i've probably spent a good $500 on auralex over the last few years, and it has made a world of difference... i've got an army of the 12x12 panels, about 15 of the corner wall bass traps, three T-fusor diffusors, and a few of the 4x2 feet panels (for the ceiling).
if you're going to do a basement... chances are a rectangular room made of concrete... you're got your work cut out for you.
1) visit your local thrift stores, get your hands on as many rugs as you can find. the floor will be a tough enemy for you, but cheap rugs or left-over shag carpeting can make a big difference.
2) build your own baffles. very easy, just build a frame with two by fours (as simple as a 3 foot by 7 foot high rectangle). staple some heavy fabric to it, like industrial canvas/wool or otherwise (on the cheap). You can a) insert a large piece of foam with an egg-carton pattern or b) stuff it with alternative home insulation material (NOT asbestos or that pink stuff you have in your attic). Last, staple some heavy fabric to the other side, and you've got yourself a baffle. [ a very flammable baffle, so be safe! ]
3) egg-carton foam is your friend, and its super cheap. this is helpful on walls, remember to leave some places un-treated. while you want to cover up what you can, you don't want an entirely "dead" sound. maintain the natural ambience of the room, dont' destroy it completely.
4) seperate control room? remember, "live end, dead end". the wall behind the mixing engineer is live, the wall in front is dead.
5) beware of standing waves and ugly reverberations. do a poor man's acoustic test-- clap! walk around your room clapping, use your ears to pinpoint ugly reverbs/waves. estimate the cause, cover it up with foam.
good luck Dagosto, let me know how it turns out!!!
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