Building a small control room with built-in assymetry

[pask74]

A few pictures of my first basstrap constructions

basstrap structure.JPG

basstrap filling.JPG

basstrap sealing.JPG

[pask74]

A few more pics.

Basstrap with cloth (I may add slats according to the measurements once the ceiling is completed).

basstrap cloth.JPG

Making of the ceiling modules:

ceiling - frame.JPG

ceiling - frame-plastic.JPG

ceiling - plastic.JPG

ceiling - mineral wool.JPG

I've added a layer of black thin plastic just to help with the consistency of the cloth color (as it's white, the structure and mineral wool were a bit visible)

ceiling - black plastic.JPG

[pask74]

I am trying to see the end of this project.

The lessons learnt so far :
- measuring is a must - next time, I'll start right away with proper measuring equipment
- for a small room, base the treatment on absorbtion
- basstrapping the corners is probably the best starting point
- you'll use more mineral wool than expected
- make physical measurements of the room once, well and precisely
- making a SketchUp plan is very helpful
- as much as possible, think about the whole concept from early measurements to the finishing touches
- details take much more time than expected
- think about the ventilation, power, audio and all other cables & connections early enough

[Soundman2020]

Very true, and very useful tips!

- Stuart -

[pask74]

I've put this plastic layer underneath the finishing cloth and I must say I am very impressed on how live the room sounds!
With an all-mineral wool ceiling, I was expecting a much tighter sound but I actually like it better as it is.
Pictures & graphs will follow...

I find it quite difficult to handle all the parameters to keep those acoustics under control : the measurements with or without me standing/sitting at the sweet spot are pretty different ... same thing when I add a couch at the back of the studio, etc.

In any case THANKS A LOT for all the shared knowledge and time spent providing guidance, tips, background info, etc.!
I have a new control room (a bit more serious this time) project coming soon - will post for sure.

[Soundman2020]

I find it quite difficult to handle all the parameters to keep those acoustics under control : the measurements with or without me standing/sitting at the sweet spot are pretty different ... same thing when I add a couch at the back of the studio, etc.

Another possibility is that maybe you are not getting the mic in the exact same position very time you measure. That is important. It's a good idea to measure the precise distance from the four walls, floor and ceiling to the top of the mic, and make sure that it is back in that exact same position every time, accurate to within a 1/2" or so. If the mic is in a different place for each measurement, then you can't really compare the graphs as they are showing the results for different locations.

- Stuart -

[pask74]

Thanks Stuart,

The mic is mounted on a stand and wouldn't move at all...

[Soundman2020]

The mic is mounted on a stand and wouldn't move at all...

So the measurement mic is a permanent fixture in your room? You never, ever move that mic, as you take the sofa in and out, or move the treatment around the room? It will always be in that exact same location, which is the same place where your head is as you are mixing? I'm not quite sure how you can do that...

- Stuart -

[pask74]

Yes, the mic is mounted on a stand and does not move or very very slightly (I put a mark on the ground). I got consistent measurements until now, so I would not question the microphone placement too much.
I will post some graphs to express what I'm trying to understand for your consideration.

[pask74]

Attached are waterfalls with/without myself in the room ...

Empty:

room without anybody.jpg

With me

room with me standing behind the mic.jpg

[pask74]

It's been a while since I haven't posted here.
As I'm in the middle of another control room project, I'll try to post pictures of that first small room that is now being used by abstract hip-hop producers.
It's always very helpful to visit this forum again - thanks for keeping it alive!

[Soundman2020]

Welcome back!

I'm looking forward to seeing the new control room thread... sounds interesting!

- Stuart -

[pask74]

Thanks, Stuart!
I'm amazed to see that you've been so consistent in your acoustic counselor role since I last visited

[pask74]

The new thread is here:
http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewt ... =2&t=19429

Is there a special place for the studio diaries?