This month's issue of Remix has a home-studio upgrade done by the People Under the Stairs (hip hop production crew). They talk about the very DIY approach they took and what worked and what didn't. Well worth a read for you.

It's the July issue with Zero 7 on the cover.

G'day, I built my Studio for $20K and as Mod Bod said thats just materials only. I started with 9 x 12 room on a 6 inch concrete slab. After insualting the room with "Sound Screen" (Rock Wool) I covered it with 2 layers of dry wall to get to about 1' thick. I then built another frame inside that room room completely free standing. The resaon for this was to not only reduce noise but to isolate vibration. I insulated these walls with Rock wool then lined with another 2 sheets of dry wall.

The Observation window was built inplace. 8mm Glass at 90 degree for the Mixing side and another sheet a 5 degrees on the studio side.

I did think of ventilating the room but due to the cost and complexity (to ensure no noise) I opted not to do it. I have to say since the room is so insulated it does not get hot or cold unless I indruce heat or cool. In saying that it does get stuffy. If I have a drummer going nuts in there it does get warm.

Happy to to send pics or offer any other advice.

Mark

The Observation window was built inplace. 8mm Glass at 90 degree for the Mixing side and another sheet a 5 degrees on the studio side.

DELETED: Just realized what you're describing (as far as angles)...

I did think of ventilating the room but due to the cost and complexity (to ensure no noise) I opted not to do it. I have to say since the room is so insulated it does not get hot or cold unless I indruce heat or cool. In saying that it does get stuffy. If I have a drummer going nuts in there it does get warm.

No ventilation at all? Due to the cost and complexity (to ensure no noise)???

Austin, you didn't do your homework, mate...

I second the a/c comment, I desperately need a mini-split system, one per room. If you can't afford one at the time do the homework and route power and oversized conduit for the line sets. Kicking myself for cutting corners when I built my studio.

That way, later, if the heat is killing you, it'll be a drop kick when you can afford it.

This thread is over 10 years old. I suspect the build is complete by now.

Embarrasing, I didn't check the date!. Just on a flight to Boston and bored, keeping busy browsing. Well, maybe someone else doing a build will see it and benefit from my mistake.

Sound City was a warehouse...Just saying...