There isn’t one correct way to set up your home rehearsal or performance space. Every room has its challenges and advantages. Due to changes in the past year, my personal path was about downsizing physical space and upgrading to quality gear and hardware.
The exciting part of the process is the constant morphing of technology and the endless opportunities to try something new. The merge from analog gear to new digital technology opens the door to experimentation, unexpected results, and creating a vibe that is yours alone. Here are my three main essential steps to set up your small performance space.
Three essential steps to set up your small performance space:
- Know your goals
- Get high-quality basics
- Upgrade and organize
Know Your Goals
Think about what you would ideally love to do with your space. If you plan to perform with loud amps, drums, and speakers, you won’t want to deal with complaints from neighbors. In this case, DIY sound treatment for your space is a top priority. You may wish to install acoustic treatments such as bass traps, panels, and clouds to the walls and ceiling to absorb sound. There are numerous articles out there for creating a drum riser and treating the room acoustics.
The gear you purchase will be specific to the methods you use to create music. Still, a working performance space will certainly hold these essential items: durable microphones, instrument and mic cables, adjustable mic stands, a stage monitor, and a P.A./quality mixing board.
Get High-Quality Basics
Never underestimate the abuse cables get and the amount of dropped mics you’ll see in a night! This is why it’s important to try the industry standards Shure 58 (Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Wired Microphone) or Shure 57 (Shure SM57-LC Cardioid, Dynamic Handheld Wired Microphone): both are durable workhorses. These ubiquitous microphones are the first choice whether you’re the performer, producer, or sound engineer.
For podcasts, interviews, acoustic music, or other performances that are lower in volume, the smaller lavalier microphone (H&A HA-OM-L Omni- Directional Miniature Lavalier Microphone) is a great option. Or perhaps you are a singer or speaker who wants to work the room? A handheld wireless microphone such as a Sennheiser (Sennheiser XSW-D Wireless Digital Vocal Set) is an excellent backup unit for your studio.
How many inputs you need will inevitably affect which mixer you choose to buy. The Yamaha MG06X (Yamaha MG06X 6-Input Mixer with Built-In Effects) serves well as a light and portable mixer — clean and clear — perfect for small spaces and recordings. This model includes three reverb/delay settings plus a dedicated FX return level control. This is helpful for vocalists and allows instruments to sit better in the overall mix.
More on High Quality Basics
For direct recording options, The Mackie Mixer (Mackie ProFXv3 6- Channel Professional Effects Mixer with USB + Software Bundle), a versatile 6- channel mixer with 24 built-in effects, captures your performance and sends your music straight to your computer. Pro Tools First and Waveform OEM recording software/plug- in packages are included with this mixer designed for live sound, streaming, and home recording.
For any small and mid-sized studios, a robust sound system is essential. The JBL System (JBL 2x EON610 10″ Class D Two-Way MP Sound Reinforcement Speaker) value bundle is an ideal option for a new space. The full package comes with JBL Multipurpose Two Way Speakers, two tripod stands, 25-foot quality microphone cables, and a sub-woofer for live performance.
For acoustic events, DJ performances, duos, or live streams with medium to loud musical acts, the H&A PA (H&A 5” 150W Portable PA System with Bluetooth) is perfect for its easy break-down and storability.
Upgrade and organize
Almost every small performance set-up includes a pair of headphones. Usually, I believe you should start building your space with what you have. Although, upgrading to a soft and squishy pair of high-definition monitor headphones is guaranteed to make your job recording or mixing better. The H&A Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones are both affordable and highly rated.
Like many musicians, I’ve inherited a few things through the years: extra cables, percussion instruments, and random accessories. To stay organized, try sturdy plastic bins that are great for holding drum pieces and other important-looking widgets. Be sure to mark everything with colored tape so it is in its right place when you look for it. Nothing kills creative motivation more than stopping a session or show to pillage for something. Other perennial rehearsing and performing must-haves are on-the-spot audio recording tools such as Tascam (DR-40X Four-Track Digital Audio Recorder), a simple house drum kit, and a studio keyboard with adjustable stand and bench (Yamaha P-45 Compact Digital Piano).
I love new gear. And like all freelancers, I go through spurts of saving money to having very little. The amount of audio gear I purchase depends on the year(s) I’m having. If you have a dedicated space and the fundamental items, you are ready to start. The definition of a quality music space is subjective — so aim for what moves you.
You want people to enjoy your small performance set up. It takes a little research but depending on your goals, there are quick ways to get started and a world of creative experimentation and advancement to look forward to.
