OK, after drawing up house/studio plans until I'm blue in the face (and who knows where else?), tomorrow I am committing to an offer of $300G on an existing home. But, not to worry, it's a two story brick home with nine foot ceilings on EVERY floor, including the basement. So, I'm back to my favorite conundrum. But, now, a little more focused.
Already, I know that I do NOT want to build rectangular rooms just because they are easier to handle and predict. I want a room that addresses the fundamental idealogies that should make a great control room, studio, lounge, etc, ALL in my new basement with engineered lumber floor jopists 9 feet above the concrete floor.
I have available to me in great quantities, 3" diameter closed cell foam discs (approximately 40 durometer, for those mechanical engineers out there). At NO Cost, I can float as many rooms as I want on this byproduct of a process at my day gig. So, since I want to space my studio rooms off of the concrete slab basement floor anyway, I think I'll do so. These rooms will have their own ceilings that are nested between the floor joists above. The studio and control room should be able to accomodate 8' 6" ceilings, at worst case scenario (probably closer ot 8'9").
So, since I'm not just making up rectangular rooms and treating them with the standard RPG fare, I believe I need professional help. My rooms must scream "designed as a recording studio". My needs are actually simple, considering the thousands/millions who have come before me.
I need a consultant or advisor who can help me to design (re-create) the rooms within my ample space (or someone who has already payed for a design that has proven itself, and might want to make a few bucks by selling the plans, all legalities observed, of course). My entire recording studio must be within an approximately 35' x 35' area, that includes a stairway landing basically at the center of the area.
I'm looking for advice from folks who have actually PAID for consulting and feel as though they actually got EVERY penny's worth from the experience (or folks who can clearly qualify their statements). I, myself, am actually a mechanical engineer, with a relatively good grasp of acoustic and mechanical concepts that are pre-requisite knowledge, for even a mediocre attempt at studio design.
BUT, I don't want to fool myself! I have a space that can accomodate many proven recording spaces. . I know it has been pointed out that copying an existing space is not the answer. But, to some degree, it is (considering parabolic, reflection controlling control rooms). I don't wish for an absorptive room. Sure some absorptive treatment will be required. BUT, I want to build the control room to control the sound (BTW, 5.1 monitoring) instead of just tame it with absorption. I'm willing to pay for prior experience, but, don't feel I need to start from scratch (or pay for starting from scratch).
Anyone got plans for proven control rooms or recording spaces, given the space I am working with. Like I said, I'm willing to pay for this, but, given my unrestricted confines, I don't feel I need to re-invent the wheel (studio), or pay so much for the art of it. I don't mind that someone else may have "the original". I have the space to take advantage of an already proven design. It's most cost effective to do so.
Get the idea? You designers, chime in, OR contact me offline for other arrangements. Tomorrow I close the deal on my new house. I'm ready to get started, in earnest!
I am a competant builder and intend to build this 100% myself, obviously, cutting no corners.
As I see it, I should be able to include studio, CR, lounge (with pool table) and bathroom into this space. Strangely there is a space off of the main square basement area that is ten feet wide and 25 feet long. I plan to use/treat it as a chamber.
It's all quite exciting. And, I've about tapped myself out on the house itself. But I don't want to mess this one up. This would be a good one to document with pics and such on this site. Anyone want to contribute to GigaBoy's cause?
Bill
www.GigaBoyAV.com