WE, as beatmakers and producers tend to purchase equipment that suits our need for a certain quality of sound and style. Some of us run out and by the latest new peice of equipment no matter how expensive it may be. Then you have the few that hold on to their relic pieces of equipment because they have become accustom to using it. However, many beatmakers and producers lack the care of keeping their equipment safe from accidental spills, dust, smoke, ashes, etc. Most beatmakers, producers, and music engineers smoke and drink inside of their music studios plus allow recording artist to do the same. I’ve always heard that if you smoke around your music equipment or any type of electronic devices such as comupters, cell phones, gaming consoles, etc. it will get damaged earlier than its original life span. Dusty and damp areas are also no good for your equipment so if your setup is in an unkept basement, attic, shed, or a room that doesn’t get much air circulating through it, then chances are your equipment will suffer in the long run.
Here are some tips that I’ve put together on how to care for your equipment.
Tip 1: Always cover your equipment up after using it.
Doing this will help protect it from from any lingering dust particles that can build up on top or inside of your equipment
Tip 2: Turn off your equipment after you’re done with usage.
Give your machine time to rest. Keeping your equipment on for a long period of time can cause over heating and eventually blowout. Avoid leaving your equipment running all night while you’re sleeping. Not a good move!
Tip 3: Invest in a feather duster and cadenced air.
No matter how well kept your work station might be, you can’t avoid dust. Wipe down your equipment with a dry cloth or feather duster. Use canned air on equipment that has space in between that can hold dust. This helps to keep the dust to a minimum.
Tip 4: NO EATING, DRINKING, OR SMOKING IN THE STUDIO! This goes for every and anybody including yourself that smokes cigarettes etc. We’ve all heard the horror stories of how “so and so” was recording a hit record, got over excited and in his excitement, he knocks over a drink that spilled onto his equipment causing it to short out. My advice to you is to create an area where your clients can eat and be comfortable while you’re working. Smoking should “STRICTLY” be kept outside.
Tip 5: Avoid setting up your equipment in areas that are liable to get water danage.
Rain storms cause flooding to basement areas and leaks to attics due to damaged roof tops so find an area that will be lease damaging to your equipment or invest in some remodeling of your basements and attics and safe proof those areas.
Final Tip: Get insurance for your equipment.
This is one of the best things that you can do for your equipment especially if you are a self made business.
Last bit of advice, Set up some rules for your music studio and stick to them. If you take care of your equipment, your equipment will take care of you
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you have any tips that you’d like to share? Let’s discuss it in the comments section of my blog.
Peace and BoomTap!
instrumology 