RECORDING November 2024 - 72

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Downgrading
to Upgrade
Guest Editorial by Aaron J. Trumm
W
e usually equate upgrading with adding something
new and better or just getting something more-
new monitors, a better chair or more inputs.
Whatever your definition or reason for the above, it is good
to ask the important question, " Why are you upgrading? "
Making Better Recordings
In our world, upgrading is about making better recordings.
From bonafide platinum hit makers to beginners, we all strive to
grow and improve. But is upgrading really about getting more
stuff, or is it about getting better at what you do?
Of course, the answer could be, why not both? To make better,
cleaner recordings, you might need a better, more modern
interface, preamp or microphone. But what if your next step is
getting faster at what you already do? What if your career is
" poppin' off " and you need a more mobile rig? Or, more practically,
what if the component you desire to upgrade is currently
out of your financial reach?
My philosophy is to ask, " What does my business need? "
" What do I want to do better for my art? " or even, " What can
I give up (downsize) to make these things happen? " These are
much better questions than, " What cool toy do I want next? "
Don't worry, it's okay to treat yourself from time to time as well.
Upgrading by Downgrading?
Recently, I found myself having a workflow issue. My interface
wasn't playing nice with my OS, and constant crashes and
multiple reboots were wasting hours of valuable creative time.
Solution: I needed a new interface! However, keeping my audio
quality at my desired level would not be cheap. Like many
of us, I have other day-to-day living expenses to contend with,
so it's not simply a matter of pulling out the checkbook or credit
card and spending to my heart's content.
With that in mind, I made a series of " upgrades " to my home
studio that involved simplifying, selling and purchasing based
on a new, streamlined, mobile-friendly setup.
72 RECORDING November 2024
Out with the Old, In with the New
My current setup is an 8x8 interface centered around a
24-channel, 4-bus console with inserts, direct ins and outs. This
is connected to three snakes scattered throughout the space with
multiple headphone extensions, a house drum kit, guitar amps,
pedals and guitars (even though I can't play guitar). This setup,
which originated in a previous studio space of mine, is now
stuffed in one normal-sized bedroom.
Like many of us, I'd always built my home studios like the bigger
studios I started out working in-capable of recording an
entire band live. That made sense when I had the space, and I
recorded bands.
Re-evaluate
I no longer record bands all playing together live. I also don't
record drums anymore since my drummer has his own home studio
and sends me tracks online. The same goes for horns, guitars
and other instruments.
Therefore, I don't need a 24-channel board, inserts, three
patch bays, 100-foot snakes, headphone stations, and so on.
I need space and the gear to do quality vocal recording and a
tight, accurate environment to mix in. Plus, as I keep returning, I
need to be able to work fast.
Sometimes, Less Is More...
So, I downgraded. I now have one patch bay, a high-end
RME interface with six ins and outs, and I got a Zoom LiveTrak
L-8 as my central audio router (which also doubles as my solo
show live mixer). I sold everything else.
I no longer have the ability to record a live band or drums if
said band exceeds six channels. Still, I've gained speed, mobility
a ton of space (never discount having a clean, open work
environment) and a renewed sense of inspiration. Tailoring your
workspace to your actual needs will do that.
...and Smaller Can Be Better
I downgraded to upgrade-new, sleeker tech, streamlined
process and less clutter can all lead to a better creative and
focused workflow.
But that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun, too. You
might now have space for that new Les Paul you still don't know
how to play!
Aaron J. Trumm has built and rebuilt his project studio countless
times. He wonders if he may not enjoy making spaces more than
using them. Nah! It's just great to freshen things up sometimes. Talk
to him about it at aarontrumm.com.
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http://aarontrumm.com
RECORDING November 2024

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