Home Studio workflow | Sidedesk

[@testube]

I can definitely see some pros and cons to this setup. In my case, having the monitor between the speakers means I have to lean forward a bit to see it, which isn't good for posture (back, neck). So moving it to the side could help with that. But I use lots of EQ and fx in the box and like to listen while I tweak, so I wonder if it would be frustrating/tiresome to have to repeatedly turn from left to forward while doing that. Only other thing I'd point out is that if you rack mount your faders (if those rack ears arrive) you might have to reach more for them. Good food for thought, thanks for the ideas!

[@archiebeatz]

Brother I couldn't agree with you more. I find myself always changing up my space. I think it comes with the creativity, you know. Thanks for sharing man and amazing studio!!!!

[@johnnydee5]

Dude, fantastic setup. You gotta keep the room feeling fresh, as well as functional on an optimum level. I was stumbling around my studio and recently moved it all around. By rotating everything clockwise by 90 degrees I gave myself maximum functioning space and also improved the sound of the room.

[@JustinTutor]

“So what do you guys think?” I think anyone who puts out two vids a week and still wants “to make way more videos” is an absolute mad man, and I’m ALL FOR IT!

[@AndrewMasters]

Save 7% when you sign up for DISTROKID with my link in the description!

[@ryanshook8284]

What are the dimensions of your room?

[@AndrewMasters]

13’x21’

[@ER-yq1lc]

I'm doing a side set-up now. My low bucks side table is the bottom center section of an old oak 4 piece "entertainment center" that my mother in law was throwing out. It fits my 44" monitor perfectly and has a nice big work surface for my computer, mouse and keyboard since the cabinet was made to fit the deep cathode ray tube TVs. I cut cooling slots in the top near the back and all my computer wires and USB cable drop down through those. The beauty of it is it has two bays for old VCRs and home theater stuff that are 19" with 12u per side for a total of 24 rack spaces. I added rack rails and ran a 16 channel snake to it and it even has wheels so I can roll it around! Super nice for accessing the back or even the possibility of rolling it into another room since I don't have a control room yet. It's an oak finish and I toasted it with a weed torch to darken it up a bit, I bet you could stain one to match your other desk. Probably wouldn't be too hard to find one at a thrift store or on craigslist in the free section just bring a tape measure to make sure the bays are 19".

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Keep it in the front mang. Unless you get a larger console with faders etc in the middle

[@amirharony3859]

it could be a good idea had u mixed with an analog mixer but anyway u mix inside the box, most of the time u will sit with the monitors to ur right ear. and u have no acoustic advantage.. when u sit in front of the monitors u will have a big reflector to ur left ear (the screen) so the room will not be even on the left-right. my suggestion is going back the way u were, get a big screen like 55 inchs and push it back to the front wall

[@Lantertronics]

I'm guessing Andrew has everything rigged so he's mostly controlling things from the SSL faders that's in the middle of the desk? That seems like the only way this would work well.

[@amirharony3859]

@@Lantertronics maybe.. if he says its working for him , i cant argue with that. this controller is only faders.. what about eq and compression? hope he will make another video about the workflow..

[@stoneroofstudios4700]

It is always nice to change things up and see what you prefer! I personally am not use to working on a side desk, but im curious to see how you like it moving forward!

[@streetlogic]

Make so much sense....100%

[@nicksmart7742]

I’m looking forward to hearing how you get on with this approach - particularly when comping and also tweaking plugins during the mix… intrigued!

[@yack1232]

Fantastic!!

[@JohnScottB]

I've heard of big studio engineers/editors who sit in this position (with big mains blaring only in one ear) eventually can damage their hearing on that side. Or at least their hearing gets thrown off. That would be the downside of this setup over the long term - but since it's your own home studio, you control the levels that you're monitoring at so it could be OK. Good luck! Another idea I've seen a lot is going to a much larger monitor, but mount it behind your speakers. You can still see everything and nothing is in the way between you and your speakers. Something like a 50" TV mounted on the wall.

[@gracenoterecordings]

I’m literally working on my studio setup right as this video popped up. You published at the PERFECT time!!

[@AndrewMasters]

That's awesome, I'm loving this new setup and of course it's tightened up even more since I edited this video.

