What Does an Acoustic Designer Do?

After your equipment such as microphone, computer, and instruments, arguably the most important part of a recording studio is the acoustics.  If acoustics were not necessary, we’d all just record in our living rooms or bedrooms.  Why would anyone build special rooms for recording if it weren’t to capture excellent and isolated sound quality?  A proper recording studio offers the quintessential environment to create and capture at a world class level!

If you’re building a high-end studio, you’ll benefit by partnering with an acoustic designer. But what is an acoustic designer? Based in Miami, FL, David Frangioni is a world-renowned studio designer who has worked with everyone from Aerosmith to the Rolling Stones to Shakira. Let’s dive into what makes acoustic treatments essential, and what an acoustic engineer can do for your studio!

 THE ACOUSTIC DESIGNER’S ROLE

It’s a job title less commonly known than others, but acoustic designers work in concert halls, restaurants, stadiums, and even airports. Also known as acoustic engineers, we control the impact of noise in a range of spaces along with the “sound” of the space.

In recording studios, a designer will specify the number, type, and location of acoustic treatments on the walls and ceiling to address sound decay and frequency response.  A designer will know where to place your speakers, seats, and subwoofer to fine-tune low frequencies.  They’ll know where to install absorbers and bass traps, which differ depending on each room’s shape.  They will also know “which” speakers are the most ideal for your space and to best mount them.  By working with a professional, your space will sound perfect for recording and as high caliber as Ozzy Osbourne’s studio.

 

WHY ACOUSTIC TREATMENTS ARE IMPORTANT

Most rooms, even well-treated ones, present acoustical issues that negatively affect recordings and mixes. Unlike an auditorium, your studio should reduce reverberation to be sonically ‘controlled’ so that each sound is contained and precise, predictable in playback.  This requires the room to be both sound absorbent/treated and soundproofed, which an acoustic designer knows how to do through years of both training and practical experience.

Untreated rooms have an uneven frequency response plus decay times that interfere with audio playback.  This means that your recording and mixing decisions will be based on audio that you can’t properly hear.  In addition to mixing, any recordings you make will be colored by the space you record them in. This can go horribly wrong if the room echoes or if you can hear the sound of pipes, footsteps upstairs, etc. For a neutral and accurate playback, your space will need both absorption and diffusion products, which an acoustic designer knows how to install correctly.

 

Are you ready for a complete acoustic design for your high-end space or studio? Contact David Frangioni here to set up a personalized consultation.