SAN FRANCISCO: How do you create a viable “sweet spot” when increasing real estate costs and shrinking mixing console size have dramatically reduced floor space in today’s recording studios. For a recent audio post-production facility requiring two small 5.1 mixing rooms; an ADR/Foley /iso booth; equipment closet; kitchen and client lounge, the Walters-Storyk Design Group www.wsdg.com encountered a particularly restrictive 800 sq ft. space.

Most challenging was the need for critical listening locations at the rear of both mixing rooms. Initial acoustic design analysis did not allow for this level of listening accuracy. Positioning the “sweet spot” literally inches from a hard (rear wall) surface is anathema to a pure frequency response. 

Recently developed technology and innovative design concepts are introducing creative options for addressing this enduring problem. Assuring absolute acoustic accuracy for small control room listening areas is the focus of Low Frequency Acoustic Issues in Small Critical Listening Environments – Today’s Audio Production Rooms.  

Scheduled for Saturday, Oct 4:  9AM – 10:30, this panel of accomplished acousticians will be chaired by architect/acoustician John Storyk of the Walters-Storyk Design Group, and include independent audio engineer Dave Kotch and Renato Cipriano, acoustician and Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer.

John Storyk will also participate in Considerations For Facility Design (A roundtable) scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2:  2:30 – 4:30PM.. Moderated by Radio World editor Paul McLane, this panel will provide a comprehensive overview of the myriad details associated with designing and building TV, radio, recording studio and production / post-production environments.

The 125th AES Convention will be held at SF’s Moscone Center Oct. 2–5.   For additional information and a Calendar of Events please visit www.aes.org