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Basement Studio Planning

GreggBummer

GreggBummer

Jan 16, 2008
1,790
624
Southern New Jersey
#1
I apologize in advance if this thread was posted in the wrong forum.

I am in the planning stages for constructing a small studio in my basement. I would like to be able to use the space to practice, do some occasional light home recording, and just hang out there.

I have my bass rig, a computer, a small mixer, and a drum kit that I will be putting in this space.

The basement is below an 85 year old home. I have had some small flooding problems in the past. I have, or am taking, steps to resolve the flooding issues. Pumps, gutters, dry-lock, drains and so on. I am also in the process of building a "riser" that all of my instruments will actually sit on. If I do have a flood, I will have six inches of room before I get something damaged. (the worst flood was measured at 1/8". It was also in small puddles, not the whole basement.)

What I am concerned about is humidity. The basement is a little damp, although not enough to cause condensation on the windows or walls. I am going to buy a hygrometer, a device more measuring humidity, at least I think that is what it is called. Of course, I will be purchasing a dehumidifier as well.

I realize of course that this is not the ideal place for this studio. The attic I am in now is no longer acceptable. It is hot and cramped. It is also my wifes office and she needs some space too. I also believe that the heat of the summer is worse for the equipment than some (but not alot) of humidity.

Thoughts on this? I am sure that more than one of you have made your basement into a studio. Can anyone tell me what the "ideal" humidity might be? Things I may have missed?

This is a long term project, and I plan on moving my base of operations to the "bassment" in the next month or so. Your advice and experience would be appreciated.

Thanks,
 
#4
The instrument riser is a good idea, although it may be best to move your guitars upstairs in periods of constant humidity changes or if it looks like its going to rain heavily. I wouldn't leave any gear downstairs until I knew 100% that the flooding problems have been fixed.

How are the natural acoustics of the room? Have you considered sound proofing etc?
 
#7
85 year old house, eh? In Collingswood, that's a pretty new house... :)

Seriously, though - it's important for all of your gear to have controlled humidity; the electronics stuff will be more prone to corrosion, the basses/guitars/etc. will be subject to warpage or other stuff, and so on. So yes, controlling the moisture will be a primary concern for you.

I'd suggest a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat (along with the more accurate outboard humdistat you're already talking about). I'd also suggest that if your home has a drain or a sump pump, that you have the humidifier dump its water directly into the drain; if you rely on you remembering to empty it, you're going to have a lot of aggravation (and dehumidifier downtime when you forget and the dehumidifier automatically shuts off).

I actually have a dehumidifier which is set up to drain that you can have for $25 if you come and get it (I live in Glassboro). I used it in a previous home for about a year, but it looks practically new. Drop me a line on the board if you're interested.

I'm on my third basement studio, but all of my previous (and current) ones were in homes with dry basements, so I can only say - be sure you've got the flooding fixed. You'll be a very unhappy camper to come home to floating gear.
 

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