Wanting to build a mix room with potential to add live room

Hello! I am in the very beginning research phase of my "build". Goals: -An acoustically accurate control room, that has the possibility of a live room being added on to it later. -This room will be used mainly for creating and mixing digital production. MIDI and such. I also would like to be able to record vocals/other things that would fit (obv not drums) in there and record them too until I get the live room added on. I want it to look nice but I'm going to have to build it piece by piece slowly due to budget issues. I'd rather do it over a long time and have it be nicccce than rush it. I do have a noise meter but it needs batteries. It's the radio shack one and I'm not sure what weighting it is, but lets say at max I will be 120-130db (I probably won't be, at least any time soon). My closest neighbor is at least 50 yards away, and sound is not a huge issue. EXISTING STRUCTURE It is a 'pole barn' building. Right now it's just a concrete floor with 4x6 (maybe 4x8) uprights and two by fours going across. I think it's steel on the outside. I have 12 feet of height to work with in the building. It is 20'x30' and I can use about 150sq ft of that. I realize that it might be impossible to do two rooms with that. That's why I want the capability to add on later if I can convince the right people haha. It's basically set up in an open rectangle for me to place the room where I want, in the shape that I want. I'd obviously want to put it in a corner. The barn now is like a 'shop' of sorts where we do all type of things from building 703 traps to working on cars, so that's why I can't sacrifice the whole area. I have attached a rough drawing of how the building is set up. Maybe I could go in the corner straight back from the entrace? so the two garage doors are still functional and the "bay areas" useable. It already has electric run to it, and water is not far off. Budget I'd LIKE to shoot for around $10k or less, optimally less. Put it this way....we have I think every tool we'll need, so no $ there. We have most of the knowledge, or hopefully the ability to learn what we need to construct things. My dad (who will help/direct me) knows a little about how to build (drywall, electric, etc) but obviously a "studio" build is way different than regular building. Just saying we'll know how to frame, drywall etc. I just want it to be done right and look nice. I also am not able to blow money fast, and it may take a couple years for me to get this done haha. ** I hope I included everything and I tried to be thorough. If I left anything out please let me know. I'm just trying to get pointed in the right direction so far, and I know this is the right place to be. Thanks in advance, I look forward to brainstorming and learning from everyone.

Patiently awaiting a reply. Bumping to make sure I stay near the top. I appreciate every one's time! I'll check back as time allows. I am busy as well, so if I don't answer right away when you do just know I will be back!

Hi there "Golden Ears", and WELCOME! :) Sorry about the delay in responses.... busy times!

I'd rather do it over a long time and have it be nicccce than rush it.

Smart. Verrrry smart! I wish everyone would take that approach to building their studios. Most do, but some don't: they want it done yesterday... :)

but lets say at max I will be 120-130db

With just vocals and guitars, no drums, and typical listening levels, you should be quite a bit lower than that. I would expect more around 100 dB, give or take a few. It's drums and heavy bass that really push the numbers up high.

It is a 'pole barn' building. Right now it's just a concrete floor with 4x6 (maybe 4x8) uprights and two by fours going across. I think it's steel on the outside. I have 12 feet of height to work with in the building.

That's a pretty good basis. Concrete floor is great, and especially the height. Should be able to get good acoustics in there.

It's basically set up in an open rectangle for me to place the room where I want, in the shape that I want. I'd obviously want to put it in a corner.

Have you considered maybe doing a "corner studio"? IT might give you better use of space. That's one possibility. Another is like you said: a simple rectangle. But do make sure you use a good room ratio if you go that route.

I have attached a rough drawing of how the building is set up.

It would help to have a more detailed, more accurate SketchUp diagram, and photos would help a lot too! - Stuart -