I’ve acquired some Xmas money and wanted to put it towards treating my (bedroom) studio. I am recording, producing and mixing my own demos (I am primarily a songwriter). The music I make is pop rock – think Maroon 5. Most of my production and mixing is at low to moderate volumes – I sit less than a metre away from my 5” direct field speakers and rarely monitor above 80db.
The ceilings are slanted, similar to an attic, and floors are fully carpeted (over timber). Walls are plaster. I am in a 2 storey house on the top floor. I do not own the house, so major construction/physical changes such as building walls etc, is a no no.
The room itself is portioned/split into 2 areas – one area (the larger space) I am using primarily for mixing (occasionally for vocal recording) (photo 6), and the other smaller space for sleeping (photo 14)
The current ‘studio’ portion of the room (the larger space-photo 6) is 4.3m wide x 4.8m long x 2.6m high, with non-parallel/non symmetrical walls for the most part. The ‘bedroom’ portion (photo 14) is 2.4m wide x 3.3m long x 2.5m high, and is more symmetrical than the current ‘studio’ portion of the room, but is a lot smaller. Total length of the room from the rear wall (where the bed is) to the front wall (behind the vocal booth – where the vinyl covers are on the wall above the brown couch) is 8.1m. Long story short, I chose size over symmetry.
I’ve done some research regarding placing bass traps in corners, and treating early reflection points with absorption, however I am still unsure as to the best position/placement for my desk and speakers within this specific room, and how I should be treating it (aside from Corner traps and Early reflection points, which I understand).
Budget – cost IS an issue - depending on recommendations and advice - I am happy to make the panels and traps myself (if I can save some $$), or also happy to buy commercial products if it might be a better choice for this specific situation. Keeping in mind - I live in Sydney, Australia and the freight costs for even just a few Real Traps ‘Minitraps’ is ridiculously expensive.. I am happy to spend what I need to in order to fix the biggest and most important issues (corner bass traps, early reflection points etc) – think somewhere up to $2000. I COULD afford to spend $20,000 but obviously would rather not – this studio is for making my songwriting demos only. What I am looking for is bang for my buck, getting the most important things sorted out. Not absolute acoustic perfection.
CLICK HERE for a short video tour of the room
Photos with measurements:
Extra Photos:
Questions:
1) In terms of current choice of speaker placement/desk setup –I thought that the current setup in the photos of firing the speakers down the ‘bedroom section’ might have been the best option (photos 2&3) – as I get length. Any other ideas?
2) The speakers are each on a pile of books and slightly tilted upwards due to the foam iso pads (photo 13) - Would it be best to move the speakers right to the front of the desk (in front of the computer screen) to avoid any reflections off the desk?
3) You will also see a second set of reference speakers on the left side of the desk (photo 11) – should I move these somewhere else to prevent reflections? And/or remove the left side of the desk entirely? (It is detachable) (fyi please ignore the PC tower on the desk – that is only there temporarily)
4) The only recording I do is with a (single) singer - Regarding my current vocal recording setup – I get the singer facing down the length of the room (Ie facing me while I am sitting at my computer – the same way the speakers are facing, with the vocal booth behind him. Any other better ideas for this setup? (photo 6/13)
5) Assuming the best place for the speakers is where they are currently positioned - Would there be any benefit in placing a diffuser above the bed? (I.e. furthest rear point in the room – where the ‘space’ artwork is positioned in photo 14)
6) To the Australians on the forum – regarding DIY treatment - I’ve realised I can’t get Owens corning 703 or 705 here – so I found 3 other popular options. Any experience with any of these alternatives, and if it matters (in regards to this particular room)?
Acoustisorb 3
Fibretex 350
Polymax-Absorb HD 100mm
Any other hints, tips and advice are welcome,
If I have missed any details or important info, please let me know.
Thank you so much for your time, much appreciated. Aaron
