700 Sq. Ft.

Hello all. I'm not good with measurements, but I'm about to look at a space that is 700sq. ft. I was wondering how much space does that amount to in regards to studio space. I'm trying to move my studio out of my bedroom and get some off space. Once I see it I'll be able to determine what I can or cant do with the space. But I was trying to be one step ahead. My dream set up would be to have two rooms (w/booth) and a space for live practice and/or dance room. Any suggestions as far a dividing the 700sq ft. Thanks in advance.

Aloha and welcome to the forum! Congrats on your studio build! Any chance you could please:

Edit your profile to include your location. This is very important, because this is a worldwide resource, and as such, material costs and availability vary widely. For example, masonry is cheaper than gypsum in some parts of the globe, whereas it's the exact opposite in other regions.

You'll probably get more of a response by doing so and this will really come in handy two or three posts down the road. It's also part of the forum guidelines: http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7572 http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3231 The more info, drawings, pics, kind of music, instruments to be recorded, etc. you can provide, the better we'll be able to offer any suggestions. Thanks! :wink: Looking forward to your build! Aloha 8)

Thanks for the heads up. I've just updated my profile to indicate location and web site (under construction). Really trying to get at least two reasonable size rooms with booth. As of right now, no room will have a main board. So, I'll be basically working with computer, sequencer, keyboards, monitors and some more outboard gear in each room. One room I'm looking to run Logic in, so wont be to much extra gear in there besides keyboard and some modules. Just really trying to start basic as far as the gear, but want to create room with enough space to grow. Right now my bed room is 10 x 13 and I quickly out grew the space with just my gear. Seems like I have at least two of everything, so I'm looking to separate it and create two recording rooms. Hope this enough. I just need some possible measurement as far as room size. I'm thinking I can get one room that is at least 20x20. one room 10x13 (logic room) and a 13x13 room. I'm also hoping that it is 20" ceiling so I can put a lillte sleep area above one of the room????? Any suggestions

Aloha and Happy New Year! Hey, thanks for updating your profile. :wink: - 20x20 - 10x13 (logic room) - 13x13 room. One othe things you try to avoid is a square room, as this causes all kinds of acoustical problems. Here are a few excerpts collected along the way:

Room Ratios Room Ratios - In Rod Gervais’ book “Build it Like the Pros,” he points out both L.W.Sepmeyer’s & M.M. Louden’s formulas most widely used in professional studios worldwide. He also notes that the orders listed are (top to bottom) the first to third best ratios in both cases. L.W. Sepmeyer Height Width Length 1.00 1.14 1.39 1.00 1.28 1.54 1.00 1.60 2.33 M.M. Louden Height Width Length 1.00 1.40 1.90 1.00 1.30 1.90 1.00 1.50 2.10

From the SAE website - http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/index.html

So what size should a control room be? I suggest that a control room ideally should be at least 6m x 5m with a minimum ceiling height of 2.4m. (19’7” x 16’4” x 7’9”)

Steve (Knightfly) mentioned that "4' x 5' x 7' inside dim's is about the best modal compromise for a small booth." Modally, with a 6'4" ceiling you'd do well with wall dimensions (inside) of 5 and 7 feet. That combination shows no modal problems at all. This means that vocals in such a room shouldn't be "colored" by the room. You would want to keep the upper half, including the ceiling, absorbed with such as rigid fiberglas insulation boards, covered with a light plastic film (they shed) and fire proofed cloth (they're ugly) - you'd likely get better vocal sounds with the singer seated rather than standing, since otherwise they will be nearly at the ceiling. Being that close to a boundary (especially if it isn't absorbed) will cause comb filtering due to early reflections.

I'm also hoping that it is 20" ceiling

20". That much, huh? :wink: Reference Area – Useful Links – Steve Knightfly http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2125 SAE Institute Reference Material Center – John Sayers http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/index.html DIY Wall Units – John Sayers http://www.johnlsayers.com/HR/index1.htm Home Recording Studio: Build it Like the Pros (Paperback) by Rod Gervais http://www.amazon.com/Home-Recording-St ... F8&s=books Aloha 8)

Thanks again. I'll read, read, and read. Lot to take in, but very extensive and helpful. In regards to the 20" ceiling, I was more so thinking about putting a sleep area on top, instead of taking up floor space, especially when it is limited. But I'll guess I just have to go home. :lol: I'm going to see the space today (1/3), I'll make some notes in advance and maybe post the area once I see it.