A heatwave is forecast for the UK over the few days. These 5 tips are to help those people stuck in hot recording studios cope better in hot temperatures when air conditioning is not available.
Last year I had air conditioning installed in my studio but before I used to really struggle to work in the hot box that was my studio in the hot British summer months. I could not open my studio door to my yard as the sound from the street was very loud so I was forced to think of ways of limiting the heat in the room.
Swap Over Light Bulbs
If you use high watt Halogen bulbs then consider replacing them with lower wattage bulbs or even LED bulbs. Lower wattage bulbs produce less heat. In the winter months I use 50watt bulbs as I prefer the extra light energy in the dark cold months but in a summer's day the heat from high watt bulbs are too intense for me.
Turn Off Unused Gear
If you have a lot of studio rack gear then consider turning off what you are not using - only switch gear on when you are about to use it. My studio rack gets really hot after being powered up after an hour. Most of the time my pre amp or compressor unit haven't even been used in that first hour.
Stay Hydrated
Keep water bottles all around your studio as these bottles with act as a reminder to keep yourself stay hydrated. Water helps to cool you down.
Cover Windows
If the sun is beaming through your studio window then try to block out the sun with something reflective - similar to what you would put in your car windscreen on a hot day.
Reduce The Amount Of People In Your Room
I remember one horrific summer's day when the heat was so unbearable in my studio. I had a band of four recording a full line up. At the time I remember thinking that it was us guys in the room contributing the extra level of unbearable heat. I ended that session early and agreed for my clients to come in on a day that would be more comfortable - none of us could focus that day because of the heat.
Let's here some of your ideas - If you do not have air conditioning how do you guys stay comfortable in your recording studios on hot days?
