The biggest mistake I made with my home studio 🤷‍♂️

[@VenusTheory]

Maybe time for a studio tour soon? 🤔 🎧 AIAIAI Headphones ► aiaiai.audio/venustheory (use code VENUSTHEORY for a free hardcase + free shipping!) ▼▼▼ The other stuff in this video ▼▼▼ Most of my studio gear: bit.ly/3NJmL7k Edison Lamps: amzn.to/31prLMm Desk: amzn.to/3Dl4J64 Chair: amzn.to/3001Xpk Monitor Arm Stand: amzn.to/3E8Qgyh Laptop Synth Stands: amzn.to/3C3A2Uj Tripod: amzn.to/3Euissz Video Lights: amzn.to/3dpfCZW Camera: amzn.to/3xYZ7gB Camera Monitor: amzn.to/3C6obon Camera Mic: amzn.to/3CpxLEq Lens: amzn.to/3fFbmd9 Speaker Stands: amzn.to/3InkBZt MIDI Keyboard: bit.ly/3G7OkDU Audio Interface: bit.ly/31mZExn Acoustic Panels: psyacoustics.com/ (Save 10% with code VENUSTHEORY)

[@silverbulletin846]

thanks awsome video - is the cheap mic the rode one? Edit : found it its the Comica CVM-VM20 thx

[@izsvemira]

Hey man, what's the size of the room?

[@VenusTheory]

​@@izsvemira 20x21ft - not all usable though as the angled ceiling makes the side walls pretty short and it's hard to store things!

[@izsvemira]

@@VenusTheory I was thinking more in terms of standing waves, that's a pretty square floor. I imagine the angled ceiling helps with that?

[@AbrahmLion]

Here's a yes vote for a studio tour

[@NaviRetlav]

Here is my secret for all music producers! Every day, as soon as you wake up, take the vitamin D pill and go outside for 1-2 hour trip to take as much sun as you can. This is what I was missing for past 10 years as a sound designer, and I really regret that I was spending so much time in the dark. I guarantee you that after just a week, your mental health will improve a lot, and your body will also thank you for this. Discovering this was my biggest game changer of this year! It's really worth to try.

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

I definitely agree! I have two morning coffees outside in the sun, while checking emails and notifications, it's a good way to start the day! 👍

[@ftlbaby]

THIS. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXXZZXSNoJV9abc

[@clayteasouth]

So true! Vitamin D ahhh

[@tuesss]

True, vitamin D helps tremendously. I started taking it when I realised there was going to be a potentially serious pandemic, so around March 2020, and I don't think I had ever been so healthy before. However, the second part of your advice is at least equally important. I regret how late I discovered that walking is essential for my body to perform all of its basic functions properly. Sitting 12+ h/day in front of a computer is a recipe for disaster and most physical exercises won't help much. It has to be something that involves movement of one's whole body, and for a significant part of each day. 10 000 steps/day seems like a good compromise when I can't spend more time walking, but I'd love to aim for 15 000. Unfortunately on a day full of virtual meetings it's hard to achieve (I guess I should think of a way to have those while walking?).

[@brianhill2171]

Also exercise. Obviously good for you in all regards, but many musicians, myself included, struggle with ADHD, and exercise is crucial to combatting the negative effects of ADHD

[@some1namedjeff]

Best thing I did with my studio was buy things that clamp on the back of the desk. Monitor arm stands, speaker stands, mic stands, outlets with clamps, cable management trays with clamps, lighting that clamps. You can free up so much desk space by clamping stuff on the back of the desk. Also helps for making things easily adjustable/modular and earthquake-proof.

[@presidentskroob522]

My 'studio' is also my sim racing rig, flight rig, home office, Harry Potter lego collection, retro game console collection, 3d printing rig, and is usually covered in teddies as my daughter wants to sit on my lap and play sims. And I absolutely love it that way!

[@VenusTheory]

Haha quite the setup then. Always good to have a writing partner too!

[@FeAr684]

so good too see im not alone, music, simracing and office in one room, its hard to keep focus in these multi-purpose setups

[@shizzle123pl]

Welcome fellow producers and sim racing enthusiasts ;D

[@neurokinetik64ES]

@@shizzle123pl Also welcome to the "I'll never have enough USB ports" club. 😆

[@Zayn101]

minus the daughter, this is me!

[@DopamineOverload]

Absolutely loved this video. Always dig all your vids, man. My studio mimics my ADHD. It's always chaotic. It's clean and minimal, but the plugged-in gear changes from week to week. Due to immense financial strain that I feel I will never escape, I had to sell $12,000 worth of gear from late 2021 until the present, just to keep myself fed, wi-fi on, and electric/gas operational. I honestly feel like I will never get out from under bills. Selling all the gear I didn't "need" was heartbreaking, as I feel that the more gear I have, the more inspired I am (and this has always been true). I haven't made music largely since my father died unexpectedly in Feb 2019, and then covid. One thing I wonder (and feel free to respond to this comment, anyone out there who can relate)... the more instruments you play, the harder it is to have a humble, minimal studio. I'm a drummer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist/pianist and hip-hop enthusiast/beat producer. And I sing when there's no one else to sing for me or with me. And, I love gaming, too. So, by default, I need in my studio-- a drumkit (electronic or acoustic... these days my acoustic kit is disassembled and stored in an area of my studio), guitar stand with multiple guitars (acoustic and electric), and then there's the midi controllers and whatnot (Novation SL MK3 61-key, some of the smaller ones, Maschine MK3, Launchpad Pro, etc). MPC One, turntable... etc. I truly do miss the gear I had to part with... just hoping and praying to come up from drowning, and turn it all around, financially, in a big way. Not feeling a lot of hope, but I'm trying. Cable management is always tough. USB devices (controllers) and how no hubs ever work well enough to have more than 8 USB devices connected, without weird-ass behavior or flakiness happening in some way... and then, there's the camera stuff. I keep the lighting simple ($20 clamp-on LEDs from Amazon), $20 semi-wide-angle Chinese-made webcams for most of the video (had to sell my beloved Panasonic Lumix G7), etc... just trying to constantly pump out content, with the cheap stuff I have. Another thing that drives me nuts: I live in an older house, with uneven floors, uneven ceilings, weird ceiling angles, etc. It's spacious, but everything is unstable (desks, etc), no matter how hard I try to remedy this. I'd love a modern house with level floors, but... we do what we can. I hope anyone who took the time reading this feels nothing but gratitude for their setup and life... times are tough, depression and anxiety is at an all-time high... and it's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel, even if there is one at all. Stranger, I believe in you. Stay creative as always.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

