After moving next year I would like to establish my dream of having a full project studio on our property. I would like it to be a hybrid setup integrating both hard/software for full flexibility. It has to include a small console because I need it to be tactile to some extend. (Direction API the Box or SSL X-desk,…).
We (partner included) have no interest to make money of it or anything, it would just be a gift to ourselves after 20years of working and saving up little by little to get to it at one point in time. It would also encourage our kid(s) to do anything with music in the future, just food for the soul - no pressure.
We would want to record traditional instruments guitar, piano, percussion, voice and integrate electronic instruments ( ).
I already have some ideas, but would be nice to get some more ideas in the mix.
Cheers,
Tony
// Edit
GOALS
producing music/stories for children
spoken word - multiple languages
Soundscapes for theatre and dance projects
songwriting on piano/guitar
dance music - 4floor-fun
We both have an education in acting/performance art and a network for colabs,
with one friend also publishing books for toddlers/children. My partner has a voice more than recordable
Adding goals makes a post like this more grounded I reckon…
T
Room treatment and nice monitors would be at the top of my list. Then maybe a mixer/ control surface to record the acoustic instruments. From there it’s really up to your own dreams to fill the space!
Monitors are top list-wise. Acoustics of course, but I have to wait until I have access to the spaces to start forming realistic opinions about how it sounds.
80% I will go for Genelec for monitoring.
Open a bank account solely for funds intended for the studio (if you have not already done so). Keep it separate from all other finances.
Start researching DIY acoustic treatment building. Materials are readily available snd you will save a heap. (gearslutz, studio build forum will be helpful). Do you need to isolate a room? Thus will take much more planning.
Make a list of the kit you need to achieve your fun goals, and remember to budget for cables!
(make your own) get yourself a decent solder station and tools.
Get your mic requirements fully established. You want workhorses.
Equipments can be bought and sold, the room is less easily changed.
Oh, and make the room inviting and a pleasure to be in.
find a specialist who’s done this before to advise you.
20k will go quick if you are not careful , software alone could be a fair amount , speakers , mixing desk, acoustic stuff , actual equipment , microphones , leads , patchbays , network , acoustic instruments ? , digital storage & Backup …
call a few high end stores as they will probably know a few people who do this.
fun can mean a lot of things to different people…
free drinks , nice artwork , tv with videos on it , bouncy castle , bean bags…
).
GOALS 
GOALS 
)