Nothing seems to get an audio professional going more then good old fashion gear talk.

When it comes to audio gear we can all agree on one thing, we love it !  How often do we hear " I just picked up this killer new mic !" or " you got to hear these monitors they are so sweet ! " And it's true.  Having good gear, and the know how to make it work is a nice combo in any studio environment.

Gone are the days where guys in white coats worked in cold steril rooms with over sized consoles and never ending racks.  With the advent of digital technology what were able to accomplish in a 16 space rack or less is stunning and this all makes good studio ergonomics possible.   How much time and money do we spend on our studio furniture versus our mic's and pre amps.  Well, I gotta make a confession myself.  Not much until recently.  I recently got the opportunity to rebuild my studio in a new location and was determined to make a big difference in that area on a budget.

The main reason I wanted to do so wasI had paid the price in the past by finding myself feeling generally fatigued after long editing and or mixing sessions.   Things like looking up to see my monitors, reaching over to adjust hardware that is to far out of reach and sitting in a 49 dollar office chair.  I sure is hell wouldn't let a vocalist sing through a 49 dollar mic on a record so why I was I treating my back so poorly?

When it comes to planning solid studio ergonomics there is much is to be considered.   First you want to think about your typical tasks in the studio ?  For example, some of you are editing primarily or maybe your specialty is playing piano or creating beats.   These should very much determine how you set up your space.  And I promise you if you take your time and think about it you can do it on a budget.   Here are some suggestions you may find helpful.

1. Purchase a nice comfortable chair.  This will keep you from feeling fatigued and experiencing back pain.  This may also keep you from spending your savings on a good chiropracter as you get older.  Good lumbar support is a must.  I was able to quality chair on close out special at Office Depot for 59.00 that was normally 250.00.  Most quality office chairs are rated for use and will tell you if it's good for long term sitting.
2. Build or buy a desk workstation designed to fit your particular needs.  There is no one fit all in this scenario.  But do the research and get what you can afford.   I was able to find a Guitar Center Studio RTA desk for 199 dollars and they shipped it for free !  I was blown away.  It includes cable management, a lower panel, 8 space rack and riser for your speaker monitors.
3. Be sure you have a large enough monitor/s and do not put them on a riser.  One mistake a lot of guys make is they put the monitors up on the risers of these inexpensive workstations.   You'll want to keep them close to you at eye level.  Even if it means blocking some of your rack equipment.   This constant looking up is murder on your neck which kills creativity and work flow big time.
4. If it can go on the wall do it.   For you guitar players out there.  Wall mount those guitars.  You can purchase these things for about 25.00 bucks or if your handy probably make your own for a lot less.  Nothing like grabbing your guitar and going for it  Plus it will ad a lot of vibe to the space.
5. Keep your environment clean and free of clutter.  Now this could be a little of my own OCD.  But I believe a clean and organized environment allows me to be more efficient and create with a clear mind.   It also creates an inviting setting for collaboration.     And if your lucky enough to have your own room for your studio get anything that doesn't inspire you out of the studio and put it somewhere else.   If you live with your wife or significant other be sure to do this with careful calculation and caution.

Anyway, that's enough out of me.  I enjoyed teaching the Reason class in Atlanta last month.  I look forward to seeing you guys soon.