When I finished renovating my studio in 2014 (see here), I knew there was still one element that needed addressing: my computer monitor. Sure, it was a decently sized 30”, but at ten years old the resolution wasn’t the best, and additionally it felt obtrusive in the room…like when someone sticks their genitals in your face while you’re trying to make an origami.
Although the computer screen was positioned far enough back to avoid blocking the direct sound path from the speakers, it still hovered over the apex of the desk, so if you leaned too far forward it caused a “window” type of effect on the frequency spectrum, making it sound goofy. And I wondered if a 30” surface hovering in mid air might be creating some unwanted acoustic reflections.
Of course, if you remove the computer screen, you have to replace it with something else. And what better thing to replace it with than a giant flat screen TV flush against the wall? This would give you everything: no reflective surface hovering above the desk, no “windowing” when leaning forward, and aesthetic awesomeness.
But not just any TV would do - it would need to be big enough and sharp enough to allow comfortable viewing, and most importantly comfortable reading, at a distance of 7-8 feet. Upon testing in the field (i.e. hooking up a laptop to various TVs in-store) I confirmed the only suitable candidate was a 4k TV at 58”. This would yield super crisp text from the computer at the required distance, and would optimally maximize the space in between the speakers.
So earlier this year I put my plan into action, and the result speaks for itself:
Although the computer screen was positioned far enough back to avoid blocking the direct sound path from the speakers, it still hovered over the apex of the desk, so if you leaned too far forward it caused a “window” type of effect on the frequency spectrum, making it sound goofy. And I wondered if a 30” surface hovering in mid air might be creating some unwanted acoustic reflections.
So earlier this year I put my plan into action, and the result speaks for itself:
WOW man this looks stunning
ReplyDeletenow I'll have to replace my monitor :D
by the way Zack are you working on something new ? my ears are eager to hear new music from you.
ReplyDeleteIn another blog post he mentioned "sometime next year" as he is currently working on a new album
DeleteCorrect!
DeleteSomehow, I don't think this solved the conundrum of genitalia in your face.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to know what speakers you are using good sir.
ReplyDeleteA pair of Genelec 8260s in combination with a pair of Genelec 7270s.
DeleteYou're music is amazing... I listen to it at night when I fall asleep... If you lived close by I would ask you out.. :)
ReplyDeleteIs that to imply you know where I live? :)
DeleteHello Zack! I wanted to ask you if you use a midi controller/ keyboard for producing your beats?
ReplyDeleteI have a basic USB keyboard controller that I will use to play various parts when making music. It's just not a permanent feature of the studio - I take it out when I need it, and then put it away when I'm finished with it - I prefer not having it on the desk while mixing.
DeleteHello Zack, wonderful set up, that 4k TV will give you all the room in the world to work with. I got inspired after watching sound works interview with you and went right ahead and got myself logic pro x to begin creating music. I wanted to ask if you use any third-party sample library for instruments or you simply use logics native instruments bundles that are included with the application itself.
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
I use a lot of 3rd party sample libraries, as well as a lot of 3rd party mixing plugins. I will use Logic’s native stuff too. Basically, I’ll use whatever sounds good in the context of what I’m trying to do. Of course, when I started out all I had was whatever was native to Logic (which was far less expansive back then as it is now)…little by little, I started adding 3rd party plugins into the arsenal, as I was able to afford them. Now I’m at a point where I’ve amassed so much, I sometimes forget what I even have.
DeleteNecessity can be the mother of invention though, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing to have a limited toolset, at least initially. But if you come across 3rd party stuff that you find compelling or inspires you, and your finances will allow it, definitely pick it up. Pretty much anything has the potential to be useful.
Thank you for the timely response Zack. I am very appreciative that I am able to converse with you amongst this limited medium of communication. I am still learning the ropes with the program itself, its quite massive in terms of depth of its tools and tricks. I'll take what you said to heart. "limitations can enable innovations"
DeleteTake care,