#1661277 - 03/01/04 12:20 PM
OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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miroslav
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The “Computer vs Stand-alone” thread made me realize that choices in a “Project Studio” depends a lot on how each of us define “Project Studio” in our own worlds.
So…I though we could kick-off this new Forum with a thread that examines the term “Project Studio”…what it means to each of us.
Here’s what I came up with in that other thread:
I was never crazy about the term “Project Studio”…only because it stated the obvious with defining any specifics. When you hear “Commercial Studio” or “Home Studio”…it kinda’ already gives you an idea of what is happening in each of those places…or at least to which level of sophistication they are probably at. But…a “Project Studio”…well, that could be anything. I know that a lot of folks armed with a “porta-potty” and SM57 will undoubtedly prefer to call their rig a “Project Studio” rather than “Home Studio”…and I guess that’s OK…whatever gets you through the night.  Though for me, the term “Project Studio” suggests a more developed environment, capable of almost all the tasks that a “Commercial Studio” does…but probably ion a smaller space, and one that is not just for-hire facility…a place that may be more personal and intimate without being intimidating. A “Project Studio” can be just “your” own space…where you work on your own projects, but at a full-production level…or it can still be hired out, though maybe not at the 24/7 pace…or without access to as many high-ticket toys and of course…without the high costs either. I guess, the name “Project Studio”, to me, suggest a working environment where all who are participating, have a more direct/involved interest in each of the project… …a place where the clock may not be always tick-tick-ticking away and where the pressures are as intense. I think that a “Project Studio” allows you to fine tune your rig to how YOU work…where as a “Commercial Studio” kinda’ needs to cover all/most of the options in order to cater to a wider audience. Seems like a “Project Studio’s” strong suit is first the vibe…and then the gear, though many CAN have a lot of high-ticket gear. But…a “Commercial Studio” almost HAS to have high-ticket gear…and lots of it… …and you may need to bring your own vibe! 
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#1661278 - 03/01/04 12:45 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Griffinator
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I basically view a project studio as exactly that - not-quite professional level, but far better than a primitive SoundBlaster-based or 4-track cassette-based home rig. Neither of those two really qualify as a studio to me - if you don't have enough inputs to close-mic a drumkit, you're not really a studio, you just have some recording equipment.
I'm sure someone could make a case for the idea that my rig doesn't qualify either...
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#1661279 - 03/01/04 12:57 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Phait
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I've never been comfortable referring to my home studio as a "studio" so I've always said "home studio". Just adding "home" signifies its not professional, but hey I do my music there. So to me it's a studio regardless of how much money I've invested (which'd be some amount under $4000) on: [Fantom-S, G4 Powerbook], monitors, headphones, blah blah...
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#1661280 - 03/01/04 01:40 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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WFTurner
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I'm definately a home studio so to speak. I feel my skills and the
confidence in those skills has progressed to a point where I could
step up to a level of project studio.... pretty much in the lines
of definition that miroslav has laid forth... if the right set of
circumstances were to fall in to line.
That project studio's main function would be to serve as a venue for
my artistic pursuits both personal and collaborations with the ability to take on some outside work to assist in funding those pursuits the goal always held more in the light as an opportunity towards change of pace
and a new perspective than a need to fund the project studio itself.
In the ideal circumstance, the funding of the project studio would mainly
be the fruits of successful personal artistic persuit otherwise you're
entering the definition of a commercial studio. I have no desire to go there.
The falling in line of circumstances that would permit my definition of a project studio to happen are probably nil.... but it's a good reason to have a home studio. :p
Note: As I refine my thoughts on my definition of a project studio I'll just add them to this original post. The begining of this forum is the first time I've tried to work out in language the concept of a project
studio which is something I've had thoughts on for awhile now. I'll just refine my thoughts here instead of cluttering up the rest of the thread.
Onward... I think an important part of the function of a project studio
regarding making income from outside sources has something to do with how well one likes to wear the producers hat. Has as been mentioned, rather than renting gear, as a commercial studio does, you'd rent out a wider range of services which happens to include gear. Something in that line of thought. So even if you are charging for the service, there would be some sort of positive conviction towards the artist you've chose to hire out to.