This channel has become a huge inspiration over the past two days I've known of its existence. Thanks so much for all of your thorough explanations.

[@debarjo]

A gorgeous video my friend! Congratulations!

[@guilhermepborin]

Yes, I love hearing your voice

[@robertsillitoe]

I had the same problem - I do music, and I do work, and I spent 18 months trying to create a space that allows for both. I ended up with a space that is too much of a compromise for both tasks meaning it services neither of them correctly. So this weekend, I have finally set up TWO spaces! A work space and a music space. I can now focus on the task at hand in the optimal set-up for each. The only thing I need to do now is work out a new excuse for why I am not being productive.

[@cryptout]

I only have one space but I use one side for music and the opposite as home-office, the weird thing is that it actually works.

[@VenusTheory]

Haha well lucky for you that's the subject of my next video!

[@els1f]

Yeah. Same. 😬 Only optimization is driving me crazy😭🤣

[@Vivivofi]

@@VenusTheory can’t wait !!

[@SineEyed]

​@@VenusTheory seeing a response from you with an exclamation point in it looks kinda funny - almost like you shouldn't be allowed to do that.. 😛

[@axonassault]

One thing that gets missed by nearly every studio, your video screen needs to be at the right level. The very top of the screen should be at your eye level. This means your head will be slightly tilted down. It seems small and unimportant, and, like I said, I never see this done right in studios, but tilting your head up constantly is so freaking bad for your back, neck, and head. If you get headaches after a session, chances are either it's eye strain or neck strain. Check any info on office ergonomics and they'll say this. Also, if you ever feel like you are getting "tennis elbow" switch to a vertical mouse. There are a lot of them nowadays. As someone who works as a programmer by day and producer by night, these two things were absolute life changers. It just kills me to see people straining their neck looking at their screens because back problems are in the post.

[@ansmfella]

As well as minimalistic considerations you've covered for setting up one's studio, I have found the concepts found in Feng Shui also very interesting in application. For instance.. Placing the desk in the "command position" (back to a far wall, facing the entrance of the room) I found really helps a primal portion of the brain relax because it no longer needs to worry and protect your back if someone or something enters the room behind you. Seems subtle but having your back protected, facing and welcoming what/whoever may enter your room releases and raises your focus and energy on what's at hand.

[@redstonegangster5575]

I can’t believe I just heard you say aiaiai seriously multiple times

[@VenusTheory]

Nailing down the pronunciation took way more tries than I'd like to admit.

[@seanp2k617]

Fr tho their wireless ones are legit, they’ve solved the latency issue with their tech. I’m not a pro drummer by any means but they’re the first wireless monitoring that I can actually use. My previous setup was IEMs + a digital MiPro wireless monitoring system. That’s probably better for the stage, but I don’t need it at home anymore.

[@redstonegangster5575]

@@VenusTheory I can imagine lol. Great vid tho thank you for being the hero we need

[@hedda8346]

I was about singing "...canta y no llores" :p

[@elliotthall5543]

This video taught me nothing at all about synths or music...yet was one of the most valuable I've watched in probably a couple of years. I'm right behind you, not just in my studio, but in my life. Thanks for this video, man!

[@callbackdons]

Elliot Hall, same. The whole time I was watching I was thinking in abstraction‒my studio space, the kitchen ..how every flat surface in the house seems to be just a dumping ground for the last thing I did in that vicinity haha

[@MantaAudio]

astonishing, how every VenusTheory-video looks like a movie. Every camera angle is just delicious. BIG UP!! So nice to watch!

[@dannyknightmedia]

😂

[@zuur303]

When I redid my studio just before the pandemic (how's that for timing!) I bought a label printer and labeled every cable. Where it went, where it came from. Every power adapter got a label describing what it powered. Since only the biggest brands still brand their power adapters, that is a huge time saver. Also no more awkwardly sitting under the desk gently tugging at some cable to see what moved. :)

[@marcus268]

I did the same, also color coding the cabels is very helpful. It pays off, when you also color code the jack where the cable is put on your device.

[@kareljanda3399]

@@marcus268 That's what I did last time I had to dismantle the studio because of a gig. Color coding with a piece of tape made getting everything working again so much easier. Also I sometimes write down the setup, especially midi routing. Taking photos of your mixer setting helps with gettting levels right again and makes EQuing much faster.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

I use those plastic bread tie clips. They fit perfectly. A lot of them already have a sticker on them you can scribble on, and they come in various colors. I just put them in a drawer as I get bread and eventually amassed a sizable pile. Clip one on each end, write what it is on the clip with a sharpie, and you're good to go.