[@gracenoterecordings]

@@AndrewMasters I bet, great work man! Every time I record something I feel like I need to tweak something to make it better haha

[@jorykevinberger7047]

Now that you've moved the monitor, it changes anything you already did with a sonarworks calibration file. So, as you mentioned, doing another calibration will be key if that's what you were already working with? Sonarworks has a listening position feature that may be able to counter the side monitor reflection. In my own space it helps focus the center image really well. If I moved my 30" video monitor, I'd definitely need to re-calibrate. As for the side. Potentially you could angle the video monitor so it reflects upward toward the cloud somehow instead of at your ear, and you'd be off to the races that way too. There definitely is something very special about looking out into the speaker ether and not seeing a screen, and only the UF8 in front of you. It was definitely an "eye opener" ridding of the monitor there. I think I've been yearning for something similar of late, too. Great stuff. I enjoyed this video. :)

[@ZachWirchak]

Even if it's just a cable, I change things in my studio on almost a weekly basis... it's getting out of hand! Good luck with the new setup!

[@AndrewMasters]

I feel you bro

[@error8418]

I can absolutely relate. Be careful, before you know it you might be spending more time optimizing your studio than actually making music...

[@ZachWirchak]

@@error8418 Absolutely! Spending more time AND money than writing music!

[@beaumaloe]

It doesn’t matter what we think because you must do what makes you enjoy working. But since you’re asking, the monitor on the left seems to kill the vibe and clutters things up. Is there such a thing as a monitor kill switch app? Something that quickly blacks out the screen without forcing your computer to go to sleep or slow down. I’d be interested in something like that.

[@germancarluv]

I have wanted a big sexy workstation desk for years But the smaller the desk the less the reflections from it. My next rig will be the softube console one and fader pack with the wood ends kit....sitting on a desk not much bigger than the softube hardware.. Speakers free standing. Also and easy way to move the gear around and experiment with placement.

[@mosestechnology50]

I’m just like you I’m constantly changing my studio set up So that I’m able to work comfortably

[@THEKIDZONTHEBLOK]

Why don’t you have a thing that lowers the monitors on a motor that way if you wanted to listen to your mix without it you can lower it

[@CarlosSerranoLouis]

I recently moved my home studio to a rental place, at home, my room was rectangular so If did like you, having the screen against the larger wall and the spwakers free with a large Gap to the back wall on my side, focusing only in the sound and not looking the screen IS a huge improvement, now I have compromised that to have isolation and a decente both, but due to space limitations in that place my monitors need to Live almost against the wall which I hate, nice videos man!!! 💪

[@kkbrook11]

I’m like that too, I have to change things around from time to time lol

[@BeauStephenson]

Oh man, that's one of the things I hate about big studios is the side car computer. LOL! But hey, maybe you'll love it.

[@AndrewMasters]

I'm liking it so far! Thanks for watching.

[@LeoSundayMusic]

Good idea to move computer - here is a suggestion that seems to work for me - check out - Gator Frameworks GRW-ELITEDESKRK-BRN Elite Series Desk Rack - Dark Walnut

[@AndrewMasters]

Nice!

[@ovadoseod]

This doesn’t mess up the sweet spot, most engineers at larger studio do all their editing while facing the screen and route everything through the console. Once everything is edited and organized to there liking they do most of there mixing work in the sweet spot without really interacting with the computer except to stop, play, or fly things! That’s why this setup is ideal because you focus on what you hear and not what you see.

[@AndrewMasters]

I appreciate the support! Thanks for watching.

[@thejasontlewis]

What reflection s are you getting from your monitor when its behind the monitors?OMG, looking at that table and your posture you are going to destroy your back. I've had to fight with myself about changing setups that work It's a way of procrastinating. Don't procrastinate. How are you going to use that control surface if you can't look at the monitor? You need a real mixing desk to do that.

[@AndrewMasters]

Haha I get it, I only use the faders when I’m writing automation or making mix changes. At least for me I make better moves when I use my ears and not my eyes. I found that writing automation looking at the screen I was really focused on what I was looking at and not what I was hearing. I’ve done a couple mixes with this set up and it’s been so much more pleasant and the moves I’m making are more effective on the first run. Not sure if you’ve looked into it but the UF8 control surface controls the transport, grouping, automation modes and plug ins. It’s pretty rad. On the whole - the change makes “creating” whether it’s writing, music, videos, editing, mixing so much more functional compared to how I’ve used it for the past several years.

[@richardmcarthur40]

Maybe a cheeky little set of speakers on the side desk for editing etc, when you’re all in the computer. Double as little hifi reference speakers?

