The Home Recording Studio

Even though this musical is largely voiced by robots, it was essential to capture quality, clear vocals.

Here are the steps you can follow to build a quick recording studio



Step 1: Be a Buddhist Monk
Make me one with everything. Sit, cross-legged in the middle of the room where you will be recording your vocals and just listen.

Close your eyes, relax deeply and focus entirely on the noises around you. Notice the mild buzzing of your fish tank lamp, the humming of the fridge and the muted barking of next-door’s dog creeping in through the half-open window.

Now SNAP OUT OF IT. These sounds may go unheard by the untrained ear, but you can be sure that the mic will grab them. Then every time you listen to your amazing lecture, you will notice that ticking clock.

Fix everything you heard in your trance – take the batteries out of the clocks, switch off the T V at the socket, move your hamster downstairs, shut the window and draw the curtains.

Great, now you are ready to set up the equipment.


Step 2: Make a Den

Okay, this is the step you have been waiting for. Not since you were 5 years old have you had the chance to build a den.


And when you have finished playing cowboys in the fort you can lay down some tracks.


This den is your sound proof booth. It can be quickly assembled and tidied away.


Make a frame about the size of a wardrobe. It can be smaller if you are prepared to sing / speak lying down or sitting down.

We made our frame using music stand, but any solid structure is good. Perhaps use some metal tubing or a couple of stepladders.

This structure needs to be strong enough to support the insulation. This can be made cheaply by using the drummer’s friend - duvets.

Stack enough duvets to encase your frame. Make the wigwam of sleep!

A really good product is the memory foam mattress. About 3 inches thick, these absorb sound like a young mind absorbs knowledge.

Poke through a microphone or two, and you are isolated in your own sound proof sarcophagus.

Step 3: The lovely assistant

Even if you are a starving artist, you need an assistant.

This person will not will be in charge of the computer / recording device. They will start and stop the recording.


This does not have to be a specialist – even the most complex software packages are easy to prep. Usually this is just pressing one key to start and again to finish.

This will allow you (the vocal talent) to truly focus on giving the performance of your career, every time.

The assistant can monitor the audio in real time – watching for loud pops/crackles. They can also offer general listener’s advice. Follow it.

Using these steps we were able to record, rerecord and rerecord all the vocals for the Singing of the Cyborgs – a robot musical.