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#1661281 - 03/01/04 01:43 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Reverend Rhythm
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I think you bring up a good point that the term, "Project Studio," is fuzzy.
To me it is a studio for professional work, but not for hire (i.e. you can't rent out the place). The owner is the engineer and composer, keyboardist, guitarist, drum programer, vocalist, etc.) If the studio is for hire, you hire the owner, not the place.
What do you think?
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#1661282 - 03/01/04 01:47 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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djwayne
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I prefer to call my studio, a private songwriting/music production studio.
I'm not into soliciting musicians and it's basically for my own private use.
I can make pro quality recordings, and I also have tons of midi equipment for using sampled sounds and a JP-8000 to create new ones.
I don't have a designated sound booth or room, but still I'm able to get good quality recordings, comparible to a pro studio. I've used my living room as a sound room for acoustic recordings, and have gotten great results with recording vocals and acoustic guitar.
I can either use a computer with Adobe's Audition or a DA-88 for basic recordings. The DA-88 can also be taken out for live recordings, but I rarely do so.
I also have the option to record two track with a Tascam CDRW-5000, a Panasonic DAT, minidisc, reel to reel, or cassette.
My real weak spot is microphones, as I have a limited selection. To go pro, I'd have to buy many more mics, have a sound room, vocal booth, and much more very expensive equipment, so this will have to do for now.
I decided to put together my own studio, after getting quotes of $125 an hour for studio time years ago. I felt I wanted to spend a lot of time in a good studio, and it made sense for me to do it. I had found a place that would make recordings for me at $25 bucks an hour, but after I left that studio with a handfull of recordings and a $300 bill, I decided to put my own studio together. The stuff wasn't cheap, but now I have unlimited amount of recording time available to me, which would have been priceless 25 years ago, and keeps me busy today. Occassionaly, some friends will come and do a jam session, or misc demo recordings, I'll cook a ham or a pot of chili, and we have a blast.
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#1661283 - 03/01/04 01:58 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Archer
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I've always thought of a home studio as one where you work on your own stuff in your home (duh) with no money exchanging hands and a commercial studio put together specifically to generate income that's not in someone's residence (usually because of zoning laws)
Maybe a project studio is one based in someone's house but has started to generate some occasional income.
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#1661284 - 03/01/04 02:05 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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miroslav
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Originally posted by DKeenum:
If the studio is for hire, you hire the owner, not the place.
"I guess, the name “Project Studio”, to me, suggest a working environment where all who are participating, have a more direct/involved interest in each of the project…"
You can still hire-out...but you are directly involved with the project...and it's not just a space/equipment rental.
This approach allows you to have more choice in who you work with and the type of projects you do...
...though I guess there are some "project Studios" that are operating on the fringes of true 24/7 commercial production...so they may need to discriminate a little less about their clients & projects…in order to maintain the cash flow.
Maybe those are the dividing lines...
1. Who uses/needs their "Project Studio" for a full-time income gig...
2. Who uses/needs it as a part-time supplemental gig...
3. Who uses/needs it purely on a per-project basis...without concern for a steady income (probably because they have a different full-time income gig).
Right now...I am in category # 3.
I can do what/when and with whom I choose.
Main reasons are that...
...I already have a full-time web/multimedia gig that pays very well...
...and, my studio is in my house...and I like to pick and choose who I invite over...
...though, I do have the possibility of opening things up a bit more...I just haven't decided if I want/need to, yet.
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#1661285 - 03/01/04 02:08 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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aliengroover
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It is kind of a tricky term, but here's what I'm inclined to think:
A project studio is someone's personal studio with all of their personal touches for their own projects. This studio is usually operated or owned by the producer or engineer, but is sometimes manned by other engineers (staff or freelance) and rented out. The core gear in these studios, though choices made out of personal wants and needs, sometimes (not always) is fairly standard (U87s, 1073s, 1176s, PT, Logic, etc). They may not have SSLs (some do), but they do have a kick arse equipment list. The bottom line being that it has gear potential cleints often seek. Moreso with a project studio, though, is that it's the engineer/producer and their sound that brings clients to the table.
