What are ideal control room operating conditions?

[billy_car]

I've located my music studio in an attached garage, that I've converted into an extra room. Recently added a dehumidifier and gable fan to moderate the atmospheric conditions.

I have a PowerPC 8500 with Sonnet's G4/450 with an Audiophile 2496 that I'm using as a controller, and have attached a Mackie 1402VLZ Pro, RODE NT5 mics, a Mitsubishi Stereo receiver/amplifier with Boston Acoustic speakers, Casio keyboard, Pioneer Tape Deck, and external hard drives.

What would be optimal ranges for humidity and temperature, to best protect this equipment, and what type of dust cover protection(s) would you recommend?

In the winter, I will need to add some type of localized heating system, to keep the equipment in the range ... a heated bubble of sorts, since I cannot afford to heat the entire space.

Any ideas?

[Hawking]

by far more important than actual temperature and humidity numbers is that it stay consistant. As long as the humidity isn't so high that it's actually condensing, the electrical components usually don't have a problem. Instuments, especially ones constructed of wood, need a consistant environment in order to not need adjustments constantly. As a general rule of thimb, if it's comfortable for you, it will be fine for the equipment.

For your heating requirements, when you are not actually using the space, just make sure it's above freezing and above the dew point. When you are using the space, you might be able to get away with a radiant infrared heater. Usualy they operate from LP gas. The great thing about them is that they son't heat the air, they only heat what they are pointing at (namely you). However, in order to keep the temperature up when you're not there, try an electric oil filled heater. They are very efficient, and continue to radiate heat even after they are shut off.

[billy_car]

Thanks, Hawking.

I use one of those oil-filled heaters and they are good ... I also use the studio space for painting (oils and acrylics) and I find I cannot keep my supplies out here in the winter. I may build a special cabinet, that I can heat with one of those oil-filled heaters, and keep closed just to keep the supplies warm. I tried to do that with the computer and other audio components, but space and usability got too cramped.

So as humidity "not to be condensing" ... I guess rain is condensation at its max ... dew is another form ... I''m concerned about components that heat up when in use, then cool off, providing a condition for condensation. It is a function of temperature and humidity ... so maybe 35 deg F to 80 deg F , and humidity 10% to 60% should be good ranges?

Still not absolutely sure of control of the conditions ... thanks for your response.