Studio Maintenance

[setyouranchor]

Hey guys

Just wondering what you do to keep your studio in working order?

Cables, surge protectors etc

Anything about studio maintenance would be great

 

[TheDriller]

i routinely wipe the jizz stains off of the keyboard.

aside from that i've just got surge-protectors between everything and the wall socket, keep the place fairly tidy, etc...

also, computer maintenance and a good backup routine is a must

 

[GeertSamuel]

- After each session, cleanup straightaway. Always keep an eye on the visitors while being there. Make sure they don't use your floor/table/closet as a garbage can.
- Have this in clear sight, and explain them the use of it:

- Vacuum clean the place when needed, I have it scheduled every other week

 

[Razorjack]

Besides day to day cleaning etc I recommend getting a cable tester, a multi-meter, a soldering iron, some reels of cable (balanced, unbalanced and speaker) and spares for everything you can fix yourself (eg. a spare set of tubes for every amp, fuses, jack sockets, connectors, pots, caps etc). It's much quicker to put a cable together yourself/throw in a new set of power tubes than to rush out to a store to buy one or wait days for a tech to sort out an amp.

If something breaks you can't fix I always have a list of local repair and hire companies so I can replace it (whilst getting it fixed) within hours if that's what's needed.

I check over all my main equipment live and studio before any session or tour and eliminate any possible issues beforehand, I've yet to have a major issue mid session/gig with my gear but I don't want to not be prepared if I do.

 

[JonWormwood]

Cleaning.

For sure

 

[JeffTD]

I've yet to have a major issue mid session/gig with my gear but I don't want to not be prepared if I do.

I'm willing to bet that most of the reason you've not had a major issue mid session/gig is BECAUSE you so religiously check it all! Great advice that should never be overlooked!

 

[Ionei]

Cleaning, everything, all the time.

 

[AudioGeekZine]

Windex for any surfaces. Spray it on paper towel and clean your cables with it once in a while too.

Lighter fluid to clean anything sticky from tape glue. Masking tape gets nasty if you leave it on cables and Ronsonol eats that stuff quick. After the stickies are gone Windex to remove the smell.

Vacuum often. Remove debris. Keep the work area clean.

Coil and hang or stack cables when they aren't in use. Line up the mic stands against a wall.
Just make it look nice.

 

[guitarguru777]

haivng one of these by the front entrance

So when the band walks in and goes ...

DUDE IS THAT A HOT DOG LIGHTER?

I say yea, remember its there cause you can only use it when you GO OUTSIDE TO SMOKE!

 

[Jind]

I use lots of compressed air, lot's of electronic contact/jack cleaner, a ton of cable organizers (the velcro type), an I have a cable tester handy.

One of the few really good Behringer products - it's been through hell being tossed around and beaten to crap and it still works.

That's about it - oh - and my trusty Swiffer Duster

And Dyson Ball vacuum cleaner

A little love and my home studio keeps running well.

 

[jangoux]

On my home studio, i just do some cleaning and organizing and checking before each session. On the studio i work on, there's this janitor that does it..but not so well. Some clients already glued chewing gun on the Peavey JSX (and more absurd stuff i dont remember atm).

 

[AudioGeekZine]

And Dyson Ball vacuum cleaner

I must be getting old or something because I'm getting GAS for that

 

[setyouranchor]

thanks a lot everyone! seems that most people just need to keep a clean working environment is the main thing, which is understandable

i find it terribly hard to produce when im surround by old pepsi used as ash trays :/

 

[vespiz]

+1 for the Swiffer!

.. and pretty much everything else posted!

 

[Jind]

I must be getting old or something because I'm getting GAS for that

That thing is great for places like studios where you have all sorts of equipment here and there, stands, cases,... With the ball technology it is really easy to steer around stuff, plus it has a great filtering system that does not put dust back into the air.

We had one of the older style Dyson's for years and just got the Dyson Ball a few months ago. Both are real good vacuums, but the ball one is so much easier to get into tight spaces and around corners.

 

[setyouranchor]

I love how we can talk about pretty much anything on this forum

 

[PhilTheBeard]

I still rock my old heavy ass kirby vacuum that thing fucking rocks. And also swiffer's are your best friend for dusting off everything in your studio. i have plenty of those on hand at all times.

 

[setyouranchor]

anybody still using one of these bad boys?