Expertise for the Professional Project Studio

Studio 1 at Brawling Bears Studio, New York.

Building a recording studio at home can be time consuming, frustrating, and takes you away from the very thing you’d like to be doing: music.

Whether you’re an experienced musician looking to begin recording at home or a beginner in your musical journey, the equipment you use either helps or hinders your progress.

Together, we’ll build the at-home studio you’re dreaming of, and make sure it serves your needs.

My services include:

  • Consultations regarding goals, budget and potential equipment.

  • On-site installation, including hardware and software integration.

  • Guidance and instruction on studio use and best methods.

  • Assistance and troubleshooting for problem-free music making.

Many acclaimed records have been recorded in unlikely places: living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and even bathrooms. Here are some recording setups made in common living spaces.

Recording instruments at home can be made easy, intuitive and fun, all within a reasonable budget and limited amount of available space.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

One of the main barriers to entry when designing a studio at home is the knowledge gap between what you want to record and how to record it. My goal is to help you spend more time recording, and less time troubleshooting.

Depending on your ambitions, I’ll show you best methods regarding microphone positions, software/hardware settings, wiring and cable management, and out-of-the-box recording techniques. In addition, we’ll discuss an expansion of your existing setup that is budget and user friendly.

Above/Below: The Glyn Johns method with a matched pair of Blue Hummingbird small-diaphragm condensers, an Aston Spirit in Fig8 over the bass drum’s beater side, an SM7 dynamic under the snare, and an SM57 dynamic on each tom. All recorded through Audient and Grace preamps, and converted to digital with a UAD Apollo 16.

This technique was used by Led Zeppelin to capture John Bonham’s unbridled performance on “Good Times Bad Times.”

Being able to pick and choose between sonic options is essential when time, space and equipment is limited. Below are some examples of drum recording setups in different common living spaces.

Above: Recording the same drum kit with two simultaneous overhead methods: Midside and an XY Pair. In addition to spot mics on every other drum, the two methods offer very different sonic qualities. While the XY method captures a wider stereo image, the Midside method ensures a strong mono presence for the entire kit as well as a more focused stereo spread. Both options are great choices when using a limited amount of microphones on a budget.

Live Sound for Theatre and Performance

I work for ensembles, bands, and theatre groups as a live sound engineer and recording technician. I have an extensive collection of microphones, cables, and speakers available to be used for different needs. We’ll get the job done by utilizing your personal gear, renting equipment or using some of my own.

Above: Live microphone setup (including multiple Shure SM58s) for the play “Kindness Committee.” The blocking requires multiple static microphone positions, all of which are mixed live during the performance.

Below: Recording The Hudson Chorale in Irvington, NY. This choral performance included a small chamber ensemble, various percussion, and a concert grand piano.

Above: Working sound for “Hot Flash” at the Porchella Halloween Music Festival (2024) in Irvington, NY. The setup included multiple vocal microphones, personal monitor speakers, and spot microphones for each individual amp and drum.

About Me

I’m an Audio Engineer based in Westchester County, just outside New York City. I also service NYC’s five boroughs and the Hudson Valley.

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  • "Declan was professional and meticulous. He rose to every challenge in front of him. Creating great sound in a packed church with a limited budget is no easy task and Declan succeeded tenfold. "

    – Melanie Hoopes, Writer and Director of “Kindness Committee”

  • "Declan configured a professional, high-quality mixing rack for my rehearsal space and house shows. Since then, he's provided an unprecedented live sound for my band, and shown me how to achieve the best sound possible, all in my own home.

    – Paul Esposito, Musician and Riverarts Host