[@elliotr9095]

When you said "with having all of this stuff, there was a sense of obligation to use it", that echoed my exact sentiment from one or two months ago when I made a concerted effort to re-design my own relatively-new studio. This year I finally came into the money to buy the things I needed/wanted for making music: - A strong computer - Sample libraries largely of my choosing for every orchestral instrument category - Nice plugins I'm glad I stopped buying things fairly early on, as it wasn't actually as early on as it could have been. I learned I really only want to use one or two reverbs for orchestral music, not... 8. I really only want to use a small handful of every other kind of plugin. I don't actually want my 55" 4K 120FPS 9ms latency TV as a monitor, as it serves mostly as a large, acoustically-untreatable reflective surface that I have to strain my neck to make full use of. Less really can be more. I just want to make music, I have almost no interest in acquiring any more 'things' (besides maybe replacing my TV with a normal people monitor - anyone want a TV?), sample libraries, plugins. I just want to practice scoring, writing my own music, and sleeping and eating healthily. And probably socializing more. Having too many *things* gave me a strong sense of responsibility to constantly be auditioning different reverbs, synths, compressors etc. for 'the right one', when in reality I was almost equally happy with them all. They're all fun to dial in in their own way, but that fun quickly becomes exhausting and a huge distraction from the only reason I cared to buy this stuff in the first place.

[@HowlingUlf]

I built a cheap ass particle board studio table which is stable as a rock. It's also HUGE and I love it. Computers round my feet, MIDI pedal board on a rolling shelf under the computers. One 19" inch rack on each side with patch bays of which 8 goes between the racks. 48 holes so I have plenty of patching rooom. Everything is connected or maximum a patch cable away, if it's not already normaled. A controller keyboard I can roll away into the table top, and of course a screen on top. QWERTY keyboard in front of the MIDI keyboard, easy to move away and make room for a huge working area if I need it. Damn, I wouldn't change a thing. Except ... I had some ideas haha. But it's more cosmetic changes than functional. Best set up I've ever had. Plus guitars on the walls or couorse :D

[@stateazure]

My studio is a lot smaller than your space, which also forces optimisation. I'm also not a collector of gear, so that helps with the limitations. Redundant gear usually gets sold, with only a few things shelved. Gaming rig, sim rig and VR space are in a separate room. My studio really is just for music production and nothing else, so when I walk into that room it's for one reason only. My studio is somewhat inspired by Martin Sturtzer's studio, which is even more optimised than mine! Your studio looks awesome, and probably suits your content better and I'm also jealous, of all the space you have to play with there.

[@frigginFin]

You forgot to mention the random cat appearance in the studio... 😎

[@DirettoIZM]

Great video, as usual. One new thing I recently did was to create a "portable" desk that has my iMac, Arturia Keylab 88, smaller monitors, headphones and audio interface on it that I can literally "wheel around" into whatever room in my house inspires me. Looking out different windows, heck, just being in a different room does something for my mindset. Ultimately, I'll mix it all in the regular studio, but when creating being free to move around seemed to inspire me.

[@hleet]

Thanks for the recommandation book :)

[@taquachicuhhans4744]

When I worked for SSL, we had a presentation called “why do you work that way”. It’s a 25 minute presentation in three parts. 1) physical aspect was placement of your gear. With the right placement of your gear, your workflow is comfortable. 2) emotional. Your environment such as climate, ambient lighting and anything that helps with inspiration will increase productivity 3) cognitive. Learning your DAW, drum machine, synth etc (RTFM Read The Fu$&en Manual) and when to be creative. If you stop being creative to learn how to do something on your gear, your creativity decreases. In some cases you get burnt out.

[@adroitsynthesis]

I live on a boat so my "studio" is a tiny area about 10'x6'x6'. I also live off grid and try to get by on just solar power. These constraints actually help create focus. My kit is stripped back to just a laptop, second screen, MIDI keyboard, control surface, audio interface, mic, amp, monitors, headphones, a couple of tablets, a phone, paper notepads and a pen. One key thing missing from your studio is a view of the outside world. I'm lucky to have a fabulous view of a river and trees out of the windows and I move the boat about a bit so one day I might be looking east and another west. I also sit outside when the weather is nice and enjoy watching and listening to the wildlife. I can then go back into my tiny space and get stuff done with a clear mind.

[@DmitryPuffin]

Buying monitor arm was the best decision I ever made. It saved be a ton of desk space and I got just simple IKEA standing desk, so I can adjust height of it depending on my mood. Since I have similar situation as you, where I work/produce music/chill on the same spot, I try to free up as much space as I can all the time, but keep all necessary things accessible to finish tasks. I lent pieces of gear that I don't frequently use to my friends, by that I don't have a lot of space taken by gear I don't use, and friends are happy, because they got some new toys to play. Also, I know for sure, that if I will sell that gear, I won't miss it in my workflow. And last thing I did to have more focus: I decided to not buy new gear for a year and try to write music with what I have. It's already 1,5 years passed and I still continue my journey, learning tools I own. I started to produce a lot more stuff and quality increased significantly. I remember myself 15 years ago sitting with an old PC and cheap headphones, running old version of FL studio and exploring sounds, and that for sure was the most productive time of my life, but limitations and lack of knowledge didn't allow me to do my best back then.

[@kosisochukwuobiekwe1213]

I'm loving this new demeanor that is coming with your self-reflection and introspection. I'm learning a lot about the realistic aspect of being a musician with a musical career. I do not regret subscribing by a mile sir 🤝

[@Charlie_Echo]

Thanks for this ❤️ My whole life needs a clear-out and declutter at the moment and this video really made me think about finding the purpose of that and giving the process some focus. Useful thoughts.

[@jloiben12]

The far and away biggest improvements in my workflow has been getting a patchbay and a heavy duty, proper, midi hub. Now I can just have things always set up and ready to go. All I have to do is either patch things in or I have to click a few buttons to get the right midi to the right place and I am good to go. This has both sped up my workflow and has made me want to just do more

[@muralist_]

Absolutely true. I work both as a professional artist (painting huge murals, designing on photoshop / clip studio etc) and as a composer, writing all kinds of genres. The best thing that I could have done, was the moment where I decided to split up my computer & desk into two computers on two desks. Both actually in the same (big) room, but on the opposite sites. Both arranged with tools and applications ONLY for that certain purpose. So... when I'm sitting in one 'corner' I can't be distracted by other things. I work on that thing only, with that mindset and those particular tools and setup. Works perfectly!

