Here is the newer configuration of my Ubuntu Home Recording Studio. This is the second phase to learn how to operate the equipment, and start planning for final hardware configuration (Final Completion Date: October 2010)...
Here are some considerations for my studio setup:
(based on years of "playing around" with audio/midi equipment during my younger years)
- No table!, I want to build a "tube frame" setup for the keyboards, CPU, to have minimal presence. I want to mount the 4 monitors on a tube structure that is curved to provide a concave appearance to make it easier for the user to view. I don't want to use an A Tubular frame which would push the keyboards away from the wall. By the way, this will be done in a most cost-effective way (i.e. save money!).
- Hide the cables!, Advertisements for music equipment never show the cables! Correct permanent placement of cables (to hide them) is an exercise in patience, and I'm glad I know someone that will do this for me!
- Best placement of Tascam US-122 device to connect guitar, vocals.
- Lift Computer (CPU) off ground to make it easier to insert USB key.
- Placement (stack) of 2-3 keyboards to allow ease of use, yet allow access to MIDI controllers.
- Placement of Computer Keyboard / Mouse for smooth operation.
- Use Drop-down lighting with dimmer switch above studio to help set mood for recording session.
- Add posters and Keyboard / Guitar charts to provide attractive yet functional display of home recording studio
Here are examples of the types of posters:
[keyboard Chart] [Guitar Chart]. I already had the keyboard chart for many, many years, but want to get the matching guitar chart. I like these types of charts since they are both decorative and functional... By the way, I'm not trying to sell these products, I just like them so I'm providing a link for reference...
I will also include a few our my band's gig posters to set the mood as well...
Here is a close-up of how my 3 monitors work:
Left-side: Hydrogen Drum Machine
Middle: Ardour DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), Qsynth
Right-side: Ardour Device Mixer, Jack server control, Bristol organs (Hammond B3, Vox Continental, Rhodes Piano)
Note: Click on image below, and then click on the image again to see close-up!
Status (as of June 2010):
- Computer system setup is completed.
- Have 3 monitor system using X-windows. This is very useful to have various applications launch in different windows to make it easier to use.
Just for fun, I'm including my /etc/X11/xorg.conf file for reference (in case anyone else has similar video cards): [txt] - Have written a partially completed shell script which is run upon system startup to automatically start Jack server, launch music applications, and automatically make patch connections to jack. The current applications that I use are: Jack, Qsynth (Sound Bank, including grand piano), Hydrogen (Drum Machine), Bristol Organ (Hammond B3, Continental Vox (i.e. Doors), and Rhodes Piano), Ardour DAW (Digial Audio Workstation).
Here is a link to my partially completed shell script: [ txt ] - After Completion of Basement, fixtures for studio will be built, and final setup of Studio in new location.
- Obtained flexible keyboard and mouse stand.
Outstanding Tasks (Computer System Setup):
- Get 4 monitors to work
- Use LVM to span storage space over 3-4 hard disk drives.
- Determine method to support keyboards from the wall - Tubular Structure
- Attach monitors to the wall
- Purchase Midi Keyboard / Controllers (88 key fully weighted keyboard, and a 60 key semi-weighted keyboard). I already have an old Yamaha DX27 keyboard...
- Purchase Electric Guitar
- Purchase Acoustic Guitar
- Start to play more music, and start having fun!!!