Owning a modern recording studio is somewhat of a moving target that requires close attention to making the books balance. Over time, you may find yourself faced with the question of when to sell some of your recording studio equipment. In this article, we will explore some important factors to help you determine when it may be the right time to part ways with your recording studio equipment.
Outdated Technology
In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, the question of whether it is worth holding on to old audio technology is going to come up more times that we care to think about. While it may be tempting to embrace the latest and greatest stuff, there is a certain charm and nostalgia associated with older audio equipment that cannot be easily replicated. Nostalgia is big in the audio world but this may just be in the bubble of the people using it and not the people wanting to book a studio.
No more is this more true than with vintage analog gear, often revered by engineers and producers alike. Holding on to old audio technology can prove financially beneficial, as some vintage gear appreciates in value over time.
We recently ran a (horror) story about things we sold that we now regret selling. For example, I sold a Roland TR909 boxed for £50 in the 80s. Now I could sell it and buy a car. However, these kind of stories do rely on hindsight, who would have known this drum machine would now sell for several thousand pounds. A more serious thing to consider is holding on to gear in case it gains in value in a decade while you can’t pay you bills is not a good idea. It’s like holding on to fire wood while the fire goes out.
Setting aside the vintage synth or compressor from the 60s, there’s plenty of stuff you may have in your racks that isn’t really going to make you rich by holding onto it. Take a moment to create a list and then see what prices those items command on auction sites… you may have a nice little pot of gold.
Changing Needs And Purpose
As your studio evolves, your needs and goals may also change. This could include a shift in the type of projects you undertake, a different clientele, or a new direction in your creative work. It's essential to align your equipment with your current and future requirements. Evaluating whether your existing gear caters to your current needs can help you decide if it's time to sell certain items and invest in equipment that better serves your purpose.
When adapting your studio to changing needs and purpose, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost, it is crucial to identify the specific requirements of the new purpose or direction. This involves analyzing the necessary equipment, software, and space needed to achieve the desired outcome.
Additionally, it is essential to evaluate the current layout and infrastructure of the studio and determine if any modifications are necessary. This may include reassessing the acoustics, lighting, and furniture arrangement to optimize workflow and functionality. Furthermore, budget considerations play a significant role in the decision-making process, as upgrades and renovations can incur significant costs that may never be realised in income.
Don’t buy for today but for tomorrow, ensure that any specification allows you systems to expand over time. It’s no good having to go through the same exercise in two years time, this could mean selling things and repurchasing, which is never as cost effective as doing it right in the first place.
Financial Considerations
Financial factors play a significant role in the decision to sell recording studio equipment. If you find yourself in a situation where you need capital for business expansion, upgrades, or to weather economic storms, selling unused or underutilized gear can provide a financial boost. Assess which pieces are no longer profitable or aren't contributing meaningfully to your projects, and consider selling them to free up valuable resources.
We all know that studio equipment goes through trends. For example, try and sell an ADAT machine, it’s not going to make you much money, and if it’s to deal with debts then probably not enough to make a dent in things like rent or a mortage payment.
Maintenance And Repair Costs
Many have dreamed of owning a vintage Neve or SSL console, however ask anyone to tell you the electricity bill, as well as the costs for the air conditioning and you’ll probably think twice. Especially as the cost of utlilities is going through the roof right now. Add to the running costs of some audio equipment the cost of repairs and maintenance and soon the dream starts to feel like a nightmare.
Recording studio equipment requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. As gear ages, the cost and frequency of maintenance may rise significantly, impacting your studio's profitability. If you find yourself spending more time and money on repair services than actually using the equipment, it could be a sign that it's time to sell. Ensuring your studio equipment is functioning optimally is crucial, and keeping track of repair costs can help identify candidates for sale.
Like cars, there is a time when we have to say goodbye to old faithful, even if it has given us years of great service, it may have gone from being a money maker to a financial sinkhole.
Should I Sell?
We’ve all got at least one box of cables that has things like PSUs for gear we sold long ago, SCSI cables and an array of stuff we somehow feel attached to. It’s the same with gear, we get attached to it and often, while it may make a nice social media picture, it’s not earning its keep.
They say the golden rule of farming is to never get attached to the animals, they are not pets but livestock. It’s a lesson a lot of studio owners could learn from. While we might feel emotionally attached to the gear in our studio we need to consider it just like any other business asset. As we’ve said, there are exceptions, but far fewer than we like to think.
If it’s not earning money then it may be time to sell.