[@ChristopherOrth]

Great vid, and well done on your process! I've also found that documentation is crucial to not getting lost down a trail over and over of trying to remember what midi channel something is receiving, etc. Label everything. Keep documents of all the audio and midi routing, and anything else you find yourself looking for over and over. Same with having one folder on cloud sync with all my gear pdf manuals in it so any device can call up and answer a use questions super quick when they come up.

[@dordly]

This is a subject I learned about when studying Buddhism. I don't consider myself a Buddhist, but it has changed my life more than anything else. I don't keep things I don't have a good use for (I initially threw all my things away but after a year I started needing things like a mattress and computer again, I just remind myself occasionally that I don't need those things to live), I sleep in a different room than I spend time awake in, and the only thing I'm missing now is a different place to work on music and videos, but I only have one good computer system so I simply make do and don't stress over something I have no control over especially since it isn't a big inconvenience. I recommend trying to find something from every religion you can take from whether you're looking for a religion or you just want to live better, and personally Buddhism has offered me the most. It's a lot of little things that really help if you tend to suffer in your daily life.

[@BoBeats]

thanks for the shout out and lovely video! very relateable

[@RandomNoiseMusic]

This is so true and even more some in the virtual world where you don’t have the physical limitations to constraint you from buying tons of vsts.. 😅🥲

[@krazywabbit]

What has worked for me is breaking my room down into stations. I work from home so I have a work station. There is the video production/gaming station. And the "noise making" station. This creates a mental perception of areas within an area. I also have place where I put things that are portable so when I get tired of being in the room, I can go play in the sun. Is all of this perfect? Nope. Am I having fun. Yep!

[@aizoyurei]

Wow! Lots of great tips! And lots of inspiring stuff. Funny how this is super relevant to what I'm dealing with right now (Siri/algorithm listening to me again, perhaps?) I recently moved (bought a house! Woo!) and I've been slow to set up my home studio because I've been trying to do things right. What defines "right" keeps changing. At my old place, I tried to make it so that every single piece was hooked up at all times but it just became a mess, especially since the space was rather small. But not that I have a bigger place, I was inclined to "tetris" everything into the right space. But what I ended up deciding was that I really REALLY liked the minimal look and feel of the room before I unpacked all the gear, so I decided that the absolute necessities will remain on my desk at all times. As for the rest I'm trying to build a kind of modular set up. Not actual modular but swapping pieces of gear in and out-man, you know what I'm talking about. Anyway, The cables that connect to the interface will be in the back of the desk but will retract and hang on hooks somewhat out of sight when not used. When I want to add something, like my Microfreak, I can just pull the relevant cable out and connect it. But power also becomes a problem so I'm trying to figure out a way to add a power outlet to the rear of the desk so that I don't have to crawl under the desk every time I want to add or take away something. One of thse desk power outlet clamps might work but I'm still trying to figure it out. Either way, there's so many good ideas in this video, so who knows, I might just ball up my plans and start from scratch... Thanks for the vid!

[@midimike88]

Yep, same problem, then built a new desk, and now I'm up and running!! I found the desk was the center hub of all of my work flow. Have fun, good luck!!

[@bradrenner6630]

Fantastic subject. As a gear hoarder myself, this gives great inspiration to start organizing my space. Thank YOU!

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Something I found pretty helpful. Take a synth and a laptop/iPad and go somewhere else. Maybe a spot somewhere else in your house, or maybe a studio space, cottage, someplace else. But only take one or two things is key. I found this to be freeing and I was more productive.

[@VenusTheory]

Yeah in another life I feel like I could just have Bitwig, a MPE/MIDI controller, and the Iridium and I'd be good to go. Wants vs. Needs is a reeeeally important thing to remember!

[@peacevalleyaudio5496]

For about a year I had a photography and music studio in the same room. (our master bedroom) Now our 19 year old son moved out and my wife and I have utilized his room for a dedicated photography (for me) and crafts studio (for Her) . We thought sharing a roon in a smaller townhome was gonna suck, but it doesn't. We actually spend a little more time together. That's a bonus i guess. LOL But anyways having my music and photography separated now has not only reduced clutter, it has also created some harmony for my wife and I. Cheers to you Cameron

[@LiveReview]

Nice )

[@MrEarlabs]

As usual : spot on! Now, get to work!

[@luizfreitag]

I'm currently rebuilding my studio from scratch and this video just inspired me so much! thx!

[@brandtreppond2167]

I've never enjoyed watching someone talk and clean their room more than I do right now lol you rock!

[@micah_noel]

I live full time out of a Chevy Astro and when I upgraded from my previous vehicle imagined having so much more room. But it’s still a tiny space and I constantly have to think of ways to make it more efficient. I always say that not having a real space for an ergonomically functional studio is the biggest downside of this lifestyle. It’s not practical to leave all my gear in “desk mode”. I don’t want to risk things flying around when I slam on my brakes. I also feel better about packing it away in case of a break-in, so I conceal my valuables and place a decoy laptop where one would easily find it. And believe it or not I still have things I don’t really need or use. I flatscreen tv(that I can use as a monitor but don’t). An acoustic guitar (I’d rather play electric). My bed is a futon and in theory I can put it up to create a comfortable place to sit and work but instead I sit cross-legged on the flat bed and get extremely uncomfortable after only a few minutes. I need to prioritize my comfort so I can get a good nights sleep every night so I let things slide as far as the quality of my “studio”. But I keep thinking I can do better and have the best of both worlds, all without paying rent of course.

