Several years ago, I decided to close up the recording studio and video production facility that I had been operating for 40 years and downsize to a home studio. The building I had been renting was occasionally up for sale, and even if I could stay, it needed a major facelift. The studio business had changed radically over the years with the proliferation of home studios and anyone with an iPhone thinking they were a video producer. I was tired of the rat race and wanted to spend more time experimenting with equipment and new recording techniques. I also wanted to produce some educational products to share my knowledge with the multitudes of people now doing their own recording.

My home studio is now complete and is outperforming what I thought would be possible, so I’m ready to move to Phase II and start sharing my knowledge with those who record in small and home studios.

Microphones are at the center of our art as they bridge the gap between the real world where instruments and voices set the air in motion and produce sound and the electronic world where these sounds are captured, manipulated and reproduced. We can now recreate a live performance or a whole new creation at the touch of a button. We’ll focus on microphones but also talk about recording techniques and other equipment.

Small recording studios and home studios have unique needs because of budget and physical space limitations. StudioMicZone was started to help these studio owners with the choice of and use of microphones and other audio recording equipment, and how to get the best out of their limited space and budget. We also provide information about microphone modifications “mic mods” and repair. Our objective is to help you to produce outstanding recordings without breaking the bank.

I hope to pass on some skills and knowledge to the next generation of recording engineers, creators, musicians and storytellers.

-Mark Karney