The Shocking Truth

[Eric Altizer]

........and so it was just the other day I walked into my recording studio and grabbed my cup of coffee, hit the record button and then put my headphones on to monitor the progress. Lo and behold what did I see but a big fat sound wave right in the middle of the track display which occured just when I put my headphones on. That's right just a flat signal line then one big sound wave and flat again. Then the motors inside my head began to turn (troubleshooting mode) and I thought to myself, I said self.....what in the gosh darn heck was that? So I selected it and played it and sure enough it was a sound. And a little light went on in my mind and I realized what it was that I had just seen and heard. It became all too clear to me now............

Does anybody know how to neutralize static electricity in a recording studio?

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

Static mats on the floor where you sit are a good start.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Definitely agree on the static mats. This is probably step #1.

Also, a humidifier can definitely help; in the colder seasons the indoor relative humidity drops through the floor and increases the potential for static discharge. A humidifier can also help make the artists more comfortable and extend the length of good vocals by keeping the singer's mouth and throat from drying out so fast.

Third, a grounding strip placed near the studio door can help. All this need to be is a small piece of flashing on or near the door jam that is connected by a wire to a ground screw on the nearest electrical junction box. Just touch the strip to discharge the built-up static in your body before you approach your equipment.

G.

 

[up-fiddler]

Also, a humidifier can definitely help; in the colder seasons the indoor relative humidity drops through the floor and increases the potential for static discharge. A humidifier can also help make the artists more comfortable and extend the length of good vocals by keeping the singer's mouth and throat from drying out so fast. G.

I agree 100%. This is what I do in my studio and it seems to help. Static aside, the comfort level for the talent makes it worthwhile. jmho

 

[cellardweller]

... I said self.....what in the gosh darn heck was that?

Twas Gawd punishing you for using such vulgar language...

 

[Eric Altizer]

Shock and awe

Good one! Gotta keep it clean around here.

Seems like it's easy to forget the simple things when we get caught up in all the minutia of what's in front of us. I was just thinking about how many times I have slammed those headphones on during a critical recording and zappo wappo man! Ouch. How else do we learn but thru trial and error yes?

While we are on the subject......what would be the other basic electrical power concerns around and about a recording studio. Is it ok to hit a light switch or, cringe...turn on the heating unit? I just bought a surge protector. Am I safe in my own studio now?

 

[SonicClang]

Watch it with the humidifier though not to get too humid. Condensers don't really like that kind of thing.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Watch it with the humidifier though not to get too humid. Condensers don't really like that kind of thing.

Good point. The idea is to keep the IRH at "normal 3-season" levels, not to turn it into a sauna.

G.

 

[northsiderap]

Saunas

Ahhhh... Nothing wrong with saunas tho.

 

[Eric Altizer]

Good point. The idea is to keep the IRH at "normal 3-season" levels, not to turn it into a sauna.

If there are open reel tapes around being stored in the area humidity is also a concern as they are supposed to be stored at between 20-40% relative humidity.

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

That's just the point. In the cold season, IRH can easily drop to the teens or below, especially if you have forced air heat with no in-line humidifier. This is when the static electricity problem really kicks into high gear too. The idea is to use a humidifier to bring the IRH *back up to* 25-30% or so (give or take), not to make it any more humid than "normal" room conditions.

As far as condensor mics go, I keep mine in their original hard shell padded cases with a packet of silica gel, regardless of the time of year.

G.

 

[dgatwood]

Does anybody know how to neutralize static electricity in a recording studio?

Get some antistatic spray first. See if that helps. If that doesn't take care of the problem, add a humidifier; your room is way too dry.

As a cheap antistatic spray, you can take... I think it was one part downy to four or five parts water, put it in a spray bottle, and apply once a week or so. Not only does it significantly reduce static, it will give your studio that April-fresh scent....

 

[pdadda]

Geez, I keep a dehumidifier going all the time in my "studio." Oh wait, I record in my unfinished basement in the southeast.

 

[Eric Altizer]

So it looks like a combination of friction and low humidity levels can create some serious electrostatic charging in ye old studio and really mess up a tasty recording. Thanks for helping me clear this all up.

Does this mean that I can't fool around in my studio anymore??

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Does this mean that I can't fool around in my studio anymore??

Sure you can. All you gotta do is get some of those grounding straps that electronics engineers strap around their wrists and use them on your lady. You can be static-safe and have kinky fun at that same time.

G.