Setting up a home Recording Studio

[@stevemalu6780]

I don't know what to say that will be enough to show my appreciation for the time that you've put into this video. This is truly an amazing video.

[@tecraven]

Thank you so much, Steve. Your kind comment really means such a lot!

[@StupidTuberDude]

This truly is an amazing video. I have learned so much and I'm making music for over 50 years. Thank you very much!

[@tecraven]

Thank you, Cor.

[@gobemi5372]

This video was a night event, but it was worth it. Thanks so much for all your work and information!!! I'm a Keylab 49 MK2 + V-Collection and Melodyne Studio owner and I agree 100% with you. Monitors/Speakers: There are several options when it comes to speakers and audio interfaces. The same goes for DAW's. And yes, you can produce music without Apple. At the end of the day you won't hear any difference.

[@tecraven]

Thanks, gobe.

[@philf4086]

Nigel - thank you for the content that you've assembled here! It really is invaluable and I will reference it as my budding home studio grows!

[@tecraven]

You’re welcome, and I’m really happy it’s assisting you in some way.

[@MK-Turtles]

I am much more fun from Ableton Live!!! Thank you very much for the great video!!

[@moserbua]

just started watching today, already love this from minute 1 !!! - THANK you Nigel !!!

[@tecraven]

You're more than welcome!

[@christilynnzen]

Even though it took me most of the day to finish your video (life happens!) it was an excellent use of my time! I thank you so much for all of your insight and sharing your knowledge and experience with the world! I've learned so much! Thanks again!

[@tecraven]

Lovely words, Christi - thank you!

[@coloradocornbread6996]

I'm 30 years old and Save A Prayer is one of my favorite Duran Duran songs. From the USA, thanks for helping me learn more about music and convincing me to buy the Keylab Mkii. Thanks for the wonderful video. Very useful and informative. Cheers.

[@tecraven]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@conistonian1826]

Wow, it really is what the title says ‘The Definitive Guide’. It is a long video, but with good reason, it is thorough and detailed. This video really does cover EVERYTHING you need to know to set up a home studio that perfectly fits your needs. Then it goes on to tell you exactly how to put together your own creations and sharing them on music publishing platforms. Thoroughly researched and presented in an easy to follow style that makes this video the one you need to watch if you want to get your music moving.

[@tecraven]

Thanks, super kind of you to say!

[@roncox4941]

Thank you Nigel for this fantastic video. I have watched the video in two sittings and I am amazed at all the detail and information you have given to everyone. Thank you so much. Ron Cox

[@tecraven]

Thank you kindly, Ron, that’s really nice of you to say. Very much appreciated!

[@williamlocklear9571]

Great video the best most informative video i have found online. Cheers

[@tecraven]

Thank you so much!!

[@adamcaul]

Ok this video is AWESOME!

[@tecraven]

Thanks, Tron!

[@NeoGenus1]

Im so glad i found your channel. Even with decent experience I’m grateful for your research findings and opinions!!

[@tecraven]

Thank you, Michael. Much appreciated!

[@frankcanha]

SUBSCRIBED! Thank you for doing this for us beginners. I also watched your review of the Arturia mk2 and will most likely be getting the Essentials version due to budget. Cheers mate!

[@tecraven]

You're welcome, Frank. The Essentials keyboard is still better than most of the other budget ones I mentioned, just plastic case and different action to higher end Arturia, but still decent and still does, essentially, the same job with same velocity midi capabilities etc.

[@frankcanha]

@@tecraven Actually, I changed my mind. Going to splurge for the mkii but keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal. Currently they are all $549 here in the States. I realized it's better build quality, better keyboard, and will get the 61 key because it's only 3 inches wider than the 49. Thank you again Nigel!

[@tecraven]

@@frankcanha Good choice, Frank. Yes, metal case makes it feel more premium for sure and, yes, the 'action' is a more professional one.

[@raphaeldukhan]

My Goodness!! THIS is THE Bible of "How to set up a recording studio"!!! Sir, Hats off and down to the work done and information given here!! You left me speechless!! I'm subbing right now Thank You very much and Happy new year

[@tecraven]

Wow! thanks Raphael. I'm so glad you took the time to get to the end of it and appreciate the months of work, research and trying and testing that went into it. I'm working on a superb tutorial/article on Addictive Drums 2 software, which is amazing and the only thing you'll need if you don't drum or know a decent drummer. Check out Addictive Drums 2 software by XLN audio and look back here in a month or so for that one.