A home studio is strictly a personal working environment. You may bring in others to record, but everything is setup for one's own, usually self contained, recordings.
A commercial studio is one that's strictly made to please it's clients. Everything is put in their to compete for your dollar, gear-wise and atmosphere-wise.
Peace
That's my take.
Peace
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#1661286 - 03/01/04 02:19 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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not coaster MODERATOR
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a p/s is a mindset. it's making the most of what you have. it's fighting the extra mile to squeeze the most from $89 57's, $200 C1's, $300 mic pres & compressors. it's a determination to get good tone from a j-station or pod because amp micing is not an option. it's getting a great drum mix using just two oktavia M012's at $75 a pop.
it's grabbing the $35 casio keyboard from your daughters bedroom because that cheesy hammond sound is exactly what you're looking for.
it's some of the best music you'll never hear. most p/s guys play from their heart because they haven't had the opportunity to sell their souls to the big labels.
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#1661287 - 03/01/04 02:19 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Stephen Fortner
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Here's how I've always understood the definitions...
Home = located in your home, whether its a 4-track or a Neve console and closet full of U47s.
Project = mainly used for your own creative projects, or projects done by you for hire where the client is not in the studio most of the time. (e.g. a composer's studio for doing TV commercial music)
Commercial = mainly used for paying clients' projects where they are in the studio most of the time. (e.g. tracking bands, mixdown with the record label people in the control room, etc).
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#1661288 - 03/01/04 02:46 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Tedly Nightshade
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The joy of the project studio is that it needn't be everything to everybody, like most commercial studios need to be to survive these days. A project studio can be quite specialized.
Says little about the quality of room or gear.
Our project studio is a home studio too.
I have a very unusual (for these days) approach to recording, and am usually recording a specific ensemble, very heavy on orchestral percussion, so this studio is designed completely around those instruments and that approach. So I can get by with a few appropriate choice pieces of really fine kit, without being anywhere as versatile as most studios.
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#1661289 - 03/01/04 03:38 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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KenElevenShadows
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Originally posted by DKeenum:
I think you bring up a good point that the term, "Project Studio," is fuzzy.
To me it is a studio for professional work, but not for hire (i.e. you can't rent out the place). The owner is the engineer and composer, keyboardist, guitarist, drum programer, vocalist, etc.) If the studio is for hire, you hire the owner, not the place.
What do you think?
First post on Phil's Phorum!!
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#1661290 - 03/01/04 03:59 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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miroslav
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Originally posted by Ken/Eleven Shadows:
...home project studio? 
A Project Studio...that is located in your home.
Hey...it don't get much better than that...where else could you get out of bed, put on a pot of coffee, walk into your studio, and start recording/mixing...
...without ever getting out of your slippers and jammies!!! 
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#1661291 - 03/01/04 04:16 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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djwayne
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Exactly, whenever the inspiration hits, whether it's 8:00 at night or 3 in the morning, having a studio available & ready to go is handy.
In the world of Flamenco Guitar players and dancers, that inspiration is referred to as a spirit called "The Duende". It can fill you, and move you to play things you've never played before. Sometimes, just turning on the tape recorder and letting it roll, will help to inspire a song or a lick.
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#1661292 - 03/01/04 08:04 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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KenElevenShadows
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That's definitely the advantage of a, er, home project studio. When the inspirations hit, you can get it going right there. You also typically have much more time to capture great performances instead of having to do it "on demand".
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#1661293 - 03/01/04 11:27 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Philip O'Keefe
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If you're only working on your own material, is it a "home studio" or a "project studio"? Well, the Name Police are not going to come take you away no matter what you decide to call your setup, so it really doesn't matter all that much.
Again, I think the difference between the two (home / project studio) is as much about people, attitude and your intentions as it is about anything else. You may be feverishly working on your own musical project and not doing any outside jobs, and still have a "project studio".
For some more thoughts on the subject , please read my message in the "Welcome to the Project Studio Frum" thread, but feel free to keep the discussion already in progress going on in this thread.
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#1661294 - 03/02/04 06:12 AM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Philip O'Keefe
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In the ideal circumstance, the funding of the project studio would mainly be the fruits of successful personal artistic persuit otherwise you're entering the definition of a commercial studio. I have no desire to go there.
