The Down and Under Studio
The Issue
The owner of The Down and Under Studio decided that it was time to take his music room to the next level with a proper acoustic study and treatment. Overall, the space sounded good, but needed fine tuning to produce the types of recording that were desired from the artists that utilize the space. The key was to keep the rustic vibe while acoustically treating the space. The other key was to make sure the space wasn’t too “dead” as it served as both the live and mix space. Determining what panel thickness’, types, and layout positions was made possible by a Consulting Site Visit, complete with data gathering from REW software that could then be analyzed and put into a report. Once that part was complete, we were able to work with the studio to create a treatment that included AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Quick Ship Bass Traps, AlphaSorb® Quick Ship Custom Art Acoustic Panels, and AlphaSorb® Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels. These products in conjunction with the consulting site visit and REW data allowed us to create a studio space that sounded tight, yet natural.
About the Client
The Down and Under Studio was looking for an acoustic company that could offer a turnkey solution for consulting, materials, layouts, and room tuning. Acoustics took the highest priority, with an emphasis on making sure that the room wasn’t overtreated. Aesthetics were equally as important as the room already had a high-end, rustic-chic look with custom millwork covering all the walls and ceiling.
The Challenge
When dealing with other companies, The Down and Under Studio simply couldn’t find someone that could come on-site, gather data to make informed decisions, and recommendations to properly treat the space. The goal was to have no unwanted echo or natural reverberation while still having a space that would allow acoustic instruments to fully develop.
The Solution
Using REW software, we were able to go on site and gather specific data that allows us to “tune” a space. REW software is a free download that, when done with a reference mic and loudspeaker, analyzes specific points to pinpoint Hz response, speech and music intelligibility, and basic RT60 analysis along with basic dB readings. These findings are then compiled into a basic acoustic analysis report complete with where data was gathered, and the outcomes.Sound Absorption (Hz) E-400 Mount | ||||||||
Position | C50 | D50 | C80 | Topt | T20 | Ts | EDT | T30 |
Mix Location | 8.30 dB | 87.1% | 15.21 dB | 0.318 s | 0.368 s | 0.046 s | 0.0397 s | 0.306 s |
Alcove | 2.40 dB | 63.5% | 11.52 dB | 0.377 s | 0.322 s | 0.051 s | 0.504 s | 0.320 s |
Front Right | 6.54 dB | 81.9% | 11.33 dB | 0.388 s | 0.289 s | 0.040 s | 0.361 s | 0.347 s |
Drum Corner | 10.48 dB | 91.8% | 12.19 dB | 0.331 s | 0.341 s | 0.035 s | 0.309 s | 0.323 s |
Front Left | 9.48 dB | 89.9% | 13.30 dB | 0.344 s | 0.331 s | 0.038 s | 0.339 s | 0.324 s |
Guest Seating | 7.70 dB | 85.5% | 14.91 dB | 0.324 s | 0.344 s | 0.039 s | 0.341 s | 0.324 s |
Table 1 — Measurement Positions — RT60 and Clarity Responses |
We’re even able to see specifically what areas need what products based on easy to identify SPL Graphs. Based on all of this data, we can take a custom-tailored approach to our treatment of each space to fine tune it to achieve the exact goals of the client!
The Result
The owner of The Down and Under Studio was delighted to have such a custom approach with his specific goals in mind. Acoustical Solutions was able to analyze the space and provide detailed treatments specifically catered to the goals of the studio while retaining the rustic vibe and feel of the space!
In the Customer’s Own Words
“I recently decided to convert a basement room into a home recording studio. I contacted Steve Snider with Acoustical Solutions in Richmond VA. I could not be more pleased. Steve came to my home and did an acoustic diagnosis to decide what treatments I needed for the floor, walls and ceiling. He made me aware that acoustic wall panels could come with digital photo quality pictures on the face of the panels. I got some with Springsteen, Clarence, and Tom Petty and actually got two with photos I had taken at concerts. They are stunningly beautiful and my friends thought they were photos, not acoustic panels. Steve provided a plan within my budget with ceiling panels, corner bass traps, and wall/photo panels. He helped me decide size and placement. When the materials arrived he walked us through installation by phone. Using a 1-100 scale Steve and Acoustical Solutions get a 200. Just outstanding personal service. Turnkey. Don’t plan your studio without them. You will regret it.”
To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.