[@dannymoran52]

God bless you man. I’ve been looking to set up a system like this to use vst - plugins etc but had no idea how to do it and how to get my music recorded and out there. So thankyou Nigel .

[@tecraven]

Hi Danny. Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, my home recording studio is totally 'in the box' now, meaning it's all done in the computer with no outboard rack fx units, just plug-ins. Course, I still use a Nord synth as well as software synths, and a bass guitar and electric guitar too. Glad you appreciated the 'long' video ;)

[@b130610]

I don't know how youtube knew to recommend this to me, but this is just what I've been looking for! Definitely going to be getting a lot of useful information from this. Thanks for all the hard work!

[@tecraven]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@ajtblues]

One of the best videos I have seen here. Lots of thanks! This is excatly what I need and your gear choices help me to make my own decision. I just purchased ArturiA keYlab mk 2 61 and looking forward to test it. Great work, appreciated!

[@tecraven]

Thank you, Ari.

[@stormblessed1794]

Dear Mr. Cooper, just finished your video (in multiple sittings) and I wanted to say "Thank you!" for all the work you have put into this. I especially appreciate that this is done independently, without affiliate links and "paid promotions." I am setting up a home studio at the moment and all of your research is extremely helpful (especially evident after I've spent hours of my time reading about audio interfaces and arrived at Antelope Audio). I also enjoyed listening to the full version of your single (the ping-pong panning of the synths at the start is really neat).

[@tecraven]

I get the 'multiple sittings' bit ;) It is rather long. To be honest, I wasn't familiar with Antelope until I started researching and then I found out that their plugins are right up there too. Yeah, the 'ping pong' pan, a bit 80s, but it had to be done. I only wish I had the TAIP plug in by Baby Audio and Addictive Drums 2 software when I did that song; both of which I have got during the past month. I'll certainly be using the TAIP emulator plugin on pretty much every song I write from now on and although the 'ping pong' song drums were laid down and all done within Logic Pro X, I'll be using Addictive Drums 2 for all my drum parts from now on as AD2 is so much better and so organic. I've already done a short tutorial on TAIP, you should check that out. I'm in the middle of doing a unique review/demo of Addictive Drums 2 also. Glad you enjoyed this video, Stormblessed and thanks for commenting.

[@stormblessed1794]

@@tecraven I look forward to seeing your AD2 review. Have you tried using the "AI" capabilities of Logic Pro's Drummer when working on songs?

[@tecraven]

@@stormblessed1794 When you say 'AI' capabilities, do you mean the real drummers with strange names? If so, yes, they are ok but I find I always have to convert the final beat into a MIDI region so I can edit it and make it more personal to the song. I used this method with my song 'Whoever's Got The Most When They Die, Wins' if I remember correctly. With AD2 on my next song I'll probably use a MIDI drum pad (looking at Alesis Strike Multipad for this. Programming drums via paining in MIDI beats is ok, but lacks the human feel and I know some people use 'finger drum pads' to get around this but, for me, finger pads are no good as you need natural 'stick bounce' for paradiddles and the like and the velocity is more accurate with sticks and a foot pedal. With finger drums if you tap the kick drum with one finger and the snare with another the velocity will be much different to kicking a pedal down with your foot to trigger the kick and hitting a pad with a stick for the snare. I've recorded the first half of the AD2 drums part, should be a few more weeks at the most to complete it.

[@stormblessed1794]

@@tecraven Thank you for your reply and expanding on the use of drum pads for the human feel.

[@kalvino67]

Wow! What a video! You had me as soon as I saw the orange blazer 😛 but I sat through the entire video in one sitting anyway. Very informative!! Well done!!

[@tecraven]

;) Thanks, Kalvin!

[@gtubgle]

Thanks for all your research and info you shared. Extremely helpful.

[@tecraven]

Thank you, Lalux.

[@esmoroglu]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻This is a big thanks to you. I started my home studio with the vast information and inspiration I got from your previous video. Now I am watching the new one with excitement to see your last observations. I became a full UAD invested user, I am happy. Likewise I have the Viscount K4EX and love the sounds on board, but I am going to check the Arturia.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👋🏼

[@tecraven]

Thanks Seyfi. UAD stuff is amazing, good choice there. I think you'll like this video as it goes into way more detail - enjoy!

[@eaabr9595]

Whooa...! Great video...

[@Shady_R]

thank you so much for such amazing and intuitive video.