Excellent distinction. And I understand that you don't want to go there.... but obviously SOME people are going to be interested in becoming the next Allen Sides or Chris Stone. And that's cool for both types of people.
But maybe I belong in a third group. I own a studio because it is the tool of my trade. And while I wouldn't mind doing the occasional solo album, my real love is just making records. I love records. I love listening to them. I love producing them, I love recording them. I even like playing on them from time to time, even though I wouldn't consider myself to be a great player. Records are art to me - they're a big passion of mine.
So for me, it's not about becoming a huge studio complex owner, nor is it about my own personal artistic pursuits... well maybe it IS about that... because, as silly as this may sound, I consider my engineering and production efforts to be a very BIG part of my "artistic pursuits".
I just wanna make records. And having a half way decent studio helps me to do that. I don't want to discourage talk about other project studio applications around here, and I certainly enjoy doing the occasional "something different" - it's always nice to keep your hand in it or try something new once in a while... but my main love is producing records, and it's nice to have the tools available so that I can do that.
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#1661295 - 03/03/04 01:32 AM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Kendrix
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Agreeing on a definition is not important to me.
However, FWIW, I note that i dont really do any "projects".
That word sounds too official and seems to connote a formal release of something called a project.
I just endlessely write tunes, record and produce them upgrade my skills and equipment and repeat.
No "projects" in sight.
In this case, "Personal studio" seems more apropro
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#1661296 - 03/03/04 03:01 AM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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not coaster MODERATOR
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really good project guys not only know how to milk their humble gear, but they learn to play drums, keys, guitar & bass as well. then they must write great songs. and if we have a question or two we get help on the web.
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#1661297 - 03/03/04 11:10 AM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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miroslav
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Yeah...I try to do all the parts when ever I can...write, record...play drums, keys, guitar...sing....whatever it takes.
Lottsa' work!!!
It's most definatly a "project" to get things done!
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#1661299 - 03/03/04 07:23 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Philip O'Keefe
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Hi Joe, and welcome to the forums. 
I'd say you've come up with as reasonable a way of looking at it as any of the rest of us. I think it may indeed be more "purpose" or intent. In any case, I don't want to worry too much about the name thing, nor do I really want to exclude anyone - if they feel they have a "home" studio, a "project" studio or even a "commercial" studio, they're still welcome here.
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#1661300 - 03/03/04 07:56 PM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Curve Dominant
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A project studio can be any studio that is not a "per-hour, open to the public" business.
A distinguishing characteristic of a project studio, might be that its owner is the executive producer of the recordings made there, and the facility is designed and equipped for those needs specifically.
So it can center on an SSL console, or a Soundblaster card in a laptop PC, or whatever. As long as it meets the needs of the productions being made there, the gear is irrelevant.
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#1661301 - 03/04/04 01:00 AM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Joe Evans
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Originally posted by Philip O'Keefe: Hi Joe, and welcome to the forums.
Thanks for making me feel welcome.
This forum has great potential and from what I know of you, you will see to it that it lives up to that potential. This is gonna be fun! 
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Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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#1661302 - 03/04/04 03:39 AM
Re: OK...what is a "Project Studio"...to you?
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Dan South
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There really isn't a definition for the term project studio. I assume that some people call their home studios "project studios" in order to make them sound more spiffy.
Some project studios are home studios. Some are commercial studios. The difference in my mind is that project studios are focused on a certain type of product and perhaps a certain group of performers (usually associated with the studio owner). A "commercial studio" is more of a general purpose studio. It might record a jingle today, a string quartet tomorrow, a voice-over on the weekend, and a rock group next week. The projects in a "project studio" would most likely be more homogenous, such as producing voice over work but not recording choral groups, or vice versa. The projects that come through such a studio are probably linked to the creative direction of one set of performers, where as the commercial studio is a big room with cables and baffles. Any kind of project can be produced there, and next week they'll do something completely different.
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Thanks to all for sharing your wisdom, warmth, and humor. Our time together means a lot, and I should express that more often. I'm sorry that I never got a chance to say these words to DafDuc.
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