[@hvdnmusic5996]

Hey. Thank you for sharing. I had to pause the video halfway to run down to my basement homestudio and take out a lot of clutter. Now it feels so much better 😎

[@simonjanssen8366]

I have just recently realized this at my studio at home! Changed up a few things, got my tools way more into my reach - it's way more fun to just jump into production now!

[@dennisflax]

Fantastic book & 'filter' for living. It was my favorite book from 2014, and you got me thinking of just gifting it to everyone on my gift list for the holidays.

[@songwritertill8726]

Love the way you came up with: "..after a certain point priorities produce procrastination.." So true. Great video's and I am a massive fan of your channel.👍🎵👍

[@g3cd]

I had the same problem that I had to setup and connect synths all the time to make some music as my old desk was too small (and had also to be used for home office). I now have a big studio desk with everything permanently installed and just being able to switch on my stuff, use a patchbay to add a reverb pedal to the chain or use a sidechain pedal for some instant oomph makes "making music" so much more "accessible" and satisfying. I did spend 4 weeks under the table though, laying cables (and then redoing them like you did as I created several gordian knots in the process) and I will probably get a) some 8-wire multicore cables and b) some audio over RJ45 hubs (like the Thomann "sssnake Cat Snake 3MB") to clean up the cable mess even further. What I didn't expect when redoing/upgrading everything was spending 1300€ on cables (as I thought I already had pretty much every cable on the planet) and that the new 43" display would amplify ground noise - that I hunted down for 2 weeks and solved with some badass Palmer line isolation boxes and highly optimised gain settings. I'm now very poor, tired and exhausted but so much happier as it finally all "just works" and "everything has a place where it belongs". I need that for my workflow. 😅

[@ncapone87]

Great video! It's important to have a space that works for you creatively. From 2016-2021 I was renting a two bedroom house and the second room was used as my home studio. It was pretty small and I was going through constant changes but I was super productive in it. I could only afford to keep what I would use so everything had a distinct purpose. From 2021-August 2022 I was renting a three bedroom apartment but there were so many issues with the unit itself that made me not want to be there, combined with the fact that I worked from there too, so it became almost a chore to write music. Now I've downsized to a two bedroom apartment but I am renting a studio space out of the house. I spent the last few months reorganizing everything and now I've finally gotten back to a good spot where I can feel creative again. I spent the last year buying a lot of gear but it's carefully curated so that everything has a function. I love it and I hope to make some videos like yours some time. Thank you for the advice!

[@telumatramenti7250]

Dude... Single VESA computer monitor holder arms for all your desktop synths. 3-4 arms on each pole aligned vertically, a synth on each arm. Long rectangular form factor synths connect to VESA on the side, and non-standard synths (like Iridium) either have 4 VESA holes at the back, or you could fashion a metal plate with brackets. 1. Solves most of the dust problem settling in and making pots sound scratchy (I did something similar for my sub-mixers and mixers too) 2. When you're working with just one synth - you swing the rest out of the way to the back of your desk, and it suits minimalistic work style perfectly 3. Immediately frees up the desk surface for your laptop or desktop monitor and keyboard/mouse, and if you want to fill the remainder of your desk with chaos of rat nests of cables, fx pedals, notes and connectors - so be it. 4. For the semi-modular synths - they align top to bottom this way just as good as with the Eurorack, except it's much cheaper than 2-3 Euroracks. Go to 1:29 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lavXqIupiJ50bLs I have no idea why I haven't thought of this years earlier, because despite HEPA filters I had to constantly clean my pots, or else end up covering my hardware with ugly fabric or plastic covers all the time. Anyway, just thought of throwing it out there.

[@QuiethouseRecording]

A friend just shared this with me today because I've started a purge of all the clutter in my own studio. So much money sitting here in gear that I almost never use or have a faster better sounding solution for. I love the essentialism book as well. Thanks for this!

[@andrewsimmons8051]

This was enlightening to say the least. Been struggling with similar issues. Space is always an issue.

[@stevenstringer7401]

I've been doing a version of this since I moved to Chicago. I've come up with a couple of simple mobile rigs that I can go anywhere with using either an iPad AIR or my laptop and a Novation Launchkey Mini MK 3. I added a Launchpad Mini Mk 3 to the laptop rig and it all just works. It's good enough. It's all easy to set up and fits into a backpack. I also tore through my storage unit and got rid a just about everything. I sold off a bunch of gear that I've accumulated over the years but didn't use anymore. I reduced everything to my desktop and related tech stuff, clothes, my "library," some dishes that I refuse to let go of and personal mementos. It has been quite liberating to know that that I won't be dragging a bunch of junk with me from here on out. Being fully mobile has also made me realize what I actually want in my studio so that I can get the most out of my studio . I just made mental notes of what I kept wishing that I had with me right then so that when I set my studio back up I'll have it all ready to go. I won't waste time and space on things that aren't going to help me make music. I took all that and applied it to my collection of VSTs. I've culled a bunch out and reduced it down to the instruments and effects that I actually like and use. Simplify, simplify, simplify!

[@carbonvibes]

The timing of this video is perfect. Thanks for sharing!

[@VenusTheory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Anne-bf2fb]

I love what you said WHAT I NEED IS THE STUFF THAT MAKES ME WANT TO MAKE STUFF

[@sparks3019]

Thanks for the video/discussion. I, too, am stuck in the middle of many years of synth collecting and too many tasks for the space and time at hand. When I sit down and think about it, I really enjoy the process of learning new gear and VSTs to the detriment of making music. When I make music it is either in the studio with a lot of gear or practicing on a live setup with some gear. Totally different approaches. Add the guitar setup and repair bench, the soldering station (to replace all of those old caps and cold-soldered joints), shelves for pedals/CDs/LPs/manuals, bins for parts, hanging cables etc. and aaaaargh! So I’ve had a single guitar and keyboard set up in my home office just so I don’t have to think about it all. It’s time for a purge! 😢

[@mass-1128]

I think it's important to create a studio space that will make you walk in & leave with the right mindset everyday. Also, getting some sunlight in your studio does wonders, and having a great view to the outside is a bonus. It's all about creating a studio that is inspring to you.