[@tecraven]

You are welcome, Zayne. Thanks

[@rajeatstarj6003]

Thank you for the detailed explanation !

[@tecraven]

You're welcome, Joshua. Thanks for appreciating!

[@eaabr9595]

Thanks... !

[@Aurelian76]

Thank you for the amazing video. I will go for the Arturia 49 as well. Could you please tell me where did you get the Keyboard stand...it is such an amazing idea and practical. Cheers from Toronto

[@tecraven]

It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44 Like with lots of items these days several companies re-badge the same one so the above two are exactly the same as mine.

[@SrinivasMurty]

What?!? The strapped pencil doesn’t work as a pop filter?? Darn it! 😀 I thought spittle adds a nice “throaty” layer of phlegm to the diaphragm of the mic. No? 😉 2 hrs 11 into it and my brain is a bit overloaded. What a fantastic treasure-trove of knowledge and information. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@tecraven]

Thank you so much, Srinivas.

[@speedbird737]

I'm thinking of purchasing a Keylab 61 MkII for Xmas 2023 - do you still recommend it a few years later after this great video - if not then which one in 2023?

[@tecraven]

It’s still what I use today and there is still nothing better, nothing new has come out over the last couple of years. It is definitely the best midi keyboard controller even today.

[@speedbird737]

@@tecraven many thanks! just ordered it now from a Guildford music shop (Keylab MkII 61 keys in white) mentions it comes with Arturia Analog Lab 3 but assume I get a free upgrade to V !!

[@tecraven]

@@speedbird737 You'll love it. Build quality is superb, action is the best synth action out there by a country mile and the features just work and mapping it to DAW is super easy. The software, even though the free one comes with presets only, is amazing and most people will never need the full version of say a Roland Jupiter 8 to adjust loads of things anyway as the presets are incredible!

[@jamesmauldin5520]

Very helpful, thank you. One piece of equipment not mentioned is the Apple keyboard stand - I'm running out of desk space and it might be useful. What is it?

[@tecraven]

It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. This is the exact one I have www.awavotech.com/laptop-stand/awavo-laptop-stand-ergonomic-adjustable-computer-stand-for-desk/ This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44

[@jamesmauldin5520]

@@tecraven Thank you. Creative thinking to cut it down to size - sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands. Great video, and also the Arturia Keylab video.

[@tecraven]

It’s only a very light alloy material, a fine blade hacksaw only took me a few seconds on each side :-) yes, sometimes you’ve just got to be creative :-)

[@idmusiceducation4304]

Haha 😂 I was thinking exactly the same Googling it as I watch the video

[@lexinaeducation8414]

Thank you so much for such an in depth explanatory video for building a proper setup for a home studio. I was wondering what type of stand you are using for holding the white apple magic keyboard above the level of Arturia Keylab. It is a genius solution to ergonomize the workflow. Where would this stand be possible to purchase? Thank you again! //Kamran

[@tecraven]

Hi Kamran. It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44 Like with lots of items these days several companies re-badge the same one so the above two are exactly the same as mine.

[@roberthodges3522]

Hi Nigel I watched your video from start to finish and it was brilliant 100%. I'm a bit like you when it comes to quality and builds. The first midi keyboard I bought when doing a lot of research was the miniLab mk2. I then moved on later to the same as yours the KEYlab MK2 but I bought the 61Keys. I love the build quality and the controls feel nice. The best feature is that you can control everything In your DAW from the controller and have the option of switching from Analog Lab, DAW, User. The midi keyboard controller is well worth the money!! My setup is a bit like yours and I was looking at your fancy computer keyboard stand. I don't have much room on my desk only a small gap between the monitor and the keyboard and a stand like that would be great. where did you get yours from if you don't mind me asking?

[@tecraven]

Thanks, Robert. It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. This is the exact one I have www.awavotech.com/laptop-stand/awavo-laptop-stand-ergonomic-adjustable-computer-stand-for-desk/ This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44

[@roberthodges3522]

@@tecraven Top stuff thanks for that. I look forward to watching more of you videos.👍

[@williamrose7434]

really appreciate the help .. absolutely T’ for tremendous .. the right price point for the right kit .. thank you .. I’m watching this in 2024’ and have followed some of your recommendations .. just wondering about the audio interface .. Would you still go with the Antelope in 24’ ? Thanks in advance Regards William

[@tecraven]

All I've personally changed since this is I have the Kali IN-8 Wave 2 (second gen) monitors and a KRK S10.4 sub to go with them. Audio interface has been changed to a Focusrite Clarett 8Pre USB as the quality is the same as the Antelope. Over the first two years I found the Antelope to be twitchy regarding reliability and their customer support to be lacking too. Antelope kit is superb quality, but reliability and customer support is not great so I would probably not go with their audio interfaces again.

