Would you pay for professional optimization...

[drex]

...of your computer based studio?
Would you pay for advice and hands on configuration of your computer from OS down to every little piece of outboard gear to ensure full compatibility and ease of operation?
Been thinking of starting up that kind of service, I haven't seen anything like that offered.
Maybe real pros don't need it...
I'm hoping it's a niche that needs filling.
Opinions?
If you would not pay for this kind of service, are there any additional features I could offer that would entice you?
I plan on working on everything from starter kits to full blown studios...
New installs to repairs of patchy slapped together rigs...
Any advice?

 

[lion-ucs]

I probably would not personally pay for something like this. But, I can see it being a service used by many others. Not all producers are as Computer/Tech Savvy and would benefit greatly from such a thing.

 

[drex]

Sounds encouraging, good enough to take a chance.
All I'd need to do is keep files on every major DAW, and popular operating systems and common issues that surface as questions on major boards like ILLMUZIK.COM
I think it would be an awesome way to build relationships with studos, beatmakers, producers and other musicians, one's network can never be too big.
Another aspect I would focus greatly on is network security... I know that there's space for security improvement in many home studios.

 

[dacalion]

I probably would, I actually did that for my surround sound setup. I have a neighbor that has his own business (doing surround sound setups, commercial and residential). He must be doing very well with it, he has 4 vans with his logo and everything on them.

 

[Fade]

If I was looking for a serious setup in order to get serious sound, ya I'd hire someone. It might be difficult on the other hand to get clients, seeing how the people that would need this service are geeks like us! Geeks that like to figure it out themselves, but it still comes down to the seriousness.

It's like a guy trying to fix a leaky faucet - he could try it himself and fix it with some patchwork, or if he wants it fixed for sure and not have to do it himself, call a professional plumber.

 

[drex]

Even more encouraging.
Maybe I should look to add home theater and car audio as offerings...
I'll check local demographics and competition

 

[thedreampolice]

I have a few friends that do this, and it can be great. But boy those guys are heavy hitters and really know there stuff. Do you have the knowledge to do this? IE, do you fully understand digital clocking? What about how to properly configure a pro tools HD system? What about how to set up speakers properly in a room? To get paid to do this you really need to be a cut above. If you have the knowledge and experience I would say go for it. If not then well...

 

[drex]

I dont haveit but I know where to get it...
Charging a small fee for a service that does not exist in my area was my key to entry... Along the way I planned on learning and growing and adding to my repertoire... Fake it till you make it kinda deal...
I think I'm solid enough in PC hardware and software to get started in that area with some confidence...
Do you think your friends would entertain some general questions regarding their business?

 

[thedreampolice]

Sure PM me any questions you have. And were you a PC tech?

 

[dacalion]

Yeah checking the demographics would be a great place to start. I wouldn't really mess with car stereo...it's too complicated and too time consuming for a mobile business imo. I did car stereo thing until they started rigging parking lights and airbags up to the stereo harnesses on some vehicles. But get your hustle on, times are tough. =)

 

[drex]

Still in school for it...
Always had an interest, just recently started school to leave construction.
I figured building studios would be the best way to combine skills and build on my interests....
I will definitely PM with what I think are good questions, thanks

 

[Formant024]

I'd have to say from the last upgrade we did that there is pretty much nothing to optimize on osx in regards to logic, i cant speak for PT.
For pc there's loads you can do but i find that people make a concession somewhere when their computer is not even a dedicated daw.

If you want to design yourself i'd suggest you'd start by building your own studio and keep optimizing for a few years. In the process you will learn how to deal with rooms with a fixed size and rooms you can build from scratch(ideal). Get to work on google sketchup, this is a great tool for figuring out theoretical speaker placement, reflections and placement of diffusers. Add to this a behringer ecm8000 and some software like REW and you can analyze your room for further treatment. After that you'll have to keep expanding your knowledge on materials to keep up with the better solutions... In all, every spec is critical to the end result and if one beneficial element is replaced then the whole setup can fail.
A good example of such are rooms constructed around the use of a specific nearfield/farfield in mind. Such a room can sound good untill you try to upgrade your monitoring as you'll find out when demo'ing new speakers in your room hehe. The best speakers man can buy can sound like shit in a room that previously sounded really good and in 90% of the time people will blame the speakers not being good enough.

In all you can see how tidious things can get and it requires some serious knowledge/experience. Having constructional knowledge is practical(duh) but the hard part is knowing how to create the appropiate diffusers/absorbtion or how to have a recording room that gives a nice air (roomverb)to your mics by knowing in what angle to place walls. There's a lot of math and science involved.

 

[drex]

Ok how about a mobile car wash?
With bikini chicks!
I'll call it, Soapy Hose!
I think the graphic tee division will outperform the detailing division

 

[dacalion]

I'd say keep it simple as a startup business. I'm sure it would be great if you had corporate funding but if not, start out crawling until you learn to walk, and walk until you learn to run...

 

[2infamouz]

sounds like a good idea i just don't know how much demand there is for these services...Most people learn how to configure their setup themselves and most of the cats i know with a recording setup put all their money into their gear or promo

 

[Sucio]

Basically you have to provide a service that any joe shmo can't figure out himself or see the tutorials on youtube....

You have to convince these people that your services are better.

 

[H.Quality]

I'd pay..If I had the money.

 

[Greg Savage]

Sure I would if:

1. Couldn't do it myself
2. it was a need
3. I'm making money with my craft

 

[drex]

awesome feedback, this is definitely some back burner isht right here...
But please don't stop droppin gems, knowledge is power...

 

[Muszolini]

or see the tutorials on youtube....

Thats what i am doing, and knowing what's worth its $$$.


Internet is doing alot.. u dont even need to see tutorials.. you can watch interviews/reviews ect. you can learn alot if you see things that YOU want to see lol.


But really why wouldnt you want to pay for it? specially if you dont know or dont want to waste time on that...
i would take that move when i figure how i would make maximum of return on my investments..
Blueprint your work for a minimum "10 yr" plan. money wont return back so swift, but it sure will generate something out of it, if you know what you're doing.