Getting started

Hello, I am in Memphis, Michigan, USA I have worked as a freelance engineer for years at various studios and live gigs. I recently moved into a home where I have a garage that I am looking into turning part of it into a studio and then later adding on a nice live room. The added live room would be "New build" not converted, but to get started I want to do the conversion part of the studio most likely to be the control room and possibly a Vox Iso later. ButI figured actually to start with I could do a "One room" studio with Iso. The current area is 14 foot x 23 foot x angle ceiling that is 10 (lowest) 13+ (peak) Any thoughts or insights including what additional info I need to provide, would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, Most of the time I record at reasonable 85-95 db but when doing band recordings there have been times when 103-110 db can be reached and if doing late night recording I don't want to wake the wife and son in the house about 125 feet away.

Hi there "LHGriffin", and welcome! :) I'd suggest that you start I'd suggest two books: "Master Handbook of Acoustics" by F. Alton Everest (that's sort of the Bible for acoustics), and "Home Recording Studio: Build it Like the Pros", by Rod Gervais. And also read John Sayers own work here on the forum, at http://johnlsayers.com/Recmanual/index.htm. Those will give a really good basis on how to proceed with your design and build. The first book ("MHoA") gives you a great intro to the world of acoustics in simple terms, without going into too much complicated math. The second book shows you how that all works out in practice, in actually building a studio. John's manual is old and could do with an update, but it provides insights that the others miss. And of course, the forum itself is a huge gold-mine of information on how to build studios of all shapes and sizes, with numerous practical tips from people who have "been there and done that". Many many hints on traps to avoid, things that will make your life easier, important points that need great attention that you probably never thought of, ways to save money, etc., etc. Reading through a few of the larger threads can be a real education on how to go about this. - Stuart -