I started building my first recording studio in 1996. Today when I hear this comment about building a studio, it means acquiring gear, so just for the record, I had the gear. The building that the equipment would be in was what I was after.

A sound proof environment that would allow many hours of pure musical magic.

How hard could it be? Having been in the construction trade, residential and commercial for 20 years at that time, I was thinking I had enough of the basics to get it done!

Long story short, I still have that 500 square foot room in the same backyard. It is used to house garden tools, house overflow and whatever is left over from other tasks. Oh sure, as a first time project, I had to reckon it a success. The boys and me were able to record passable drums, guitars, and singing. And had my first control room! It was fun!

I have learned a lot since then from many different sources. Recording.org, JohnLsayers.com, Studiotips.com to name the most important ones. And if somebody mentioned a book title that interested at least one person that I was paying attention to, then I bought it and I read it.

Based on this I like to think that I am uniquely qualified to say this to you; “Do not try this at home!”

The only thing that I can add for those that are interested in attempting a diy recording studio or home theater is this. With the same care and attention to detail you might use if you were building your dream home, use that same care and attention to detail for your project.

Excessive amounts of money can be spent in pursuit of a well isolated (sound proofed) recording environment. The heating and air-conditioning alone can be enough to put a new studio right out of your reach. Then there is the day-to-day wiring, the additional specialty wiring for running an audio space, a well thought out concrete slab.

And the walls! Man the walls will make you nuts! Should I use mineral wool or standard insulation, is fire rated sheet rock or multiple layers of different thickness better? What the heck is a three leaf and why is everybody so afraid of making one?

There are a few simple things to remember that can ease your learning burden. It isn't anything earth rattling and you may have seen it in some form already, but did not recognize just how important it is to your sanity.