FAMA Studios

Overview

FAMA is a forward-thinking music company and boutique record label with a focus on artist development from the ground up. Their primary objective is the fostering of creative minds and the cultivation of talent across multiple genres and markets. A key element of their strategy was the creation of a state-of-the-art recording complex designed to host creative retreats and songwriting camps. To support this plan, they acquired a three-story luxury residence in Santo Domingo’s historic, bohemian yet upscale Colonial District. They then engaged WSDG to design an acoustically and aesthetically advanced studio environment to meet their evolving production needs.

Program

The owners described the dream studio they envisioned, and WSDG | Miami delivered. Studio A, located on the first floor, features spacious Control and Live Rooms, an ISO Booth, a Sound Lock, and a charming outdoor patio for client breaks. The second floor houses Studios B and C, each with unique functions: Studio B is designed for film audio mixing, while Studio C serves as a compact yet highly capable project studio. A shared Live Room, ISO Booth, and CMR (Central Machine Room) connect the two. The third floor is dedicated to a large, apartment-style lounge with open-plan living, kitchen, and dining spaces, panoramic views, and an expansive terrace with a shallow ornamental pool for relaxation and inspiration.

The complex now also includes a newly completed Studio D – a hidden, self-contained studio tucked beneath the staircase on the first floor and accessible through a disguised library door. Though compact, Studio D is fully equipped for analog gear integration, vintage keyboard experimentation, and all-in-one recording workflows. It was designed as a personal creative haven and passion project for FAMA’s owner and is occasionally used for select client sessions.

Design

WSDG Partner and Art Director Silvia Molho devised an inspired lighting and color palette for the entire FAMA complex. Control Room A is distinguished by elegant perforated wood treatments on the walls and ceiling, a Rupert Neve console, ADAM SD3 stereo monitoring, an arsenal of outboard gear, and full visual connection to the Live Room. Two Sound Locks, one featuring a unique, custom-designed acoustic wood wall, add both functionality and aesthetic character to the first floor.

On the second floor, Studio B is outfitted with an SSL Duality 48 Console and both ADAM and Focal monitors for 5.1 feature film audio mixing. Studio C, an AVID-based project studio, is optimized for music production and editing, equipped with Neumann speakers and designed to accommodate flexible session needs within a smaller footprint. Both rooms share a Live Room finished with bold, multicolored custom “ribbed” acoustic treatments that enhance sound performance and visual identity.

Studio D, although the smallest space in the complex, is arguably the most surprising. With asymmetrical architecture, wallpaper-grade wooden wall coverings, custom lighting, and a variety of vintage synths and speaker configurations, it offers a fully immersive creative atmosphere. Under Silvia Molho’s expert supervision, WSDG engineers implemented high-performance acoustic isolation and system integration throughout the project. David Molho managed the acoustic tuning, while Federico Páez oversaw the AV systems design, with support from a skilled multidisciplinary in-house team. Despite its scale, Studio D upholds FAMA’s commitment to quality and innovation, serving as a testament to how thoughtful design can turn even the most unlikely space into a professional recording gem.

Photography by FAMA Studios

Links

Read MIX Magazine – Class of 2021 Article!
Read SoundCheck Cover Article!
Read TEC Award 2022 Nomination ProSound News Article!
Watch the FAMA video!