In my line of work I talk to a lot of people that have project studios and are typically just getting started in the world of audio recording. I hear one common question, “Should I acoustically treat my studio?” I always chuckle a little inside right before I say, “Absolutely.” I don’t chuckle to be demeaning; I just find it funny that so many people think an un-treated room is a sufficient and accurate listening environment. It really isn’t and honestly it can literally destroy a well recorded project. How will it destroy the project you ask? Reflections. Reflections are what make you, the engineer start tweaking EQ curves. Boost the mids here, bump the 12k here for more presence, these are common beginnings to inherent problems within your mix. First things first, start by subtracting frequencies to achieve the overall sound you want. Taking things out of your EQ will actually have a more subtle effect but is very effective within the soundscape of your entire mix. “Less is more” would be a good way to put it. Keep that in mind. That was a quick little tidbit regarding EQ, and that my friends, is a freebie. Moving right along.
Acoustic treatments 101
There are numerous products on the market today that can be used to acoustically treat spaces designed for critical listening. Considering the number of these companies, I am going to choose 1 of them and focus on that for now but keep in mind that many if not all of the principles outlined here are universal between all acoustic treatment manufacturing companies.
Ready Acoustics- I came upon this acoustic treatment option while drooling over gear on the American Musical Supply website and quickly visited the manufacturer’s site at Readyacoustics.com. In my opinion, this company has got the right idea. They are in the business of producing top-quality, pro-level acoustic treatments for all types of producers/engineers while teaching you all about each piece’s applications. They realize that not everybody in the market to treat their studios knows all about acoustics, and that is golden. The easiest people to teach are those that know the least. I have to give props to the folks over there at Ready Acoustics because they cover everything a project studio owner/engineer will likely need to know when choosing necessary acoustic treatments.
Chameleon Bass Traps are what I found on the AMS site and I was very impressed to say the least. Not only was the information they provided good, but the stylistic approach to the product really drew me in. There are literally 48 color combinations to choose from so you don’t impede the overall feel and flow of your studio/mixing space. You can choose from 6 frame colors and 8 fabric colors that are as gaudy or as sexy as you could ever want your space to be. The Bass traps can be used for nearly every type of audio problem you may encounter. Use them for the obvious bass trap application by stacking 1 on top of another in every 90 degree angle in your space to greatly reduce standing waves and phase cancellation. This should be the first step in taming your listening environment. Without proper bass trapping in all applicable corners of your room you will run into mode and phasing issues. They can also be used for early reflections. They are a broadband absorber meaning they will absorb bass, mid and high frequencies making them the most versatile, single-piece, multi-application audio treatment available. In fact, the 4 inch Bass Trap models should be used in the early reflection positions as well since it isn’t just mid and high frequencies reflecting and altering your perceived mix but the entire bandwidth, if left untreated is altered and inaccurate. The Chameleon Bass traps are not the only products they offer, oh no. Ready Acoustics also has Super SubBass absorbers that are 2 inches thicker than the Chameleon bass trap, a whopping 6 inches thick. Unfortunately do NOT come with the stylish metal frame, but that is not the end of the world. They definitely do the trick acoustically though. Just ask the professional engineers who endorse these panels. Jeff Juliano who’s work includes mixing for Elvis, Bruce Hornsby, Josh Kelly, Ben Folds Five, O.A.R and dozens more. And let’s not forget about Michael Wagener, whose work includes but is not limited to Metallica, Ozzy Osborne, Queen, Alice Cooper, Janet Jackson, Dokken, King’s X, Skid Row, Motley Crue, and new bands like Hydrogyn and Belladonna. Ready Acoustics is definitely the choice of countless pros. Among the other acoustic treatment solutions offered by this outstanding company are the High Frequency Absorbers which are basically the 2 inch thick version designed to help with mid and high frequency absorption. They also have pre-configured Room Packages available for those looking for a one stop solution for their mixing suite and/or live room. These acoustic panels can also be used in churches, schools, local sports auditoriums and much more. If the applications of these acoustic treatment solutions is not enough, they will even analyze your room to guarantee the perfect acoustic treatment package for YOU. Check them out for yourself, I’m betting you’ll be as impressed as I am. Below is a picture of a typical studio environment that is utilizing the Ready Acoustics panels.
