Acoustic Treatment Tips for Small Studios: Transform Your Sound and Unlock Creativity

Understanding the Basics of Acoustic Treatment

A small studio in an apartment with a piano, books that helps with acoustics

 

Before diving into specific tips for implementing acoustic treatment in your small studio, it's essential to understand the basics. Many people confuse soundproofing with acoustic treatment, but they serve different purposes. Soundproofing aims to prevent sound from entering or leaving a space, whereas acoustic treatment focuses on improving the sound quality within a room. In this section, we will discuss the goals of acoustic treatment, which include reducing reflections, controlling bass frequencies, and enhancing overall sound clarity.

 

Acoustic treatment is the process of strategically placing materials within a room to optimize its sound characteristics. The primary goal is to create a balanced and controlled acoustic environment that allows for accurate sound reproduction. This is crucial for producers, musicians, and audio engineers who need to make informed decisions about their audio content. Without proper acoustic treatment, room reflections and resonances can lead to poor sound quality, making it difficult to assess the true sound of your mix or recording.

 

There are three main aspects of acoustic treatment that you need to be aware of: absorption, diffusion, and bass trapping. Each aspect tackles different acoustic issues and works together to create an ideal listening environment.
Absorption is the process of using materials that can absorb sound waves, thereby reducing reflections and echoes within a room. Absorptive materials, such as foam panels or fiberglass insulation, are effective at mitigating high and mid-frequency reflections. These materials can help create a "dead" space, which is essential for recording vocals or instruments, as it minimizes unwanted room coloration.

 

Diffusion, on the other hand, scatters sound waves, preventing them from focusing on specific areas in the room. By scattering the sound waves, diffusers help create a balanced and even distribution of sound energy throughout the space. This is particularly useful for controlling reflections in mixing and listening environments. Diffusers are often made of wood, plastic, or other materials with irregular surfaces, which help break up and distribute sound waves.

 

Lastly, bass trapping is a crucial aspect of acoustic treatment that specifically targets low-frequency issues. In small rooms, low-frequency build-up and standing waves can cause significant problems, leading to an inaccurate representation of bass frequencies in your mix. Bass traps are designed to absorb and control these problematic low frequencies, providing a more balanced and accurate listening environment.

 

To achieve the best results with acoustic treatment, it's essential to combine these elements to address the unique acoustic characteristics of your small studio. It's important to note that each room is different, and the specific treatment solutions you choose will depend on factors such as room size, shape, and construction materials. In the following sections, we will explore practical tips for identifying problem areas, selecting appropriate acoustic treatment materials, and effectively placing these elements within your small studio space.

 

Understanding the basics of acoustic treatment is vital for anyone looking to optimize their small studio's sound quality. By familiarizing yourself with the principles of absorption, diffusion, and bass trapping, you can make informed decisions about the materials and placement techniques needed to create an ideal listening environment. Proper acoustic treatment can significantly improve the accuracy of your audio recordings and mixes, allowing you to produce professional-quality content with confidence.

 

  

Identify Problem Areas in Your Small Studio 

In small studios, addressing unique acoustic challenges like room modes, standing waves, and flutter echoes is crucial; the mirror method can help identify early reflection points to optimize listening environments and improve sound quality..