[@Chizzey89]

Off topic. How does taking the reso head of the kick affect the sound? What is your reason for doing it? Would you be able to still use a subkick or how do you mic it? Just the beta52? Love your video’s! Building my own home studio at the moment so this channel is very inspiring.

[@shawnwait6207]

Great stuff...

[@AndrewMasters]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bigbro4266]

I did this to my setup except I don’t have to turn too much cause my table is a bit smaller. it’s so much better for me.

[@whisperthiefmusic]

I think a “no screen” approach with outboard gear or something like the SSL UC1 would be a great thing to try out. I think mixing in the box would be pretty hard without being to see the interface in front of you though?!

[@AndrewMasters]

Yeah it's working great with the UF8! Don't have the UC1 though.

[@whisperthiefmusic]

@@AndrewMasters …. Yet?! 🤷‍♂️🤔😋

[@andrewwhitworth612]

Have you ever thought about going down the 500 series route?

[@BenLubberts]

Hey Andrew. Can you comment on your speaker setup? I have the same Adam speakers. Do you use those exclusively for mixing? Do you have a sub? What else do you use? Thx man!

[@andywild9183]

Really interesting idea, it can be very easy to mix with your eyes not your ears. However doesn’t the monitor create a first reflection point?

[@AndrewMasters]

It does, it is behind my head and actually sounds better. Maybe I’ll run the ol sonar works test again and see what’s going on

[@Lantertronics]

@@AndrewMasters It will be really interesting to compare the before and after on that! It provides an excellent opportunity to see just how much a different (or not) these things make in a scientifically reproducible way. :)

[@JayfkProductions876]

Never really like the 💻 to side thing always thought it defeated the sweet spot

[@AndrewMasters]

yeah it's weird, for whatever reason in my space I can do much more focused listening.

[@JayfkProductions876]

@@AndrewMasters its about whatever works tho coz I'm not really a keyboard in front type my komplete kontrol's always to the side

[@Lantertronics]

I'm guessing it's working for Andrew since he has small SSL mixer thingy and is doing most of his detailed tweaking on it? (Just a guess).

[@Lantertronics]

Yeah, I can't imaging making detailed tweaks to plug-in parameter settings in this configuration.

[@mateoaponte7556]

Hey Andrew! Just thought I’d mention this after seeing you wanted to put 16 outboard pres on the left side of your desk, Warm Audio makes a product called the WA-412, and it’s a single rack space, and is 4 preamps! I never got to try it but I’ve heard it’s pretty good! Just thought I’d mention, thanks and keep up the good work! Love watching the channel

[@AndrewMasters]

Thanks dude! I actually used those for a bit when I first moved to nashville. Great for the real estate and price!

[@DojoOfCool]

For me the side would be odd especially the monitor being sideway from the speakers and other gear. If me I'd leave it, but get a small pullout drawer for the keyboard and mouse. Also you talk about reflection off the monitor, but then say you want to change the wall and open the window up again, aren't they going to be even more of a reflection. I'm not a video guy but wouldn't window be a mess for dealing with lights and outside light changing the light in the room during shooting?

[@AndrewMasters]

Actually daylight is often my best friend with regard to video shooting. But again, it's all about trial and error for me. So far I like where things are headed. Thanks for watching!

[@Lantertronics]

I guess it depends on what tools you spend most of your time using when listening. I suppose for an engineer who does a bit of arranging of parts in the DAW and then does most of their mixing on a giant old-school console, having the computer at the side might make mores sense, but if you're primarily tweaking everything in the DAW, having it to the side feels like it would be an ergonomic nightmare.

[@iix23]

The pc screen on the side is just not working for me as when mixing and cutting in the Daw,, the levels and the cuts that you change are just coming in one year. Adjust a fine compression/ EQ or anything else just becomes a game of head rotation. Also, who uses only one screen in 2021. My set-up has 3x 42" screens. One for the mixer. One for the piano roll and one for the the playlist and instrument rack. I use the the mixer's screen to do research on sound or find tutorials on the daw or whatever. I think that if you are looking to improve your workflow, a desk on the side isn't the way to go. I just finished building my new small studio. It's a bit smaller that yours and haven't loaded all the recording gear yet. You can see the video (I built the structure and the interior from scratch) I made by clicking on my profile. Might give an idea or 2 on set-ups. On this note, thanks for the video and have a good day.

