 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-05-17 23:50
Here's a challenge for you...
I want to create a practice studio, but with an inexpensive computer based recording device. The biggest problem here is that the only space I have to make it in is a 12x12 bedroom with a queen bed. On top of that the room has carpet, which ceates a dry sound. I don't want an echo in the room just a definate ring, if you know what I mean.
Here's my plan...
If you have any other suggestions or changes please tell me.
If you can post pictures of your own practice space or studio, please do.
-The first, and biggest change I plan on doing is replacing the carpet with an inexpensive laminate hardwood floor (well on that looks good).
-Next I want to get a desk with files for music and good space for reed work, instrument repair, notebook, any recording equipment, etc.
-install some suround sound speakers, just because I love to listen to my orchestral music much like a teen listening to death metal.
-I want to include some reed tools like knives, and profilers. What are some decent profilers that will copy a good reed and not require a second mortgage to buy?
-I have yet to research very many recording devices and software that can be easily adapted to a notebook. I have never really recorded so I don't know much about mics, software, hardware, I need.
quick question...How do you post pics on the BB? Do I use 'add attachments'?
____________________
Ryder Naymik
San Antonio, Texas
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
Post Edited (2008-05-17 23:53)
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-05-18 13:08
The bed is going to produce a lot of sound absorption. I don't understand the acoustics, but I do wonder whether your 35 square feet of bed may produce more absorption than the 100 square feet of exposed carpet. It would be a shame to spend money replacing the carpet and find it has made little difference. Before you do anything else, it would be worth seeing what difference it makes removing the bed from the room.
If the bed really does make a lot of difference, there are a couple of solutions worth considering. One is simply to buy a nice big wooden panel and put it on the bed while you practice. (You can try this out at zero cost by using a couple of doors, or a large table upside-down.) The other is to replace the bed with one that hinges up against the wall. These seem to be available at relatively low cost, can be integrated with desk space and shelving, and would give you a whole lot more space to work in. Alternatively, you could build your own. It is simple to make a slatted-base bed from timber (I made my own, and I'm no expert at carpentry) and it shouldn't be too difficult to construct a mechanism for it to hinge up against the wall. Of course, you'd want to get this all planned out before the new floor goes in.
I suggest you also allow space for an electronic piano, if you haven't already.
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Author: htoyryla
Date: 2008-05-19 19:29
Are you really sure you want to get rid of the acoustic damping you have now? I have a bedroom sized room for music and the problem is resonances around 200 to 300 Hz, making some of the low notes on the clarinet sound disturbingly boomy. I find that more irritating than a dry sound.
Actually, I sometimes like to add some reverb electronically when I am playing, using a mic, mixer with builtin reverb unit and headphones. I know that not everyone would agree with this. I have even noticed that it is possible to a get a feeling of reverb through the mic+mixer+reverb+loudspeaker, one just has to be careful for feedback by using the wet signal only.
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2008-05-19 22:05
This is Ryder's thread, so apologies for piggy-backing on the home studio question, but...
I am looking for some sort of bookshelf/storage cabinet/work space that will accomplish three things: store music and books and a clarinet or two; contain drawers for boxes of reeds, mouthpieces and other necessary paraphernalia, and provide a flat surface (possibly the top of the cabinet) on which to rest my marble slab for massaging reeds.
I've been unable to find just the right combination in furniture stores. Some Web sites like Office Depot or Office Max carry fiber board cupboards and Ikea has a few things, but I feel I'd be more comfortable with something solid; ie, real wood. I've recently begun thinking of trying to design a mutlipurpose cabinet myself and then asking an unfinished furniture store to fabricate it.
Does anyone have such a set-up, or combination of pieces, that works well? (Perhaps this could help Ryder, too.)
thanks.
Post Edited (2008-05-20 00:35)
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-05-20 00:56
htoyryla,
I figured that I could lay down area rugs if there is too musch reverb. Also the bed would provide some sound absorbtion. I do agree that a plain bare room would have way too much reverb. I prefer the most natural recording as possible (the least electronic work or editing). If needed I may install acoustic foam or panels on the walls.
weberfan,
I've been preplexed with that problem for some time. Its hard to find a good all-in-one work station and storage unit. I was thinking of buying a tall desk with lots of storage (like with a shelving unit on the top and files below). Whether or not to top is solid doesn't matter to me because I'm gonna put a 1/2 glass plate on the top of it. I may also modify the storage and build some mouthpiece holders and a humidor of sorts for my reeds. currently I store my reeds in a plastic ammo box with a home-made pill bottle humidifier. It also needs plenty of room for my growing collection of tools for reeds and repair.
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2008-05-20 01:22
Ryder,
The desk-shelving unit isn't a bad idea. I have been trying to avoid branching out in all directions and was hoping to find something about 50" high and roughly 31 inches wide, with perhaps a well-supported dropleaf section that would permit me to pull a chair over for working on reeds.
My working model is a desk-bookcase unit that a century ago or more was called a side-by-side. Sears Roebuck & Co. popularized them, selling many varieties, usually in oak. It's basically a bookcase on one side, often enclosed by a glass door, and a dropleaf desk with three drawers beneath it on the other side. A headboard, often with a mirror, marries the two sections. That sort of piece --as originally designed--isn't quite deep enough to contain an ordinary clarinet case, but a modern side-by-side, if built to the right specs, could work and needn't be bulky.
chuck
Post Edited (2008-05-20 02:00)
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Author: htoyryla
Date: 2008-05-20 07:09
Ryder,
Sounds you know what you are doing. My only comment is that in a small room you don't get reverb, really. You get resonances in the bass and lower midrange, which results in boominess in certain notes. Proper acoustic material on the walls (foam may not be enough) and the ceiling would cure that; for bass frequencies, bass traps would be needed, but for a Bb clarinet this is not a problem.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2008-05-20 12:35
Infrastructure improvement would be HVAC improvement or enhancement to keep the temperature and RH in the right range for wood. I had trouble cataloging sheet music so I got a map filing cabinet that has lots of thin drawers which makes keeping all the music accessible. I also have a decent ergonomic chair and sturdy wooden music stand with a secure set of Blayman pegs nearby so when business interrupts practice there is no need to worry about a good place to securely set the horns. Also a good place to put the humidor for reed storage and a reed drying plate. Another idea is a lock on the door to keep any significant other, kids, and pets out of the area.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2008-05-20 13:25
Attachment: music room.jpg (182k)
This is what I started with. It is a converted dining room, with double doors. The ceiling angles up to 12 feet. I added a large plastic floor pad for under my chair and music stand. I record my practices back to my computer using audacity. I use Band in a Box to play (lite jazz and standards) the piano, bass and drums from my computer. I leave the back drapes (which I added since the photo) and the doors open. I had to add short drapes over the double doors. I use a mixer to handle the miking of the clarinet, and synth for the BIAB music program. I can then add reverb (very little to each independently). I worked on this set-up for about 3 months before I got it to what I liked. Since the photo I have moved the right speaker out and away from the corner. The drum machine and desk has be moved and I put in a small couch. I record my practices and can sit in the other room to listen. It really helps to keep me objective. I hope this helps.
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