How can I convert my garge into a music studio (on a budget)?

Answer 1

I've answered a few Q's just like this. PLEASE DO NOT get so tacky as to use egg crates, they will be useless in deadening sound. Cardboard SMELLS.

That said however you don't state that SOUND is an issue.

You also don't state budget LIMITS.

What power is directed to the garage? Breaker Amp limits? Lighting?

Without giving you a dollar amount, and not knowing at all what you want to achieve, I offer this.

Is the garage clear of things like storage shelving, lawn mower, stored Christmas decoration boxes, etc?

A decent way to not only insulate the garage, but also to LESSEN sound escaping would be 2 inch structural, contracting foam sheets, sold at larger home imp. stores. Usually blue in color, it's cellular structure is pretty dense and it's most often sold in 4 x 8 sheets.

If sound proofing is the goal, to keep the sound IN the garage you'd have to do the walls, ceiling, garage door, and I'd even suggest raising the floor and adding foam to between the floor studs, then carpet the floor covering.

Again without knowing your desire and budget, I'd still shy away from cardboard or egg crates. You also don't state your interest in acoustics.

Certainly with a larger budget you can buy acoustical Studio foam panels, with all the cones.

If you have to go cheap use the insulating foam and just carpet of the existing floor.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Sound Proofing
I'd go with King or queen size mattress pads. Nail as many as you can afford to the wall especially any windows

Recording
If you're doing vocals and have a mic amp with a noise gate, that will cut down on the external noises. Close miking is the only option unless you're going for the garage sound. If there's a car in the garage, I'd use it as a recording booth.

Electrical
If affordable, a dedicated line wired to the garage would be great, otherwise don't run AC, Microwave, Computers, TVs or the refrigerator in the house during recording sessions

If you like this and get famous, please mention me in your liner notes.

Answer 3

Well you could go around behind grocery stores and collect cardboard egg crates and put them on the walls. I've also used scrap carpet padding from the bins at carpet outlets. Where there's a will there's a way. I've been involved in several of these budget studio projects in my time. Right now I've got my recording equipment in a spare bedroom.