Well, finally another update to my studio setup. There was a lot of computer and closet re-organizing, as well as getting a bit lost/stuck on my bass pedalboard and synth station. I finally decided to move on to my acoustic instruments, mics, and monitors.
Here’s the first attempt.
I did some initial testing and have some samples recorded. I’m planning on posting a real question about microphone selection, placement, signal chain, and acoustic treatments for multi-mic'ing conga, glockenspiel, and mandolin. I have some options and would appreciate advice.
Before even getting to this point, I first I needed to clean up the cables in the the “Central Hub” (audio interface, ADAT expansion, patchbay, monitor control, some outboard).
It almost worked to be able to wheel it out to get behind it, but some of the cables kept hitting the switch on the power strip and turning off my interface (major design flaw on my part). Also, read I was suppose to hang up my cable snakes to reduce strain (makes sense).
Fixed it all up with some steel wire (cool find in our storage den).
Ok, I’ll admit it still doesn’t look the best and this photo is a bit hard to see, but it’s an improvement. (I've actually been wheeling it in and out easily often, even after connecting my monitors).
I initially hooked up long mic cables so I could still pull the Central Hub out, but I was worried about tripping over them (or pulling on them while plugged into the preamps on my ADAT expansion).
So I had the idea to use two cables so I can separate the hub from the mics.
Bonus I can now disconnect any of the mic stands with the mics on them and move them around (in theory). I’ve kept the inputs on the front of my interface open, so I can still plug any of them in there.
I’m still wrapping my head around mic stand placement and apparently struggle with orienting objects in three-dimensional space, but I did eventually figure this out.
My initial placement put my central mic kinda behind my overhead mic stand. I also was using one of my On-Stage booms, but it was too wobbly. Thankfully I did buy one nicer K&M stand that is heavier and stable enough to use for my overheads.
I had also initially setup my conga and glockenspiel just thinking about playing height. Once the microphones were up I realized the conga was blocking the glockenspiel from the central mic. It wasn’t a dramatic change, but I think this is an improvement.
The conga needs to be higher than the glock just so my hands don’t bang on the keys. I used a ruler to check line-of-site and the conga is at least not between the glock and the mic.
Finally I got my Focal Alpha 50 Evo monitors setup.
I wanted to have a set of monitors at standing height if nothing else for the vibe. I’ve also been reading it’s likely the best placement in a bedroom studio and might even be good for my back. I did get an acoustic measurement mic so I can finally do my REW measurements soon.
Other Updates
• Wrangled drum dub and DJ mixers into place
◦ Art T8 zip tied to rack
• Reorganized cases in corner and closet in the den (and storage room)
◦ actually did this twice
◦ 2nd time opened up room more...
• Huge reorganization (and unpacking, repacking) pedals, cables, hardware, etc
• Redid power in room
◦ Everything through Belkin via power strips
◦ Except power strip with lamp, air purifier, computer?
• Wired up the MIDI/Synth station
◦ Partially working, been playing it, still working out the kinks
◦ Did get CME interface setup
▪ can route MIDI from Xboard through the CME to Ableton and on through Nexus hub to synths and MIDI Looper (which also goes into CME/Ableton/Nexus)
• Started big comparison of bass pedals for bass pedalboard development
◦ Journal elsewhere
• Made some random jams and videos
• Wrangling computer tech issues
◦ cleaned up duplicated files
◦ setup new backup and 2nd external hard drive
◦ working on new file management and workflow
◦ new software ecosystem (Reaper, OBS, Joplin)
◦ moving data and files from Google drive to local (offline) access
• Setup spare table in corner with no-input mixer, Koma Field kit accessories, the 2nd small bass pedalboard, other random stuff
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