Project Description
Overview
A successful decade behind the console of his Manhattan-based Vault Mastering Studio, convinced engineer, Nathan James that he could move his growing family back to their hometown of Phoenix and maintain a thriving business. I always dreamed of having a WSDG room,” James says. Our return to Phoenix was the perfect opportunity to make that happen.
Program
James had purchased a handsome tri-level house, and the lower floor presented an ideal location for a 300 square foot studio. It has an 8-foot ceiling height and a large window providing natural light and a sense of connectivity to the outside world. WSDG’s design maximizes the existing space and provides ceiling and wall isolation to eliminate sound leakage. While it wasn’t necessary to ‘float’ the room, a 2mm thick, rubberized mat was positioned beneath the hardwood floor to reduce sound transmission. WSDG also devised a 6-foot wide, absorptive acoustic window treatment built with Clearsorber Deamp perforated transparent panels, and hinged to provide fresh air. A custom-designed wall sleeve houses the sliding glass acoustic studio door when not in use.
Design
The new Vault Mastering Studio meets all of James’ requirements, “And,” he says, “it has that WSDG wow factor!” A front wall treatment comprised of three overlapping curved, stretch-fabric wrapped absorptive panels; a corresponding ceiling cloud; and a rear wall panel, compliment the aesthetics and complete the room tuning requirements. James migrated his entire NYC mastering setup, including his Custom DM console, Duntech Sovereign/Cello amp monitoring combination and all his trusted processing tools, from Lavry AD 122 96MKIII to Prism AD-2; Sontec 432 C/9 and Manley Mastering Vari-Mu. The studio radiates a sense of total sonic security. It sounds and functions in a totally natural way. During the day sunlight enhances the creative vibe of the room, and in the evening; it takes on an entirely different but equally creative atmosphere.
Testimonial
Nathan James | Vault Mastering Studios
Owner
“My clients were very happy with the quality of the various rooms I worked out of,” says Vault Mastering Studios owner, Nathan James. “But, for several years early in my career I assisted Scott Hull at the WSDG-designed, Classic Sound in NY. I always dreamed of having my own WSDG Room. Our move to Phoenix was the perfect opportunity to make that happen. My conversations with John convinced me it was doable, both financially and physically. The new studio meets every one of my specific requirements, and when you walk in, it’s got that WSDG wow factor.”
Links
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