live sound technician will have a better understanding of acoustics because of this course.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Studio Techniques: How To Build A Home Studio.
Focuses on achieving professional-quality mixes in a home studio environment. It provides practical advice on mixing techniques, EQ, compression, and other essential tools. It is particularly valuable for understanding how to optimize your mixes within the limitations of a smaller studio space, and it is commonly used by both amateur and professional audio engineers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of setting up a home recording studio. It covers topics such as equipment selection, room acoustics, and recording techniques. It useful reference for understanding the practical aspects of building a functional and effective home studio, and it is especially helpful for beginners.

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