[@Lantertronics]

Thanks for the link... I'm currently trying to rearrange my studio to be more ergonomic and am looking for ideas (that's how I found Andrew's channel to begin with, I ran across his studio tours).

[@rogergray]

Man I hear what you are saying. But I don’t think I could do that. But I wish you the best. You rock.

[@AndrewMasters]

Thanks man!

[@SanathKumarNaibhi]

For me, I don't think that system helps. I don't even want to think of turning my head or body to do anything. It might help in preventing sedentary lifestyle but for music, the faster you can convert what's in your head to music on PC, the better. But anyway, you may like it and by the way, love your videos! Many studio tour videos you've done are like therapy! Thank you ❤️🙏

[@AndrewMasters]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! Thanks for watching.

[@SanathKumarNaibhi]

@@AndrewMasters Thanks for replying 😇🙏. Btw, if you require violin samples or tracks for any specific projects, would love to work with you.

[@matthewjones8510]

Hey!...you’re doing a good job

[@arseniharkunou]

What if you just close your eyes when listening? ;)

[@GarethGras]

If you think about it, a lot of pro studios have a big glass window behind the mixing position. So why not mount it directly on the back wall?

[@AndrewMasters]

I like the screen close to me for editing videos and photos

[@GarethGras]

@@AndrewMasters maybe buy a bigger screen and wall mount it? I find turning to the side a lot gives me a sore neck.

[@AndrewMasters]

Nah I like this more

[@error8418]

The guys at PresentDayProduction just did an awesome video on monitor placement and the effects a computer screen can have. Having a screen between your monitors may very well influence the acoustics but in my opinion that's still better than not being able to do anything in the box while listening properly. I guess, the sidecar solution only makes sense if you primarily work on a console and only use the computer as a digital tape machine. In the end, both is a compromise. The only perfect solution might be to either get a second pair of monitors or an acoustically transparent projector screen that doesn't reflect too much sound. But who has got money for that... 😂

[@AndrewMasters]

Nice

[@error8418]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5Tcq4qfjJ6qp7M

[@richcool863]

Hmmm….I get that “hand” (read computer) vs “ear” (read console) work separation is a bit of a mental thing. Easier to focus on the sound without the visual of the computer. But, working to the side like that seems like it would take micro slices of time (which add up) to swivel and work. Just my opinion, but it would seem to grow tiresome after a while. Curious what your thoughts have been, now that you’ve been living with it for a bit.

[@AndrewMasters]

So far I'm liking it! Everything is trial and error for me, so if I end up wanting to move it back over, it is a pretty easy move to make. Thanks for watching.

[@richcool863]

I totally dig getting to see how other folks (e.g. yourself) like their workflows. Watching your channel is like pandemic therapy. :) Q: who makes the headphone hook under your desk?

[@AndrewMasters]

Check the description of my 2021 home studio tour, or the one with Jordan Critz

[@headwaystudio]

You getting any 500 series?

[@FLH3official]

Having such separate setups would be the best way for me to get a nice scoliosis... Maybe it's trendy but, I don't buy that, I usualy don't separate the sound and the composition, the sounds I use ARE the composition, or a great part of it, so I fiddle with the musical keyboard and the mixing and the mouse & screen at the same moments. But I don't shoot videos.

[@AndrewMasters]

😂

[@FLH3official]

@@AndrewMasters You seem to more than me in the "mixing" side and I'm just a composer (maybe that's why your mixes can sound better than mines 😃), so I can understand such setup. Anyway, as a principle of Life, anybody can do what they need & want and any good idea is good to grab.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Go 500 series and you can fit a lot in there

[@chriskoderca32]

What drum mics do you use? Do you use triggers?

[@AndrewMasters]

All kinds of stuff - depends on the track

[@AndrewMasters]

I’ve got a bunch of videos covering different mic setups

[@DavidFranciscoMusic]

interesting!

[@AndrewMasters]

Glad you think so!

[@NDULEENTERTAINMENT]

also the lamp behind you might needs an upgrade or just remove it :)

[@AndrewMasters]

How dare you!

[@NDULEENTERTAINMENT]

@@AndrewMasters ahah my bad

[@Lantertronics]

@@AndrewMasters Heh, I think I have the same lamp... Room Essentials from Target?

[@HistoryInHighDefinition]

The number of times I’ve moved my gear around is hilarious. It never feels quite ergonomic enough 😅

[@Lantertronics]

I keep hoping we can somehow spontaneously evolve longer (and additional) arms.

