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I have to thread a very fine line between being too 'technical' and being too simplistic. I know I can't please everyone. For instance, my article on string writing and string recording on the website has come in for a lot of criticism from non-technical people out there, but got a heck of a lot of exciting comment from guys who are striving for 'that string orchestra sound'. www.makehits.co.uk/art009.htm

So this is a 'home studio' special

I get asked is there any point connecting balanced ins to unbalanced outs with balanced quarter inch jacks? For instance the in's on my amp are balanced, the monitor outs on the mixer ain't?

Technical question...and the way to think of it is this:

Think of the 'balanced' plug as being the quietest 'sender' of signal. Therefore, if you are connecting a balanced output to an unbalanced input then you would use a balanced jack/XLR plug out of the balanced output and make it arrive at the unbalanced jack/XLR socket where the negative and the earth are 'tied off' - meaning they are soldered together. So, think of the signal as traveling down the wire 'balanced' and only becoming unbalanced in the last 10 MM. of travel....not theoretically correct, but a good way to look at it.

Most equipment will accept a balanced jack whether the receiving equipment is balanced or unbalanced. It will automatically adjust for the signal.

Noise will be picked up by cables in excess of say 10 feet long. Particularly if they lie alongside mains cables or those transformers, so common with today modules and rack units. So if you are using unbalanced or balanced to unbalanced then it is best to use a fully balanced cable and have a Direct Injection box at the end to go into the unbalanced socket or vice versa. In other words, try to have the cable operating properly in a balanced way.

The best advice is to be aware of whether your inputs/outputs are balanced or unbalanced and spend the time observing what I said above.

Always use balanced if possible.

Also beware of 'sources of noise' in your electrical set up.

Computer screens will radiate 'noise' which will be picked up by unbalanced cables, guitar pick-ups etc. If you suspect a screen, then move the guitar/bass/cable about...if the noise changes then you have a 'radiation' problem. Every studio has got a 'quiet spot'…..in other words, a totally silent spot which has been found through experiment and experience. Believe it or not, I have a seagull noise problem, as my studio is in a large loft...although sound-proofed, those little suckers have loud voices when they sit on the roof.

Every studio has also got a 'sweet spot' that gives the best ambient sound….mark that spot and always use it…and hopefully, with a bit of luck, that is the same spot as the 'quiet spot'.

Most computers will work quite happily during recording/mix-down with the monitor screen off...that usually cures the noise radiation problem from the screen.

Fluorescent tubes are a mighty source of radiated noise. If there is a problem, then have alternative 'ordinary' bulbs available when recording/mixing [I do!]. Most studios do not use fluorescent for this reason.

Thyristor (dimmer) operated lights will similarly cause a problem. [exactly the same as in theatres and other venues]

Be sure that there is no thermostat operated or timer operated equipment on the power ring for your studio. The click on and click off will be heard. Domestic hot water immersion heater cylinders are the biggest culprit...together with fridges. You can buy electrical 'clean up' equipment but I have never found them of use. Best check that there are no rogue 'click' culprits in the circuit.

Of course, at the end of the day your cable layout is all-important. Major studios have separate ducting for audio cables away from mains cables.

Play Wembley Arena and you will find that the under stage ducting is designed this way. All the audio cables will come from the back (say) and all the mains from the front.

Set up your home studio this way. Always have the mains coming from one single direction and all the audio cables coming from the opposite. Difficult to achieve, but try your level best...you will be rewarded. The impossible situations can be given 'belt and braces' by wrapping the mains cables in kitchen foil. That always helps.

If they must cross, always cross at right angles.

Keep power amps as far away from audio equipment/modules as possible. Most studios have them in a separate room. They radiate magnetic radiation [noise] they have cooling fans [noise] they dump a mighty amount of surplus energy down to earth [noise] - so, all in all they are a necessary nuisance.

In fact, check all your equipment for cooling fans.

TIP: Plug in a high quality condenser mic. with only that single channel on...all effects etc. on the desk disconnected and defeated...listen for fans, lights etc......you will be shocked! Then one by one, eliminate the sources. It will take a couple or three hours but well worth it, again!

Then check all your equipment for magnetic radiation from the power supplies (pass a guitar pick-up over it, if it's noisy...beware!).

Place double layer of kitchen foil between each effect unit/module as you rack mount them....and use hum defeater screws to mount the stuff...a 'must'!

A last piece of advice:

Take the time when you are installing your equipment. Think 'quiet' at all times, and check each piece as you go, especially when adding equipment. Place it and connect it with the same care as when you designed the studio in the first place.

And if your studio is a mess....take it all apart and start again.....I do, once every six months....and especially before a major project.....

Hmmmmmm! I'm starting now!

Regards Dec....

 One moment with Stuart Goldsmith:

 Breaking Your Mould

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