Studio layout + general Qs

Hi all- I recently finished construction on my modest rehearsal space/studio (a converted workshop structure in the backyard) and can finally(!) begin to re-assemble my DAW environment, instruments, etc. I'm looking into acoustic treatment and have a few (hopefully) basic questions -- my apologies if these have been answered, I've been reading through many forum postings and references like Ethan Winer's overviews, SAE, and of course Rod's book(!), etc but still have a ways to go. Am hoping for some initial guidance to help get things started. Attached are two rudimentary images... Sketchup is powerful but it's taking me a bit to get the hang of it. That said: 1. I initially planned to position the master keyboard + DAW across the SW corner of the room (i.e. I'd be facing the corner when in front of the DAW), to allow somewhat of a view out the clear glass block window. I believe that the layout below (i.e. facing one of the short walls) would be better acoustically, however, since I could more easily control reflections. Is this correct... or would the corner position be a better idea? 2. Given the location of the window, doors, and electrical outlets (fairly close to the corners) I can't fit full 2' wide bass traps in the corners, at least floor-to-ceiling. Two of the corners could accommodate narrower (~18") bass traps -- would it be better to (i) use a narrower 18" bass trap floor-to-ceiling (8' ceiling), or a 'standard' 2'x4' bass trap that's positioned mid-wall? 3. Re: corner bass traps... one thing I'm not clear on: is it better to leave the air space behind them empty, or fill that in with additional material, like 703/705 or even loose-fill insulation? 4. Given my budget ($5-600 for acoustic), I plan to phase in acoustic treatment and add additional pieces as funds allow over time. With that in mind, my current thinking is to employ 2' x 4' x 4" absorbers (some manner of covered 703/705) with the following priority: (i) N wall, (ii) E + W walls slightly in front of the mix position, (iii) S wall behind the DAW, (iv) ceiling above the mix position. Does this sound right, or would you recommend a different sequence? Thank you in advance, Greg Austin, TX

Greg, First things first - resize your drawings so we don't have to scroll left to right to read your post - I haven't finished reading it due to that problem. Rod

Sorry about that... rookie mistake! Hopefully these should be a bit better, I also edited the initial post to clarify some info. Thx!

Greg,

mgmadian wrote:

I believe that the layout below (i.e. facing one of the short walls) would be better acoustically, however, since I could more easily control reflections. Is this correct... or would the corner position be a better idea?

What you show now is much better than facing a corner. The main problem with facing a corner is that puts the opposite corner directly behind you. Corners focus the sound, which is always best to avoid.

I can't fit full 2' wide bass traps in the corners, at least floor-to-ceiling.

Make your traps the full 2 foot width, but angle them slightly if needed. They don't have to be exactly 45 degrees. The main goal is to have bass traps covering as much corner surface as possible.

is it better to leave the air space behind them empty, or fill that in with additional material, like 703/705 or even loose-fill insulation?

Filling is better, but only a little better. If the added material cost is not an issue for you, go ahead and fill the corner.

Does this sound right, or would you recommend a different sequence?

Start with bass traps in the four wall-wall corners, plus absorbers at the first reflection points on the side walls and ceiling. Then add more corner bass traps in other corners over time. --Ethan