Jota Quest Studios

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Overview

Jota Quest is one of the most successful Brazilian pop rock bands.  The group's career started in Belo Horizonte (1995) and has performed throughout Brazil and various other countries around the world. The group has already released over 6 albums and 3 DVDs that were always in the top chart in the country.

They used to play in a small studio in Belo Horizonte that was becoming uncomfortable with the increasing demand of work. Since the group was created, they always dreamed of having their own recording studio in house. The studio was designed to be creative, comfortable environment where they could create their music on their own time, in their own space, accommodate producers, friends and their own families. WSDG was chosen to develop all of the architectural and acoustical design of the new facility, including all engineering such as structural, electrical and air conditioning design.

Program

The facility is divided in 4 distinct areas – The Studio has753 sq.ft. has a 5.1 Control Room with 322 sq.ft and another stereo Control Room with 140 sq.ft, 1 Iso Booth,  an equipment room and 2 sound locks, occupying in total a space of 2.150sq.ft. Outside the studio areas there is a lounge with a barbecue space, along with a renovated existing house for individual office spaces, including a comfortable garage area.

Architecture and Acoustics

In order to provide a flexible space for different recording applications, the Studio was equipped with numerous types of variable acoustic panels, designed in a way to hide the three large windows, when they are opened. This way, after setting up the microphones for a recording session, the engineer can adjust the room acoustics to the desired time response according the musical needs. The room also received a large custom diffuser wall that can also become an absorptive area when coverer with a heavy velvet curtain and thus helping with the variable acoustics. Another creative solution was the installation of the diffuser acoustic cloud suspended, with a parabolic shape.

All of the 7 Adam Speakers (including 2x Sub24 subwoofers) were built-in acoustical panels. The position of the equipment racks and the speakers were adjusted for the best ergonomics and the ideal surround angle and distances to fulfill the ITU standards and thus providing the best sound image for the mixing engineer.

Equipment

The facility is equipped with the latest ProTools HD3 system and numerous outboard processors, such as SSL, Neve, Manley, TC Electronics and other. A great selection of vintage microphones is also part of this state of the art installation.