Finding the perfect soundproof door for a sound studio

In our recent articles we’ve covered the basics, and it’s now time to delve into the special requirements of particular environments to see exactly what’s required.

In this, the first of these new articles, we’re taking a look at sound (or recording) studios – possibly the most demanding environment of them all when we’re thinking of acoustics and soundproof doors.

So let’s start by taking a quick look at what a sound studio is, what goes on inside one, what are some of their unique characteristics, and what we need to be thinking about.

What is a sound studio?

As the name implies, a sound or recording studio is a facility for recording sound, but also what is termed “mixing” in the industry, i.e. working on what has been recorded to ensure that the finished product is fit for purpose.

The finished product, incidentally, isn’t only music, but could be voice-overs for advertisements; dialogue for films, television or animation; and also what is called “foley” (the addition of everyday sound effects to what’s been recorded to enhance the listening experience.  Foley can also be used to cover up unwanted sounds, such as the noise of a plane inadvertently recorded while filming a costume drama – it’s a very interesting topic in its own right!).

A typical sound studio will consist of three types of room:

1. the main studio itself, where most of the recording is created (sometimes known as the “live” room)
2. the control room, populated by sound engineers and producers, where the sound from the studio is recorded and manipulated or “mixed”
3. isolation booths or machine rooms, sometimes containing loud instruments (such as drums) or other noisy equipment, which could interfere with the recording process; or alternatively a “dry” room for recording vocals or quieter acoustic instruments

Designing a sound studio

You’ll understand that it’s crucial to get the design of a sound studio absolutely right – and this is where the acousticians come into their own.  In addition to soundproofing (between the internal rooms and also between the studio and the outside), absorption and diffusion materials on the surfaces of the studio will be factored in.  The overall dimensions and layout of the studio will also be designed to ensure that the room responds to sound in the desired way.

So all in all designing a sound studio for optimum performance is a complex process, and lots of things need to be considered.  One of the most important of these, and easily overlooked, is the fact that people will be constantly moving between the different rooms in the studio, and in and out of the studio itself.  As a consequence (of course) there will be a requirement for soundproof or acoustic doors.

Make sure you use the experts

You’ve read how complex the design process can be, and it’s self-evident that you’ll need expert advice and guidance to get it right.  Visit our home page or here to go straight to our contact page, where you’ll be straight in touch with people with a successful track record in getting it right!

And finally …

… and for the sheer magic of it, take a moment to reflect on some of the greatest recording studios of them all.  Click here for an interesting link.  Sun Studio, in Memphis, home to Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and B. B. King, stands out.  And how about a studio in north London …