Opinions: Should I bother with this space?

[lahatte]

I am doing a remodel on my house, and want to incorporate a recording studio. I have a balcony space I am thinking of using for the control space, and the finished attic space over a two-car garage that I intend to use for the performance space.

There are some odd characteristics to the shapes of these spaces, so it would be nice to get some experienced opinions.

Images are attached, though some make the space look a little larger than actual. See the plan view for a better idea of actual dimensions.

Thanks very much.

[Soundman2020]

Hi. Please read the forum rules for posting (click here). You seem to be missing a couple of things!

That said, your space certainly can be used. It won't be ideal, of course, but it is a reasonable size, and if that's the only space you have for your studio, then it is much better than no studio at all! If you design and build it carefully, following the advice you find here on the forum, then it can definitely be a usable studio. The biggest issues will probably be isolation and structural support: isolation, because it is harder (and more expensive) to isolate a room where the floor is not resting directly on the ground, and structural support because isolation needs a lot of very heavy materials. But if you don't need a lot of isolation, then you can use that place without too much trouble, and if you do need lots of isolation, then all you need is lots of money so you can strengthen then structure and add the weight that is necessary to isolate it properly.


- Stuart -

[lahatte]

Thanks. I'm looking into it.

[lahatte]

Do you think having an open space behind the control room space will negatively affect the monitoring, or is the open space a plus since there wouldn't be reflections from a back wall?

Thanks.

[lahatte]

Just to be clear, my concern is about how badly the shapes of these spaces might affect acoustics. Just in general, based on the fact that there are angles at the ceiling, etc.

[Soundman2020]

Just to be clear, my concern is about how badly the shapes of these spaces might affect acoustics. Just in general, based on the fact that there are angles at the ceiling, etc.

For the control room, symmetry is critical. At the very least for the front half of the room, the left side should be a mirror image of the right side, as much as possible. From the images, it looks like you'll have some issues there. Try to arrange the room so that your head is on the left-right center line, and the two halves on each side of that center-line are identical, including speaker locations, walls, treatment, ceiling angles, etc.

- Stuart -

[lahatte]

For the control room, symmetry is critical. At the very least for the front half of the room, the left side should be a mirror image of the right side, as much as possible.

Indeed. That's my problem. Since this space is a balcony, it seems no matter how I arrange it there cannot be symmetry.

[Soundman2020]

Then you might need to build some extra framing with flat panels to make it symmetrical.

For example, if there's a strange angle on one side of your ceiling, then build some extra framing on the other side to match the angle, and put thick drywall on it. That's usually the best way of dealing with symmetry issues: Build out the other side to match. Yes, it does eat up some space inside the room, but the benefits of having good symmetry generally outweigh the lost space (unless there's going to be a very large amount of space lost).

- Stuart -

[lahatte]

Thanks. I have thought about that, but needing the door there interferes with that with the presented arrangement.

I wonder about maybe using the room corner, and framing a sloped ceiling on the adjacent wall until it meets the door. That way at least the corner would be symmetrical. I'll have to mock that up and see if it will fit.

[lahatte]

Or did you mean to make a slope to the right of the door opening? I'll try that too, but that may really constrict the space.

Thanks.
Clay

[lahatte]

ControlRoom,Door,2Monitors,S3,PatchbaysUnderKeybaord,From StairTop2 - Copy.jpg

I don't see the picture that I thought I posted with the doorway included. I am posting it again here for reference.

Thanks.

[lahatte]

Control1_From_Stairs,On_Front_Wall - Copy.jpg

One other thing, I had tried this rough layout previously but didn't think it was good. However, this arrangement might be the best option, provided that I put up a false wall to the right of the mixing desk. Thoughts?

Thanks.
Clay

[JCBigler]

Dude, that's an awesome graphic of your control room...It's almost photo realistic. Did you do that in Scketchup or use another graphics program?

What about turning the room layout by 90 degrees so that it faces the wall with the larger slope? It would be wider than it is long, but it might be easier to get your symmetry that way.

[lahatte]

Hi. I am using 'Home Designer Architectural' software for this.

Regarding turning 90 degrees, I just posted a view of that very arrangement. An issue is that the open balcony area is to the right, but I might be able to put up a partial wall to close that off, at least near the monitors.

[JCBigler]

Hi. I am using 'Home Designer Architectural' software for this.

Regarding turning 90 degrees, I just posted a view of that very arrangement. An issue is that the open balcony area is to the right, but I might be able to put up a partial wall to close that off, at least near the monitors.

Build a wall n the right side, and put a door it. It will also help to isolate it from the open area below the balcony.