control room seperated from studio: why is that?

[Ferry123]

Hello,

As a relatively new home recording man, I get the idea that a control room should be seperated from the studio itself.

Can't the recording be done in the same place? (if not, why not?)

Or is that the idea of what's called 'band in a box'?


Ferry123

 

[Massive Master]

The control room is separate so you can hear what you're doing.

You can't tell if your microphone placement is any good if you're in the room with the microphone.

 

[notbradsohner]

it is also just plain easier to have a soundproofed room. You dont have to worry about people laughing, whispering, chairs squeaking, etc.......... just the musician.

 

[Ferry123]

The control room is separate so you can hear what you're doing.

You can't tell if your microphone placement is any good if you're in the room with the microphone.

Okay, but isn't it so, that you can use headphones to tell you can?

Ferry123

 

[Massive Master]

That'll take some of the highs out of the equation, but the "body" of the sound isn't blocked by headphones - Only by mass and distance.

 

[JKestle]

Even with headphones, it's difficult to hear how your mic placement sounds....say your micing a snare....the drumer hits the snare when you are close by with headphones, you will hear both the real snare, and the signal from the headphones.

What you have to do in this situation is place the mic, hit record, have the drummer play something, hit stop record, rewind and listen. If you don't like what you hear, try a different placement and repeat. This can be an exhausting activity.

Having a control room (even if you run wires to the opposite side of the house) lets you hear exactly what the mic picks up with no interference from the real sound in the room. You have someone move the mic around while you listen for your sweet spot.

 

[Disposable]

Hehe... if, and when I actually do this...
I use a pair of wireless headphones
And go outside to smoke a cigarette and listen.

 

[Ferry123]

Thank You! Massive Master & Jkestle,

You made it really clear to me.

Ferry123

 

[Ferry123]

That is REALLY funny, DISPOSABLE... Cool even...

 

[Richard Monroe]

I've been recording for 3 years without a control room, and those guys are all correct. Which doesn't mean it can't be done. For now. I don't doubt there's a dedicated building, with a control room, in my future. In the mean time, I track by the numbers and mix later.-Richie