Please help: CR dimensions depend on support beams/columns

Hi: I have a good layout option below that allows for a voice booth/machine room, but with a relatively small CR. I originally designed it this way because a support beam hangs low in the space to 7ft or so...(see "studio b drawing w/lollycolumns indicated w/circles...this will be a converted barn). John, before I proceed down this road, I wanted to ask your opinion on whether I should actually lose the machine room/booth and use this space to extend the length/width of my control room by flipping it around. Only problem is, the lolly columns are supporting the structure (hay loft) and a 4x4 cross beam that hangs down to 7ft....this is why I didn't consider this orginally. An extended control room would give me more space plus the opportunity to do surround eventually. I could always use the studio for VO work if I need. Please give me your advice?? Many thanks, Jeff

So there'd be 2 colums coming down to the floor there, and that beam would be down @ 7'? Is the ceiling of the room just above the beam? How high is that ceiling? I don't know how much sound the colums would reflect, but putting trapping on the front of the beam (the side that faces the speakers) wouldn't be too tough, I wouldn't think... Even if you only reclaim a little bit, and put the machine room back there, I'd go with the long control room facing the tracking room. Big CR with a few obstacles > small CR. Good luck! Kase www.minemusic.net

Dymaxian, thanks for your question. The cieling is just about 8-1/2' high throughout the control room area (before floating floor and dropping cieling, etc). Where the support beam goes across the cieling, it will be about 6'-10"-7' after I have completed sound treatment, about 7'-8" in other areas. This support beam (as indicated in the picture) would go parallel to the mixing desk, supported by two lolly columns as indicated. John, would you rather have a cozy control room w/booth/machine room and a predictable cieling line, or take the larger space (and do you see the columns/beam as an issue, frankly)? All the best. Jeff

John/Steve: Can you pls give me your opinion on this? Larger control room (with lolly columns/cieling protrusion) or smaller control room w/machine room & vocal booth? Thanks again, Jeff

jeff - it would definitely be a bigger better control room - so why not replace the beam with a bigger beam and do away with the columns?? A span of 13' would only need an approx 8" x 3" beam to totally support what's above. cheers john

Thanks for your insight; nothing a steel beam can't take care of. BTW, I just re-shingled my barn, and have shored up the foundation. I am currently trying to resolve a water issue. Essential housekeeping stuff before I get framing. John, that said, can you help with 5.1 speaker placement in a room like this (now enlarged)? I honestly don't know how much 5.1 work I'll get, but I'd rather make the adjustment to my design now versus realizing my room's too small to do 5.1. Am I looking at the same acoustic treatments but on a larger scale (and maybe treating the rear wall with less absorbtion?) Any insight?? Jeff

Hi, John: Welcome back...hope you mixing session went well. I have taken you up on your suggestion to get rid of the lolly columns and put a steel support beam in place for the width of the new CR size. I now have a much bigger CR!! John, can you help with my 5.1 placement and acoustic treatment in this larger space? Do I simply take my smaller design and apply it to this new dimension? Once again, I appreciate any help. Thanks, jeff

Jeff - a 5:1 surround in your room shape doesn't fit too well as I've drawn here. The two rear speakers narrow the spread of the front speakers considerably. I suspect you'll have to compromise the angle and distance of the reaqr speakers to make the front work better. cheers JOhn