[@williamrose7434]

@@tecraven ah thank you .. that’s a shame .. when sound quality is sacrificial over a glitch .. any ideas if the newer model/version has maybe resolved these previous model issues ?

[@tecraven]

@@williamrose7434 Not from what I've heard, software issues and glitches are still there.

[@williamrose7434]

@@tecraven ah man .. gutted .. thanks for sharing ..? you’re a good man .. extremely helpful Well appreciated ^just as aside, do you still do the photography ?

[@tecraven]

@@williamrose7434 Definitely still do photography - bit time! I try and do a good mix of photography and music production on my channel. I'm writing a script at the moment for a video called 'The Ultimate Home Digital Darkroom' which I'll be doing in a few months, alongside a new Arturia keyboard. I use Canon R6 MK2 cameras now, over on from the Sony stuff as I found it to be too unreliable and didn't like the sharp pointy edges of Sony mirrorless cameras.

[@cbterry1000]

Hi - great video - where did you get the stand for the computer keyboard? I want one!

[@tecraven]

It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44 Like with lots of items these days several companies re-badge the same one so the above two are exactly the same as mine.

[@juniorarruda1099]

Congrats. Great tips on video!!! I'm thinking why you choose a 49 mkII Arturia and not a 61 mkII Arturia? Theres some special reason (price, size, etc)?

[@tecraven]

For me personally it was just the amount of space it takes up on my desk, just wanted 49-key version to save a a bit of space and I would probably never require the extra keys for my personal synth work.

[@Subjective_JoshNelson]

What is the name of the item that is rising your computer keyboard above the Keylab. Gotta get that and can't find anything like it, only laptop risers? Thanks so much for the vid!

[@tecraven]

Josh, It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. I can't find the Awavo one, but it is a re-branded one anyway. Several companies just re-brand this exact one. This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44

[@benjaminryberg9232]

I saw your video and learned a lot. But where is cubase and why not?

[@tecraven]

Thanks, Benjamin. Oh, yes, Cubase. I guess I just picked the most popular ones, Logic on Mac is about the most popular there and Ableton on PC and I popped in a few others. I guess the DAW is not massively important, so long as it has the features required. But Cubase has come on a hell of a long way from when I remember it 27 years ago ;)

[@walberg61]

Hmm, i like the stand where the (Apple) keyboard is on, what is it?

[@tecraven]

Haha, here we go again. This has got to be, by far, the most asked question about this video so, as usual, I'll cut/paste from one of my answers below for you ;) It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44

[@walberg61]

@@tecraven Ah, thanks, and im from The Netherlands.

[@praveensaml]

Nice Detailed Video....

[@tecraven]

Thank you, Praveen.

[@larryroop5924]

When it comes to Room Monitors you of course recommend the Kali IN-8. what do you know or possibly can say about the Kali LP-6, I am not totally sure they are 3 way. I am not planning on being as much into all you do so I was just wondering if they could get me by for a lesser price tag?

[@tecraven]

I would not go for the LP-6 as the front cover has 'ringing' that gets in the way of the upper-mid frequencies. There are better monitors out there than the LP-6 at the same money. I'd go for Yamaha HS range over the LP-6.

[@larryroop5924]

@@tecraven OK, I guess they came out with a Kali LP6 V2 which is suppose to be an improved version of the LP-6 but the price shot up to $200.00 on those A store I got my Essential 61 keyboard from have the regular LP-6s (not Version 2) for $119.00. Anyway I do appreciate you responding back to my question....One more thing I know you recommend the DT770 Pro Headphones. I was on Beyerdynamic website and under the category of studio and monitor headphones they had the DT 240 for around $69.00. I realize they are not quite as big as the 770 but again for somebody more on a budget but trying to get close to what you recommend do you think they may be a good choice?

[@tecraven]

@@larryroop5924 I’ve never heard the DT 240 headphones. However, the DT 770 pro headphones typically go secondhand on eBay for about 60 percent the new price. Just get the 80 ohm version.

[@larryroop5924]

@@tecraven OK thank you so much for your help. It makes it rough when your on a budget and trying to do something close to what you are doing.