[@Noise-Conductor]

Changing my setup so that I had a view to the outside REALLY helped!

[@79Daver]

To me sunlight is an enemy in there. It shows the painful truth of dust on gear blehh

[@mass-1128]

@@79Daver Haha yeah I feel you, but the gear must be cleaned anyways.

[@ParadiseProjectsGroup]

Nice video, I just deep cleaned my control room, about 1.5 times per year . . its a nice creative reset. I always set my lighting, wallpaper, incense, candle etc before I start working/playing. Glad you touched on this . . I think its very important, very useful.

[@ivanestades5903]

I dabbled a lot about my setup as a very informed noob and enthusiast, I managed to score some pretty amazing instruments but living in a small flat with two cats made this endeavor a very carcinogenic one. I even sold my vermona because of the danger of so many knobs. I had a struck of genious and managed to create my setup inside a dresser with big drawers which miraculously could hold my vermona as if racked so now I just open my two drawers and play, then close them and that's it. Immediacy, security and order. All of the cables go through the back as I made a couple of holes to the MDF back pannel. All digital, all CC controlled. The gang, cirklon, micromonsta 1 and 2, digitakt and launch control XL + 2 midi fighter twister. I don't really want anything else, time to just enjoy at last!

[@stuff6218]

Split-side cable sleeving is very handy for de-spaghettifying. Your new setup looks great!

[@VenusTheory]

Thinking I might go with that next! Currently I just use a bunch of velcro ties which works well enough since I need to occasionally swap a cable or two but undoing one sleeve instead of like 5 ties might be a bit more efficient 😅

[@dharmageek3732]

Wow thanks for this honest look at your self and your purpose as well as your setup. I’m just starting on the exact same process - ouch the truth hurts a bit. But this is so essential and necessary - Thank You so very much!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Loved this video! I went through a similar process about four months ago. It's still not perfect, but it's a little more fun to use now...

[@VenusTheory]

'instagram ready' is never going to happen when you're actually using a space for sure - most you can do is make it work for working!

[@Sharpened_Spoon]

Wonderful advice. I converted my van to a camper and learned a lot about having a very short list of uncompromisable priorities, then just making everything else work around them. It worked out amazing and now I feel ready to take on the home music workspace design; using another lesson I learned, to just get it set up and use it before settling on the full finish of the space. For anything that may change, don’t sweat the material or colour etc. it won’t be right the first time, the second thought is almost always better than the first, then you can pick out some fancy expensive wood top for the internets to appreciate.

[@DaveDickens]

My home studio is simple, computer, DAW with VSTs, midi controller keyboard, a couple of monitors and headphones, job done! Great video, cheers Dave oops I forgot the guitars, who forgets guitars?

[@MarlonGibbons]

As always, another great video! I feel pretty much the same on all your points. Efficiency, to me is very important, but so is vibe/mood. I'm forever changing lighting and esthetics (inexpensive solutions). Love the story-telling production of your content!

[@Ulvens]

Minimizing the gear directly in my studio helped a lot. I now only have one wavetable synth, one classic analogue, one drum synth, a mixer, a multi purpose sampler, and the xd. It feels so much better, and it also upped my creativity. Next step is to get some plants. I think that will suffice. I also started making music outside the studio, and it feels so good.

[@smokinjoe45]

good thoughtful points from a thoughtful man. Well done on the studio, looks great

[@dooshnukem32]

It's funny you posted this, today is round 2 for me of the very same process. Always a slog, but a good refresh is so rewarding.

[@debeurre123]

Form follows function! Get the things you need in your space, then fill the rest with what you want where applicable to match your style. For a long time I had 8 guitars in my little 10 x 10 studio and clearing them down to 2 was the greatest decision I made. Painful, but great!

[@jaimeross7507]

This video is GOLD!!!!....as was Bo B &AZURE....You inspire myself and others....for that.....Thank You.

[@deanjones5229]

I went through the same tasks to feel good in the space, nice to see and read comments here on other people's setups. The major thing for me was a patch bay and having for example a pedalboard beneath the modular that can be wired in stereo and I can send anything into it or out. Basically a nice matrix system. Everything is wired and clocked into logic so I'm good to go without any wiring. The next step would be having a desk clamp for a condensor mic so I can quickly record demo vocals or acoustic guitars without going through a major setup. But yea, I guess immediacy and quick access to instruments works for me! Really like your new desk setup ,that's next for me! I'd love a midi keyboard tray underneath the desk.

[@AndreaGiordaniComposer]

Love it! Made some changes as well when a new PC arrived. Always a good opportunity to turn things around.

[@Reflekt0r]

Glad you still have the plants. 🍀

[@haraldeliasson4009]

Great vid. Removing digital clutter is something that really helps me. Plugins that I don't use, extra folders, unnecessary files etc. Everything in the trash every 6 months :)

[@CybreSmee]

I did the same a year or so back. Got rid of everything except my Montage8 and a mixer, two things I felt the most important for tactile writing and producing. Sold my Argosy, all of my synths and speakers. I literally cut a door in half and thats my desk, its the best production desk I've ever owned. I now only have two main hardware pieces that I know inside and out and use constantly. Its very liberating, and great for the bank account.

[@PGvideoinc]

As always a great video and super relevant to my own decluttering. I've the laptop stands thing too and it seems to create much more space than I thought it would. I also did a left hand / right hand audit of the things on my desk and the units at the side which has helped.

