Average Console BTU

[krytikal1]

I'm in the process of building a new studio, and I wanted to hand some of the equipment BTU's off to the HVAC guy for him to calculate the needs. I've been searching through the posts here, but am having a hard time seeing the answers I'm looking for.

For an average larger scale studio (SSL/Neve console, 4-5 racks of gear both SS and Tube) what should I tell him to add to the load? I will not have a larger format analogue console in there now, but we do have racks of outboard gear, and are planning a console to be put in during the near future. I don't want to under spec the size of the A/C unit...and would love to give him appropriate BTU ratings to add to the room size etc. He knows how to calculate everything on his end..but is not sure what something like a console would put out heat wise. Any thoughts on the machine room side as well?

Thanks in advance!

K.

[avare]

With the exception of power amplifiers, add up the watts power consumption. Your HVAC person will know how to convert to BTU/hr.

Andre

[SAC]

You might look at the wattage rating of the unit. That tells you essentially how much energy is dissipated as heat.

And you can add the various ratings of the equipment to get an overall estimate. But don't forget to calculate people as well as lighting units and ballasts, etc.

Normally HVAC load calculation sheets will help walk you through the process by allowing you to go down the list and prompting you to identify the type and number of such units present.

[avare]

SAC gave great advice. Keeping the chronology of the thread accurate, you can convert watts to BTU/Hr using Google. Type in "xxx watts to btu/hr=" where xxx= the number of watts.

The hot,
Andre

[krytikal1]

Excellent guys...thank you. I'm sure he already has that stuff...but I will make sure as well.

Is there any variant to the output of a large format console, where the PSU and computers are in the other room, and the console is in the control room? I would calculate the watts...but how would I split the difference between what the console and buckets are generating in the control room compared to what the PSU's, computers and fans are generating in the machine room?

I guess at this point the only unknown calculation would be for the console. Any idea what an average 48 channel SSL draws watt wise? I have a call into a reseller as well.

Thanks!!

K.

[avare]

Originally Posted by krytikal1

Is there any variant to the output of a large format console, where the PSU and computers are in the other room, and the console is in the control room? I would calculate the watts...but how would I split the difference between what the console and buckets are generating in the control room compared to what the PSU's, computers and fans are generating in the machine room?

Any idea what an average 48 channel SSL draws watt wise? I have a call into a reseller as well.

The "average" console is meaningless. Ask SSL directly on the specific model and configuration.

Andre

[Rod Gervais]

K,

I have a calculator I put together that does everything except for calculating what fresh air adds to the equation (this because that is completely dependent on location - it varies greatly depending on location within a relatively small geographically footprint)

All you have to do is input all of the wattage from your gear, the room size - the maximum number of people it will have in it (at any given time) (this because people add dramatically to the heat load as well) and it does the rest.

It also calculates the lighting load.

It is (however) an Excell spreadsheet - so you would need that in order to use it.

If you want you can PM me and I would be happy to send you a copy.

If you have room within a room construction - tell him to be very VERY careful not to oversize the unit - or you will have some serious problems with humidity control.

The heat gain/loss from these types of rooms (because they are super insulated) is not the same as normal buildings, a system in AC mode will not have long enough run times in order to properly dehumidify the space if it is oversized.

That is a very important piece of the puzzle when it comes to HVAC design for recording and movie studios..

BTW - most HVAC contractors install systems that are oversized - this because it is generally cheaper to step up to the next larger size than it is to do the homework needed to put together a system that is proper for the space.

That plus they figure that an oversized unit will provide the extra beef needed to handled the really couple of bad days that sit outside of the norm.


Rod Gervais
Director of Education
GIK Acoustics
Gik Acoustics USA
Gik Acoustics Europe
Tel.(US)1.888.986.2789
Tel.(UK)+44(0)20.7558.8976

[krytikal1]

Originally Posted by avare

The "average" console is meaningless. Ask SSL directly on the specific model and configuration.

Andre

I just received that book...so I'm good...thanks!

K.

[krytikal1]

Originally Posted by Rod Gervais

K,

I have a calculator I put together that does everything except for calculating what fresh air adds to the equation (this because that is completely dependent on location - it varies greatly depending on location within a relatively small geographically footprint)

All you have to do is input all of the wattage from your gear, the room size - the maximum number of people it will have in it (at any given time) (this because people add dramatically to the heat load as well) and it does the rest.

It also calculates the lighting load.

It is (however) an Excell spreadsheet - so you would need that in order to use it.

If you want you can PM me and I would be happy to send you a copy.

If you have room within a room construction - tell him to be very VERY careful not to oversize the unit - or you will have some serious problems with humidity control.

The heat gain/loss from these types of rooms (because they are super insulated) is not the same as normal buildings, a system in AC mode will not have long enough run times in order to properly dehumidify the space if it is oversized.

That is a very important piece of the puzzle when it comes to HVAC design for recording and movie studios..

BTW - most HVAC contractors install systems that are oversized - this because it is generally cheaper to step up to the next larger size than it is to do the homework needed to put together a system that is proper for the space.

That plus they figure that an oversized unit will provide the extra beef needed to handled the really couple of bad days that sit outside of the norm.


Rod Gervais
Director of Education
GIK Acoustics
Gik Acoustics USA
Gik Acoustics Europe
Tel.(US)1.888.986.2789
Tel.(UK)+44(0)20.7558.8976

Rod,

Thank you!

I will pm you shortly!

K

[avare]

Good luck with your studio!


To myself and somewhat rhetorical:

My signature line is appropriate for all aspects of studio design. However Rod's remarks about proper AC unit sizing, for latent heat control, reminded me that my signature line is significant for all aspects of studio building.

Maybe I should take my advice and study it more.

Learning from myself,
Andre

[Jeffrey Hedback]

Thanks Rod for concisely bringing forth these critical elements of a functioning studio.

If anyone is saying, "well, OK...but so what?" The "so what" of a not properly designed HVAC system is session fatigue and poor decisions on a daily basis and potential mold & moisture issues long-term.

Case in point, my partner and I are currently working on a renovation of Trevor Horn's personal production suite. It had an HVAC ~ 4X oversized (likely for the exact reasons described by Rod). He had mold, excessive air handling noise and continuous moisture issues.