2 options for new studio design/floor plan

[b_jarsky]

Hi All,

I just moved into new commercial facility, decided i need to start a financial sink hole, and am starting to design my DIY Studio. My practical acoustic experience is limited but I have been interested in the subject for many years. I've read some books, and spent many hours doing research on the web. I am familiar with basic room modes, absorption, diffraction, RFZ, RT60, flutter, etc. I have experience with framing, drywall, general construction as well.

The current space I have to work with is approximately 32'L x 17.5'W x 14'H, only one shared wall with neighbor (musician also), no one above or below, concrete floors and brick exterior walls w/frame roof. Kitchen and bathroom are already installed and are omitted from floor plan.

This is intended to be a work in progress so the plan is a little at a time, as much as I can afford. (Although I would like to get the control room done ASAP to start work in).

Basically I have two options regarding the floor plan. The main difference is the shape of the control room. Option A utilizes a non-rectangular room with a corner style design, with soffit mounted mains and a RFZ in mind. Option B is based around a rectangular shell, ratio of 1: 1.14: 1.39, and wall mounted absorbers, diffractors, reflectors.

As far as I can tell, advantages/disadvantages are as follows:

Option A-
Advantages
1. better sight lines between rooms/booths
2. large soffit mounted mains for WOW factor
3. subjective more "pro" feel
4. true RFZ
5. larger, more asymmetrical live room
Disadvantages
1. less predictable modal response
2. more complicated construction

Option B-
Advantages
1. more predictable modal response for both control room and live room
2. easier to build

Disadvantages
1. smaller, more awkward iso booths
2. smaller live room
3. no soffit mains
4. awkward live room entry/exit

Please take a look at the attached rough (very rough) floor plans and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

[Ethan Winer]

Without spending a lot of time on this, V2 looks better if only because the control room is less square.

--Ethan

[spm_gl]

I'd prefer option A (as you do, according to your pro/contra list). But I don't like the rear of the control rom, that corner is going to bounce the sound right back to your ears. Perhaps turn it a little more sideways? Many studios seem to have the window on the side. Makes it easier to place the center for surround too.
Soffit mounted speakers are great, not only for the wow factor. But I don't want to start a huge argument again tutt