Starting a home studio...

[JoNny462]

I am interested in recording demo's for local bands out of my "project" studio. I was wondering if there were any requirements or standards I should set before charging bands. I was thinking $9 an hour for recording, $10 an hour for mixing... does that sound fair? Here is my equipment:

Digidesign Digi 001 w/ Pro Tools running off an
HP 9680c w/ 40gig HD and 60gig backup HD
Event PS6 monitors
T.C. M-one
Bheringer power play
12 channel mixer w/ direct outs

Mic's:
Rode NT-1
Beta 57
Beta 58
SM 57
SM 58

That is what my recording equipment consists of, but I have very high quality guitar, bass, and drum rigs to offer the bands who are recording. Should I get more equipment before renting out the studio? Also, I consider my recording/mixing skills to be pretty good, I've recorded/mixed complete albums and they have came out great. Here is some of the equipment I've been considering -
shure drum pack - (beta 52 and 3x SM 57's)
Rode NT-1000
Native Power Pack plug in's
2 more Beta 57's
Alesis studio 24 or 32 or similar board
Presonus digimax (this one's not REALLY needed...)

Thank you for any advice!

 

[drewvta]

I think it's supply and demand. Put up your shingle and see if anyone comes knocking. I'd consider it a bargin to use ANY recording set up at that price, especially if it comes with someone (you?) to run the boards.

If you want a feel of what your set up can bring in start visiting all the studios in your area... see what they offer and for what price. I think advertising at colleges and high schools you could find plenty of people to pay your reasonable fee request.

-drew

 

[JoNny462]

I was slashing the rate for several reasons... first of all, it's in my basement (it's a finished basement, not some shit hole....) so it's not exactly "top of the line". Second, it's also my band's practice space, so it's not completely open, but there is lots of room. I just don't want to be like "Okay, welcome to my studio, let me turn off the washer in the next room so there's no excess noise and tell my sister not to use the laundry shoot... that'll be $25 an hour!!!". Hence the cheaper rate. But I WILL put out a great sounding demo for anyone who wonders in. Does the rate seem justified, or is it still too low/too high?

-Thanks for the idea of putting up flyers at colleges, that was a great idea!

 

[JFogarty]

I'd recommend doing it at more of a flat rate. Like just charge x- amount of dollars for each song/CD.