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