[@larryroop5924]

You mentioned some yahama speakers if Kali was out of my budget do you have any model numbers on any of those? I found 2 separate Kali IN-8 for $250.00 a piece on ebay but they were sort of tore up cosmetically on the outside and things Almost to the point of not wanting to take a chance on them? BTW I do have my eyes on a couple of the headphones DT 770 so I will know more about them in a couple of days.

[@gtlassiter2959]

When doing your research did you look at the Model 12 and if so what was your thoughts about it? Thanks :)

[@tecraven]

Are you talking about the Tascam Model 12 hardware mixer? If so, no. I do everything 'in the box' and as Logic has a mixer built in I have no point for an external hardware mixer, or control desk, virtual or otherwise.

[@gtlassiter2959]

@@tecraven Sir thank you for your reply. Love your content. I recently purchased the Tascam Model 12, and the Key Lab 49 MK II. I am an online student, studying for a Bachelors in Audio Production/Music Production. My core classes start in 5 months. I have a learning curve with all this Technology so I thought I would get familiar with the equipment and the DAW. Keep up the great job and thank you for giving back to the industry. Kind Regards.

[@tecraven]

@@gtlassiter2959 You're welcome, GT. I'm surprised you bought/need an outboard mixing desk though, especially that one.

[@gtlassiter2959]

@@tecraven My sons play the Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Drums, and Alto Sax, and I fiddle around with the Keyboard. Thanks for being the best part in our industry. Cheers

[@tecraven]

@@gtlassiter2959 Wow! Thank you for your kind words, GT.

[@musictheory4u153]

What product is your Apple keyboard placed on?

[@tecraven]

It's actually a Laptop stand made by a company called Awavo. I bought mine on Amazon but the front top support arms were too long and had bits that curled up at the front (to stop laptop falling forward) so I cut them off with a hacksaw (it's only light alloy) to fit the depth of my Apple keyboard. The rubber parts on top of the stand grip the bottom of the keyboard so it does not slip. This is the exact one I have www.awavotech.com/laptop-stand/awavo-laptop-stand-ergonomic-adjustable-computer-stand-for-desk/ This one is made by BoYata, but looks like a re-brand of the identical one I have, available in different finishes too: amzn.to/2Zlnh8c Or if you're in the USA: ​www.amazon.com/dp/B08JD7FN44

[@musictheory4u153]

@@tecraven Thanks. I wish you could buy a “keyboard stand” like that to place my Apple keyboard like that when there’s a MIDI keyboard on the table. Preferably with the option to have the keyboard “hanging in the air” a little bit closer just above the MIDI keyboard. They should make a product category like that. Maybe even with an extension for the mouse if you’ve got 88 keys.

[@walberg61]

which Antelope synergy 4 is this?

[@tecraven]

There is only one Discrete 4 Synergy Core

[@walberg61]

Hmm, how does the mk2 compare to the new mk3?

[@tecraven]

If you're asking about the Keylab midi keyboard they are different models, the MK3 did not replace the MK2. The Keylab MK2 is the top of the range pro grade model made out of metal, while the 'Essential' MK3 is their budget range made from plastic with an inferior keyboard action. Keylab MK2 all the way.

[@walberg61]

@@tecraven i already suspected that, Thanks. I just wanted to hear the answer from a practitioner.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Lol, what’s so wrong with egg cartons?! Too inexpensive? 😉

[@tecraven]

Egg boxes/crates are no good for sound proofing because they are made from thin cardboard and sound waves travel through them. They are simply not dense enough and don’t have the correct acoustic properties to do the job, but then again they were designed to hold eggs so why should they? So, they do not reduce noise in any way, shape or form. Although they can reduce reverberation and sound reflections up to s small degree, they won’t do a job anywhere near as good as quilts and blankets and carpets, let alone specially designed acoustic tiles that are designed to absorb acoustic reflections and reverberations. For me, I’d always choose professionally designed acoustic tiles and bass traps first and foremost. Or if you have zero budget thick quilts and blankets would be a second choice and I don’t think egg crates would ever be a third choice, not even a very distant one. I can’t imagine I’d ever use them. You don’t see egg crates in professional recording studios for a reason.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Well, agreed. Of course, egg cartons are VERY far from ideal, to say the least, but they are free … yes, they break up reflections/standing waves, better than flat parallel walls … Sure, if you have a supply of heavy blankets/curtains from somewhere, use them behind, as well … but we’re talking options for those who are skint/need to spend all their money just to get basic gear together …