Small CR Construction: Advice on mix position, treatments

Hello, all— The independent school where I work (my day job) is remodeling an existing one-floor building into a multi-purpose arts space that includes a large ensemble room (which will also function as studio live room) and adjacent control room. The control room space is quite small. The objective is to make the space as ideal as possible, acoustically, given a fairly limited budget, and the fact that the room, itself, is already "framed." (Construction is underway, and I've just seen the plans for the first time and walked through and observed the initial construction of the walls. The basic dimensions and structure are set, so there's no room to alter the architect's basic plans.) What is still up for (some) modification is the control room's interior arrangement. The current plans, as you can see from the attachments, prescribe a mix-position facing the room's long wall (and the window to the live room), as well as some odd counters which, I've been assured, are not set in stone. My sense is that the mix position should face the south (short) wall, with the window to the engineer's right. (That would place the window right at the first reflection point, I believe, but my sense is that's the "lesser" of evils?) Of course, the bass traps, diffusors, and other room treatments should change, as well, me thinks. HVAC and power and such have been handled well, from what I've seen from the plans. So: Any advice on how to set up the room, as it exists? Again, the essential "frame" of the space is set; I'm seeking advice on how to make it a viable control room, even though it's so small. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Place the monitors on the east wall (drafting standard is north is up). mirror the window with a reflective surface on the north wall, forget about diffusion. What is the ceiling height in the space? If big enough, anything over 8' fill with absorbent material. What is done about isolation? As I wrote in the other site you posted at, good studio building is 90% design and 10% construction. What on earth is an independent school? There is an announcement at the top of the forum about what to do to assure getting as many responses as possible. The announcement leads to this post. Actually, several people, who are experts on this forum, will not reply if you do not do what is written the post.

Thanks for your input. I'll try to add more specific details in line with the links. Please understand that I realize how important the design phase is (or could have been); I was not consulted as to any details up to this point. I'm an audio engineer, and also a teacher, and the school has set out to create the best space with whatever means it has. I don't know, candidly, the exact budget of the project, as it's underway. I've been asked how I might tweak the existing room layout, and I'm operating under the assumption, from the existing plans, that there are sufficient funds for acoustical treatment (as exists on the plans). I'm aware nothing is ideal, here; I'm seeking advice on how to make the best of what I've got to work with. As to the specifics: • I'm in Connecticut, USA. • The ceiling is 9." • What reflective material would you use on the north wall to parallel the window? • I don't know what specifically is being done about isolation, but I will inquire. • Loudness is not a major consideration; the campus isolated from neighbors by several hundred yards and the building isn't close to other buildings. Also, the north side of the building (the long dimension of the room) is built into a small hill, so that earth covers three feet up the exterior wall. An independent school simply means not a public high school. We're a small (400-student), co-educational, college-preparatory school. Thanks, again.

I would mirror, pun intended, with a mirror, calculating resonance to match the window. Can you reduce the width of the window? This would give more space for first reflection absorption. Have your administrators read this post. You spent tens of thousands of dollars where proper design would have saved you money and given a better acoustic performance.

in addition to Andre's ideas - consider moveable absorption you can put over the windows as needed - maybe porous absorbers on hooks and/or very heavy drapes to cut reflections. i'd make the front and back walls pretty absorptive as well as a cloud over head.

Glenn's idea of movable absorption for the windows is good. Better than my suggestion of reducing them or moving them. Andre

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I've sent an email to our administration team inquiring about the following: • Reducing the size of the mirror (though the curtains ideas seems great). • Moving the door closer to the window (not so far in the corner) in order to better allow for a bass trap in the that corner. • The precise construction of the window. • The thickness and material of the door. • The flooring material. Any advice on these fronts? Thanks again. David

daealus77 wrote:

• The precise construction of the window. • The thickness and material of the door. • The flooring material.

The floor is okay as long it is a hard surface on concrete slab. The door and window are part of the sound isolation system. What is the construction and TL performance of the walls? All three work together and anyone of them could be the weak link or needlessly overbuilt. Andre