[@emiromeroonkeys]

Wow men...I am not felling alone with this topic. I've moved all the time.

[@emiromeroonkeys]

An the best hearing point was the less atractive.

[@Lantertronics]

@@emiromeroonkeys It seems like in any *practical* home studio situation, the official guidance as to where to place the listening point and the monitors is often impractical, so we're forced to come up with compromises. (That's one reason I appreciate Andrew's videos of smaller studios, to get ideas about dealing with that).

[@tollinloud.5117]

i get exactly the same urge brother

[@markclason2717]

The computer monitor has become a point of acoustic reflection.

[@AndrewMasters]

It sounded worse in the middle of the speakers believe it or not.

[@lennyharris6183]

Hey man, I know you have a mounted shelf for your lamp, but maybe you could move your keyboards to that side somehow. That’s if you want to keep the side car…

[@AndrewMasters]

I actually moved the room around quite a bit since this video was shot and the keyboard is now indeed under the lamp shelf!

[@lennyharris6183]

Awe that’s too cool man…

[@laura-sophiemohr4178]

I think its like: If you just put some work in a thing, your brain wants to justify it. In commercial studios they do this because theres a window behind the console so you can see the musicians better and no place for keyboard and mouse.. I think to always have to turn like a madman for mixing is not that productive. But thats my personal opinion. Love you dude 😁

[@laura-sophiemohr4178]

Im looking through the comments, seeing you like it, so go for it srsly. It's all about what makes you feel creative after all 😁

[@AndrewMasters]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@Lantertronics]

They also tend to have a highly sophisticated voice-activated remote control for the DAW. ;)

[@laura-sophiemohr4178]

@@Lantertronics hahaha that one took a second :D

[@SatriaSpeaker]

👍

[@maschoff69]

Just use VR and headphones :) You can do it in a bathroom, lol.

[@gavmurray7398]

i think this works in commercial studios cause they have another person driving the computer and theres only room for 1 person in the sweet spot..

[@gavmurray7398]

it's an interesting idea for sure will be following to see how it work out for you. I have recently got they ssl uc1 and have a fader controller so i can mix without my screens on now so this set up could be an option for me but would lose too much floor apace in my small room i think. Look forward to seeing how you're room goes with the changes. Love your KZbin channel.!rocks on mate 🤘

[@charleshuguley9903]

Do you really want an exposed window in front of your desk? That is generally considered an acoustic problem.

[@CP-mt1st]

My 2 cents: Sound quality/detail comes first. At 1.5' the monitors are pretty close to the front wall. Overhyped bass? (yes even with front ports) Also monitor setup is way narrow. How's stereo imaging? You mention in comments your system sounds better with monitor now in the primary reflection point, red flag. Probably because monitors setup is so narrow. Also Is your listening position at 38% room depth to cancel most modes? I'd get some separate stands for those speakers and revise locations to get that CLARITY first. Thanks for all your videos man!

[@johnthemachine]

Hang the moniter on the wall in front of the desk dude.

[@srulifriedman2957]

Put some wheels on it

[@AndrewMasters]

Just got a table with wheels actually - I love it

[@edukacja2485]

well... I'd never set my computer screen to the side. I rather prefer to have worse acoustics than messed up hearing by listening to one side more while editing... also this decision is kind of weird, because you're getting rid of the biggest advantage of working in the box which is always being in the sweet spot... so for me definitely front setup makes more sense, or should I say side setup makes no sense in studio without real analog console

[@J_B_]

Not a fan of the setup. It seems to me you could lose being in "the zone" having to transition back and forth. And your definitely going to affect some of your mixes by listening to them sideways. You won't do it intentionally, but it will happen.

[@AndrewMasters]

I don't mix facing the computer, i mix facing the speakers with the faders at the desk.

[@J_B_]

@@AndrewMasters I get that. But you're going to listen to something facing the computer that may effect something negatively, and you may not even notice it. Just throwing the thoughts out there, as I'm sure it would effect me.

[@jf542]

Side car makes no sense ergonomically or acoustically coz now the screen puts a big reflective surface next to your ear…. Screens don’t impact sound that much when they are in front of you. Too much overthinking from you here.

[@jf542]

Just close your eyes or set up a shortcut that makes the screen go black

[@AndrewMasters]

Oh

[@scotthayes83]

Lol.....side piece.