[@LesTutosdeHuito]

awesome content! thanks! I think your video quality is outstanding: would you mind sharing your video settings please? do you use a special picture profile? and how about your export settings? thanks again, that'd be really helpful

[@paulroyle-grimes8279]

The serendipity of this video is uncanny! I just spent the whole of last weekend doing this very thing! My main concern was “wasting time”. But as it turns out I feel more at ease know that it is done and therefore am more ready to tackle projects!

[@ericmontgomery5241]

You have some great music and congrats on the Spitfire library. Your videos are instructive and educational, always. Just have to get you to stop saying "howdy doody buckaroonies". You are correct. No two studios will be the same. Depends on your workflow, the size of the space and what makes you comfortable and creative. In my case, I changed EVERYTHING. Used to have a room full of synths, literally. Now I have a stand that hold the keyboard controller, powered monitors and the computer keyboard and next to it is a medium size rack for outboard processors and my apogee converters. Nothing else is in there and the room feels so open and professional. Spruced it up with some mid-century mod shelves and artwork. Lastly, I added lighting to set the mood. Get a Bliss Light Sky light and do some LED backlighting.. Oooo!! It's the best thing I've ever done! Fewer items, but everything is high quality. If I could just become a drug dealer for a week or knock over a bank, I can get some Genelec Monitors and I'll be set!

[@stickster]

A simple message well delivered. Thanks for the time and energy you put into showing us what you've been doing, on top of the actual doing of it. A couple thoughts... Making your space functional is absolutely the most important thing. You can't be happy doing anything (music, work, whatever) if you're constantly either frustrated by the way your environment is setup, or if something about it makes you unhappy. Make your space work for you. If the thought of doing a "deep cleanse" or a big project to change everything is daunting, try doing things incrementally. Find one small thing you don't like and fix it. Once you do this a few times, you'll build both your ability to identify worthwhile fixes, and your confidence in yourself to achieve the goal of making change. Make enough small changes, and the end result can surprise you with how far you've come. Or, it might even inspire and empower you to see bigger change through to completion. Like some other commenters, my studio and work areas share a room. I realized that because my work and my passion shared the same space too closely, I didn't feel good when I came back to the same space to create after work. It was too much like going back to work. (I love my job but not in the same way I love music.) For me, just separating my work space from my studio desk was enough. Simply changing my perspective inside the room helped me build a mental separation between work and music. Thanks for continued food for thought! Love the new directions you're taking this channel. It was already fantastic and now it's even more so.

[@marylewis3311]

I just got the book and I am loving it. Thanks 🙏❤️🙏

[@mousewrangler]

Really grateful to have come across your channel. Absolutely fascinating content (and you're very listenable, if that makes sense). I'm just dabbling on and off in music but I love it and want to learn more about it. So your videos are very helpful - thank you!

[@rollandjoeseph]

Great book..ill have to revisit it! In my studio, I have limited but nessasary gear due to budget but it keeps it simple..nice job on your studio

[@TonyThomas10000]

I immediately thought of State Azure's setup when I started watching your video and then you mentioned it. I love the way he has things set up! I work completely in the box with nothing other than an audio interface, MIDI interface, headphones, small audio monitors, and an iPad (other than computer, monitor, mouse, and keyboard). Everything fits on a small table in front of my comfy recliner. That allows me to focus better on music making and sound design (even though I use several sequencers and hundreds of VSTis and audio plugins). More gear = more cables, more space, more electricity, and more confusion. Been there, done that. As a result, I have been all in the box since the late 90s.

[@MattJoyce01]

Have to say there are far too many folk making videos about the space they use to make videos. I like that you added your usual philosophical slant, which at least made me think a bit. Bravo.

[@chinmitten]

Beautiful spot. I just moved into a relatively cramped space without a lot of character and this was solid motivation to finally get things just set up and wired

[@SeleckPlays]

This is quite relevant for me since I'm currently working through my own home-office-to-studio makeover. I use the during the day for my remote job, and I've struggled with direction on how to make it better. I realized that instead of it being a home office that doubles as a studio, I should think of it as a studio that doubles as a home office. Similar to your thought process, this has helped me know what compromises I can live with and what I can do to set myself up for success in what gives me meaning in life - creating music.

[@timgalletas3856]

Wow this video came to me at the perfect time. I struggle with gear anxiety. Not sure if that’s the term used when you gotta have everything in you camera bag or visually in front of you to use it. What you said about using something because you have it doesn’t mean you should. I’ve been there many times and at the end of the day I end up not filming or producing music because the anxiety weaned off the excitement. I want to be able to focus on one thing at a time without worrying about if I have the right gear with me. I have 4 midi keyboards and they are just collecting dust. I realized I have then there mainly because they look great with the color lights on etc, but am I creating music? No. They feel more like studio props sometimes. Im going to buy the book you mentioned because it sounds little I struggle prioritizing what’s important and get distracted very easily. Just a quick question, have you ever suffered anxiety over what camera gear to bring with you? Have tons of camera bags just to record something from that probably my iPhone can do in just a second. Anyways, great content!

