3 Studio Builds Later: What Actually Works

Apr 16

This first studio originated in 2019, in my BATHROOM of all places (10/10 do not recommend) using only moving blankets and "apple boxes" my apartment used as furniture. But this was a learning experiment, see if you're gonna stick with this before you invest thousands on a StudioBricks or the like. I see SO many people selling their equipment because it didn't work with their lifestyle or reason #437.

Lesson 1:

If you don't have a solid state computer, you'll have to set it up outside your studio with a monitor/mouse on the inside to hit record/stop. Unless you're trying to get extra steps in your day to: hit record > get into studio > record your script > run out to hit stop many many times.

Studio 2.0: Linen Closet

This spot is not people friendly, especially if you're claustrophobic or of large stature. Luckily for me, I'm neither of these.
Huge upgrade we had here, (circa 2021) in the simple fact we were no longer inside a bathroom. A few things you can't see from these photos, we made these acoustic panels ourselves, very sturdy and 100% recommend this over the silly foam egg-crate options available or the thin "aesthetic amazon panels". Also, took the original door off the closet, and installed a solid core door.
Something we got right, the under-desk shelf, this is really handy for limited desk space. We also built the shelf/desk ourselves.

**Keep in mind, the panels take up some of your potentially limited space, if that is a concern in your own studio.

Lesson 2:

Desk space is more important that I realized. Also ventilation is something to consider if you're doing long sessions. Big One: chair needs to be comfortable. Especially if you're doing a lot of editing or just a lot of work. We like to think we won't be sitting much but it's worth it when you do need it. Lighting is HUGE. I often had to use the light of the monitor to even see my keyboard. We had a battery operated light, but it didn't last long.

Studio 3.0: Big Boy Coffin

Now we're talking! This bad boy is complete with real lighting, dimmer switch, multiple interior outlets, boom arm, headphone rest, mounted monitor, drafting chair, and bigger desk. I love the dry erase board on the outside, complete with a running list of all my auditions and the due date so I don't miss anything that hits the inbox without further notification. We're gonna order a floor mat soon as well to minimize destruction of the wool on the floor as well. Love the addition of the new mouse pad, it's so minimal charges my phone and my Airpods as well.

Lesson 3...Still to discover

So far so good! Only thing we haven't quite invested in yet is a ventilation system. But I'm doing a lot less audiobooks than I used to, so I'll cross that bridge when needed. Luckily FL summers have prepared me for just this task. I will say boom arms are something I have yet to master, but I managed to take some bread ties to keep the cord in place.

Any Questions?

I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about something you're working on if I can offer any insight from this evolution that we have been at for going on 7 years now. Crazy how time flies. If you're interested in my acoustic panels from Studio 2.0 I'm selling them and planning on bringing them to VO Atlanta (March 26-29). Feel free to reply for sizes and more info!

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Tabitha Mixon