New To The Forum/New Studio Project

Greeting Everyone! My name is Dan Scott and this is my 1st post! I’ve spent considerable time reading and reviewing the material on this site and can say I’m very excited about what I’m learning here from you fine folks. I’ve been involved with real-estate for the past 3-4 years but previously owned a recording studio in my home in McDonough, GA. It was built in a garage and at that time I didn’t pay to much attention to room design and acoustics… Shame on me! I built the rooms square and settled for mere bed egg crate foam!! How awful is that? My vocal booth was pretty dead with Auralex and most of my clients were Rap/Hip Hop artists who’s needs were mostly midi programming not live recording. My vocals sounded great and I don’t think my mixes sounded to bad either but this go around things are going to be much different. In my new home I have a 2-car garage where I will be constructing the all new and improved Dan Scott Productions, LLC. I currently call this project my “beautiful mess” as you can see in the photos. I am in the framing stages of a detached 14x24 building to empty my garage into so I can begin construction on my studio. I have read the “recording studio manual” and reviewed many designs posted on this site however, I would LOVE some ideas from you pro’s out there on how to best utilize my space. My garage is 22’ x 20’8” (450 sq. ft.) and the ceilings are 9.5” high There is an LVL Beam running across the middle of the ceiling which is 7” wide and drops down 19”. Part of the bonus room staircase cuts through the corner of the ceiling attached to the house which has to be considered in constructing walls (see photo to right of sauna). My garage door is 16’ wide but will obviously get closed in using 2x6 Studs and insulation. Of course, I will place an entry door somewhere within that wall along with 2 windows (for esthetics from outside). The entrance into the house is in the back corner and I originally though I would want some kind of hallway from the new entry door to that door which could allow entry into my house without disturbing activity in the studio itself. If this hallway/area could include a sitting area outside of the control room/studio that would be great. The utility room currently has a water heater which I will replace with a tankless then install a toilet in there. I could also run water on the outside wall adjacent to the toilet to add a small vantiy sink/microwave if possible in the design If anyone has other ideas, I would love to hear them. I want to record live drums and did so in an 8x8 room in the old studio but like a dummie, treated all 4 walls AND Ceiling with Aurolex. Needless to say I was never satisfied with my live drum recordings as diffusion was the answer. I would like to get fat drum recordings but expect a large portion of my business to be midi production/vocal recording as I produce Hip Hop/Rap music. My needs are: A large as possible control room Small to moderate sized vocal booth Diffused Drum/Instrument room Small lounge area Any ideas are immensely appreciated! Dan Scott

i'd try to take advantge of the entire space and any "lounge" areas could be treated in case you needed additional booths or something like that. the microwave in the bath sounds like a practical location.

Gullfo, You don't know how much I appreciate that! I"ve been trying to learn and work up a drawing on sketch up all day and what I came up with is pathetic. I like your drawing and treating all the spaces is good advice. In your drawing, how is access gained into the control room? Do you suggest double sliding glass doors from the connecting larger studio. Thanks, Dan

entry is through the large room - a pair of sliders back to back. you could also have a door in front of the console as well to allow multiple paths of entry - depends on your equipment and if you can position you monitors etc in way to allow access there.

I think access to the control room through the large room will be adequate. The LVL on the ceiling is 7" wide, so if I build double walls on each side this will give me 14" of air space between walls. From what I understand, this would give me pretty good isolation between control room and live room. Any recommendations of where to purchase sliders? Are local Home store sliders with thicker glass ok? Thanks, Dan

Mr. Gullfo, I've been playing around with Sketchup but for some reason can't figure out how to move walls or re-size thickness after drawing them. This drawing is pretty messed up and I'm sort of embarassed to post it but do I have the right concept on framing the rooms? I will use standard 96" studs and the new ceiling joists will sit on top of the walls for each room independantly (4- rooms withing the one large room). This will allow considerable air space between the existing ceiling and the new ceiling where I can run HVAC ducting, wiring/cables, etc. I've been reading on how to install sheetrock leaving 1/4" spacing for acoustic sealant at the corners. I think I understand what I need to do but would apprciate any words of wisdom. I also plan on pitching the ceilings at least 12 degrees. Is this correct? Kind Regards, Dan

i think my first recommendation is to get a copy of Rod Gervais's book Home Studio Construcion - Build It Like the Pros. it has numerous details on isolation and proper construction techniques. some thoughts - if this is operated as a commerical studio, it will likely need ADA compliance. if so, things like homedepot style sliders won't work because you'll need to have them flush mount and the slide gaps very close - hence a commercial door makes sense. Rod has some information posted in the construction forum with some brand information as well. as far as sketchup, it takes time to learn but you can use the push-pull tool for many shifts in walls and such. i recommend creating the base garage as a template (group everything) and using this to create versions from. this way if you goof up you can re-open the template and restart. on the ceiling, if you have the option for 12 degree slope thats good, but you could get away wih using clouds overhead. less construction and just as likely to meet your needs.

Thanks for that and I did order Rod's book on Friday. It's already shipped and I should get it soon. Clouds would be much more cost effective and less hassle than a secondary ceiling. Thanks Again, Dan

Well, I recieved Rod's book yesterday and had a chance to burn through 40 pages last night after working all day on the detached garage. Awesome Stuff Rod. The detached garage/shed is phase 1 of the studio build as I obviously need the attached garage for the studio. I'll have it dried in tommorow so I can start transfering all my crap into it in order to start phase II, closing in the attached garage and constructing my new studio!! Can you tell I'm getting exited? As I've done with the dozens of renovations and build jobs I've completed over the years, I like to take many photos of the before, during and after phases. Of course I'm going to do the same with my recording studio. I know this post stared under the "design" section but someone may want to move it to the construction area as I am planning on sticking with your design Gullfo. Thanks again for your rendering and help with that my friend. I have alot to learn about how to construct my studio the right way but I don't have any desire to take shortcuts as I am the type of person who pays attention to the small details so here I go.........I'm jumping in with both feet! Dan