Project Description

Overview

Located in the heart of Berlin-Charlottenburg, Soundfabrik Berlin is a premier recording studio designed to inspire creativity and elevate music production. Spanning 400 sqm on the top floor of a historic factory building, the facility combines state-of-the-art technology with artistic vision. Operational since 2013, the studio has grown under the ownership of Guilherme Castelhano and Julia Selbherr Castelhano, who transformed the space into a hub for musicians, producers, and audio professionals. Soundfabrik offers professional recording, mixing, and mastering services tailored to a variety of creative needs.

WSDG was engaged to handle structural acoustics, sound isolation, and room acoustics for a major upgrade to Soundfabrik, including the creation of a brand-new Studio B – a compact yet cutting-edge Dolby Atmos-capable space. The project required navigating complex design challenges while maintaining the studio’s artistic integrity and operational excellence.

Program

The facility features two state-of-the-art studios. Studio A boasts a 100 sqm live room, a Steinway D grand piano, and a Neve Genesys Black 32 console, offering versatility for diverse production needs. Studio B, newly built within the space previously allocated to offices, is a room-within-room design featuring ATC main monitors and an Eve Audio Dolby Atmos system. Studio B’s design prioritises acoustic precision and flexibility, making it ideal for Dolby Atmos mixing and immersive audio production.

The project began in July 2022, with WSDG working closely with the studio’s owners to balance creative aspirations and technical requirements. Despite challenges such as post-COVID material shortages and cost surges, the project was completed earlier this year, delivering an exceptional audio environment.

WSDG’s scope of work also included site supervision, overseeing construction and initial acoustic measurements. The team’s collaborative approach ensured that every detail – from isolation reinforcements to room acoustics – was executed to perfection. The project also benefited from the expertise of system integrator Florian Strucken from AVS Mediensysteme, who contributed to the setup of the studio’s audio and networking infrastructure.

Design

Studio B’s compact size required meticulous planning to optimise its functionality. WSDG implemented a room-within-room structure for superior sound isolation, including a decoupled gypsum structure, reinforced existing office walls, and acoustic treatments tailored to the space’s unique requirements. Translucent glass walls were preserved to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the space while ensuring optimal acoustic performance.

To address the need for immersive audio, the design incorporated ATC main monitors and an Eve Audio Dolby Atmos system. These elements were strategically integrated to deliver unparalleled sound quality while enhancing the room’s immersive capabilities. The integration process followed detailed drawings provided by WSDG, which guided system installers in ensuring seamless implementation.

Soundfabrik Berlin now offers two exceptional recording spaces that blend aesthetic appeal with cutting-edge technology. Studio A remains a versatile environment for live recording, while Studio B provides an immersive audio experience tailored to modern production demands. By combining superior acoustics, functional design, and innovative technology, WSDG delivered a studio that meets the highest industry standards while fostering creativity and artistry.

The studio continues to attract high-profile clients, including Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Music, and Universal Music, as well as renowned artists such as Snarky Puppy, Lena Meyer-Landrut, and Michael Wollny.