GAP Digital

GAP Digital, one of the only U.S. recording studios specializing in the production of long-form radio drama, just completed a major renovation of its 3,000 square-foot facility is located in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, adjacent to Wheaton College. WSDG performed all architectural and acoustic design of the renovation.

The refurbishing effort includes Studio A, which measures 420 square-feet; Studio B (225 square-feet), home of sound designer Glen West, and Studio C, which will serve as a music composition suite for GAP Digital's in house composer Steve Wick.

Control Room - Studio A

"Our goal is to provide clients with a multipurpose, 5.1-capable facility, that supports both radio and audio-for-video projects, in a visually stimulating environment," comments owner Todd Busteed. Each studio is equipped with a Fairlight MFX3Plus digital audio workstation on a Medialink network. Studios A and B each house a Sony DMX-R100 digital console. WSDG integrated their design around a central machine room which networks virtually all resources in the complex.

Sound isolation was a particular challenge in the restoration. GAP Digital is located less than 100 feet away from a major rail line. "Fortunately," says John Storyk, " the building has a foot-thick concrete foundation. For increased isolation, we floated the floors to insulate the rooms from the rest of the building, and redesigned the HVAC system so that the unit operates more quietly and efficiently."

"We retained WSDG because of their reputation. Of all the rooms we have seen over the years, John Storyk's work has consistently been the most aesthetically appealing. Visually, WSDG really transformed the studios. Interior designer Beth Walters began the process of replacing a pretty drab paint scheme on four walls with a work space filled with striking colors. The design includes lots of angular stretch fabric, ceiling clouds, wall panels, and hardwood floors. Radio drama is our bread and butter, so there is a constant flow of creatively-minded clients and actors visiting our facility. We want the atmosphere here to stimulate the imagination."

Behind the console in Studio A; Gap Digital's sound designer/engineer Glen West, owner Todd Busteed, operations manager Julie Busteed and staff composer Steve Wick.

In business since 1980, GAP Digital has created scores of radio dramas, including programs based on such classic stories as Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, and George Eliot's Silas Marner. The facility is currently producing 144 half-hour episodes of a drama series titled Left Behind, based on the best-selling book series of the same name. Left Behind is being broadcast on over 700 radio stations.

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