A sound studio is a space where musicians can practice, rehearse, compose, record and manipulate their sounds. Today, live audio or pre-recorded sound is used for various purposes -
1. As a musical performance unto itself2. Background score or sound effects for film and theater3. Aural therapy during holistic treatments4. Recording audio-books or audio tutorials to convey information to the public.5. As samples to be used in musical compositions, especially electronic
For electronic musicians, the studio is also often the place where composition takes place. Using a Digital Audio Workstation such as Cubase or Nuendo, the electronic music composer, director and producer can work together to create compositions that use sounds from all over the globe.
For users of acoustic instruments or for singers, the role of the sound studio is somewhat different. As the composers do not strictly need the studio space to compose, they often bring a composed piece to the studio for arrangement, rehearsal, recording, mixing and mastering. Even for live music performers, a well-equipped studio is a good simulator for live performances, as it is designed to eliminate the acoustic difficulties of a small space.
Designing a sound studio is a highly specialized task, requiring the services of acousticians. Acousticians can determine the acoustic corrections required in a room based on its volume, dimensions, rigidity, absolute mass, and reflectivity.
Ideally, a sound studio should simulate a large room of absolute rigidity and mass = infinite. larger rooms allow lower frequencies to be heard and amplified, and can also accommodate larger, more powerful speakers. Absolute rigidity and infinite mass ensures proper, clear bass reproduction, with no diaphragmatic action from the walls and such surfaces.
As such ideal rooms are not possible, most sound studio owners decide that the studio should be a medium-sized room, with appropriately placed sound absorbers and diffusers that prevent excessive reverb and echo. The studio is also lined with material and textures that absorb sound – carved wood, carpet, acoustical tiles and such materials are excellent sound absorbers. For cheaper alternatives, thermocol and cardboard – especially egg cartons – can make a good temporary fix. The latter, though, is good only for a makeshift rehearsal space where noise reduction is the only motive.
Strategically placed microphones with cardioid, supercardioid or hypercardioid polar patterns can also ensure that only the original, direct sound in front of the microphone is reflected, while all reflected sounds are eliminated.
Proper reproduction of bass tones has been a running problem for sound studio owners. Good bass reproduction is only possible when the length of the room becomes equal to the frequency, but at 20Hz – the lowest tier of the human hearing spectrum – the room would need to be over 50 feet long. however, a large room with proper absorption and diffusion can do a lot to ensure a clean, tight, powerful bass.
A sound studio is a highly important space for composers and performers alike. If equipped with the right personnel and equipments, It may well make an artist’s career.
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Tags: audio tutorials, composers, cubase, electronic music composer, electronic musicians, live music