[@kaos01]

I recently updated the whole home setup. Went from single screen to dual screen (5120x1440) with a desk arm, put my Adam A7X monitor's on proper stand, changed the lighting and cablemanaged so hard that you practically can't see any wires at all anymore. I got more stuff, hence the second screen and stands, but i feels so much more spacious. Love it :)

[@LoveMeBack]

During the years I’ve tried many setups in my 1 room apartment. None of them worked for me somehow. I hate clutter, but want quick and easy access too whatever I have too. A few years ago I got Inspired by the Arkadi studio session on Steinberg then the home studio pictures on Steinberg. I love how Arkadi has the monitor low on the desk and close to the seating position. I have mine a bit further away though. It’s Quite intimate and it prevented neck problems from constantly looking up and down from keyboard or controller to the screen. I also bought the XKey he uses. Saves so much space. I also hated my desk. Just like Arkadi and the pictures on Steinberg I’ve always had a dinner table. Several of them but end up hated them. Because I live in a 1 room apartment a studio desk would stick out like a sore thumb. I finally found one after months of searching that I loved immediately, it was quite expensive but worth it still. It’s huge and sturdy, because it has to fit my dual monitor setup and monitor speakers. Last but not least cable management. Never could find a proper solution for this pita but thanks to the monitors low on the desk I can hide every cable behind the monitors out of site. I have the cables set and marked in a way I can quickly hook up my gear etc. so my desk stays clutter free. After so many years I can say my little home studio is finally done.

[@SirCarrington]

This video just gave me the motivation I need to fix my own studio. Thank you for making it.

[@thejasontlewis]

I too suffer from the continuous influx of gear that's part of being a tech/music youtuber, although I'm also aware that if I stopped buy other gear I'd have to eventually use the gear I have. I feel like I'm more of a collector of gear as opposed to a musician sometimes. In addition to making videos I also do a lot of streaming and need to be set up for that at a moment's notice, so I've tried to merge my video/streaming and music production setup while having the music stuff mostly on the other side of the room and the video/streaming setup where the PC lives. I run 3-4 cameras at a time and use a Rodecaster Pro 2 for the live stuff and a Presonus StudioLive 32SX for the music stuff. It works, but it's not perfect. We're moving to a new house this week and I've been driving myself nuts about how to set it up once I'm there.

[@RandNMusic]

Woohoo always hits the nail on it's head love the video

[@WagnerKoop]

I've been feeling this so hard lately dude. I recently did kind of a remodel/reorganizing of my desk and surrounding area in my bed room where I got a new desk, found some better ways to access more of my gear right in front of me for making music, but at the same time it really just made me realize I wish I had space to put all my computer shit in that wasn't my bedroom. :/

[@DanielHolter]

Great book, favorite of mine after being gifted it a few years ago. Removing distractions and focusing on fewer quality components is an absolute game changer for creative workflow. At least for me. Cut the clutter. 😂 Good on ya, onward!

[@famousarmystudio]

I’ve recently gone through this same scenario. Balancing my studio as my business as well as a creative space. I ended up selling off all of my Eurorack gear, a few vintage samplers that just never got used and had gained serious value, and some Elektron boxes that I just felt were overlapping other boxes I like. Now I’m left with %25 of the gear I had, but it’s fast and fun to get creative and well placed so they are visually inspiring when not being used. Really great topic to cover.

[@ted7208]

I work on keeping all my gear in reach and decluttered. Cable management is number one. Keeping all Audio Cables Separate from my Power Cables and if they need to cross paths I make sure they cross perpendicular to reduce interference. Out of line of site too. I have my Moog Eco system going thru a Zoom H6 as a mixer then into my Apollo X4 using two channels and the other 4 inputs I use for a Mic and Guitar Amp running out of a FX Pedal Board. Very Clean set up. But I feel it’s too much or overwhelming. Great topic thanks for the great content!

[@PowerMechGuyTechMasterEarl]

Thank you for mentioning that the creative process is messy!!!! I think the thing that has helped me the most is deciding to commit to having everything I need in grabbing distance depending on what I'm doing. This means every big classification of activity gets a table. There's an electronics table. There's a computer/3D printer table. There's a "plug stuff into the tv because I'm testing that right now" table. Some of these tables are not aesthically pleasing primarily due to the fact that I need more space. Nevertheless, having everything right there when I go to work on a project has decreased a vast majority of the friction I used to encounter when I would try to get things done. I have individual keyboards and mice for almost every device I own so that I don't have to go fumbling for one when I want to work on something. I have everything charging simultaneously so that I don't have to worry about whether or not I have a cable to charge something or whether or not it is charged. I setup an ftp server so that I can sync specific directories to all my devices so that I can pickup exactly where I left off no matter what device I use. I have a bunch of peripherals being shared by 5 different devices through a network of usb switches. I can give each one of those devices access to multiple keyboards and mice, a numpad, a gamepad, desktop speakers, and some other peripherals by simply pressing a button (or multiple buttons depending on how many switches I had to chain to reach the device, lol). Basically, I will duplicate, sync or share whatever I need to to make sure that when I sit down, I have everything I need or might need to get the thing done. Obstacles have become unacceptable. Also, the vibes in your studio are epic.

[@neilduty8448]

Thanks always an inspiration watching your posts I'm off to move my studio around to its winter position and get rid of some unused junk Happy creating people

[@cameronw2794]

I just fixed my set up too. Wasn't inspired to make music because too many cables everywhere, always having to plug and unplug my gear. Finally, I set it up to have a jam area for my synths and pedals. Then a midi controller plugged into the pc for the DAW for mixing and finishing tracks. That works for now. Cables management was brutal tho. I wish everything was wireless, and it connects telepathically to your computer lol

[@mrnelsonius5631]

It’s crazy how often I use a cheaper dynamic mic in my studio over my nicer condensers, because it’s permanently mounted to a boom arm at my desk. For quick sound design recordings and idea generation just being able to stay in desk position and track seamlessly is huge for staying in the flow. For me that’s everything: my most used or most inspiring tools being right there ready to go seamlessly. Of course, that makes choosing your “armed and ready at desk” tools a thing you just gotta commit to.

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

Great tips... thank you. I am ready to move my studio to a stand alone tiny house I have been wondering how to set it up. I changed my last studio three times in 10 years to accommodate work flow. That will be my priority this time as well. You had great points about improving productivity and KISS (keep it simple stupid). Thanks again