Small studios often face unique acoustic challenges due to their size and shape. Identifying and addressing the problem areas in your studio is a crucial step in creating an optimal listening environment. In this section, we will discuss common issues found in small rooms, such as room modes, standing waves, and flutter echoes. We will also explain how to use the mirror technique to identify early reflection points.
Room modes are the natural resonances that occur within a room due to its dimensions. These resonances can cause certain frequencies to be exaggerated or attenuated, leading to an unbalanced frequency response. In small studios, room modes are often more pronounced, making it even more critical to address them with proper acoustic treatment.
Standing waves are another common issue in small spaces. They occur when sound waves bounce back and forth between parallel surfaces, such as walls or the floor and ceiling. When two waves of the same frequency meet, they can either reinforce or cancel each other out, resulting in peaks and dips in the frequency response. This can make it challenging to hear the true balance of your mix, especially in the bass region.
Flutter echoes are another acoustic issue that can occur in small studios. These echoes are created when sound waves bounce rapidly between parallel surfaces, causing a series of rapid, high-frequency reflections. Flutter echoes can make a room sound harsh and unnatural, negatively impacting your recordings and mixes.
To identify problem areas in your small studio, you can use a technique called the mirror method. This method helps you pinpoint early reflection points, which are surfaces where sound waves first bounce off before reaching the listener. To perform the mirror method, have a friend hold a mirror against one of the walls while you sit in your listening position. Move the mirror along the wall until you can see your studio monitor or speaker in its reflection. This point represents an early reflection point, and placing absorption material here can help reduce unwanted reflections.
Repeat this process for all the walls, ceiling, and floor in your studio to identify all the early reflection points. Keep in mind that there might be additional problem areas related to bass build-up or standing waves, which can be identified using room analysis software or by simply listening carefully to your mix at different points in the room.
Once you've identified the problem areas in your small studio, you can move on to selecting the appropriate acoustic treatment materials and strategically placing them to optimize your room's sound quality. Remember that addressing acoustic issues in your studio is an iterative process, and you may need to experiment with different materials and placements to achieve the desired results.

 

Invest in Essential Acoustic Treatment Materials

Investing in essential acoustic treatment materials like absorbers, diffusers, and bass traps is vital for optimizing sound quality in small studios, addressing acoustic issues, and creating a balanced listening environment.

After identifying the problem areas in your small studio, the next step is to invest in the essential acoustic treatment materials. There are three main types of materials that you should consider: absorbers, diffusers, and bass traps. Each serves a specific purpose in addressing the acoustic issues in your studio. In this section, we will provide an overview of these materials and offer recommendations for affordable and effective options.
Absorbers are designed to reduce reflections and echoes in a room by absorbing sound waves. They are typically made from porous materials, such as foam or fiberglass, which can effectively absorb high and mid-frequency sound waves. When selecting absorption panels, look for products with a high noise reduction coefficient (NRC), which indicates their effectiveness at absorbing sound. There are many affordable foam and fiberglass panels available on the market, but you can also create DIY absorbers using materials such as rigid fiberglass insulation or mineral wool.
Diffusers help create a balanced and controlled acoustic environment by scattering sound waves instead of absorbing them. This prevents sound waves from focusing on specific areas in the room and ensures a more even distribution of sound energy. Diffusers are often made from materials with irregular surfaces, such as wood, plastic, or polystyrene. When selecting diffusers, look for products with a high diffusion coefficient, which indicates their effectiveness at scattering sound. Some popular types of diffusers include quadratic residue diffusers (QRD) and skyline diffusers. You can also use everyday objects, like bookshelves filled with books, as makeshift diffusers.
Bass traps are essential for controlling low-frequency issues in small studios. They are specifically designed to absorb and control problematic low frequencies that cause standing waves and bass build-up. Bass traps are often made from dense, absorptive materials, such as rigid fiberglass, mineral wool, or foam. Corner bass traps are particularly effective at targeting low-frequency build-up, as bass tends to accumulate in corners and along room boundaries. When selecting bass traps, look for products with a high low-frequency absorption coefficient.
In addition to these primary acoustic treatment materials, you may also want to consider adding other elements to your studio, such as acoustic curtains or carpets. These can help further reduce reflections, especially in rooms with hard surfaces, like hardwood floors or large windows.
Investing in essential acoustic treatment materials is a crucial step towards optimizing your small studio's sound quality. By choosing the right combination of absorbers, diffusers, and bass traps, you can effectively address the acoustic issues in your space and create a balanced listening environment. Remember that the specific materials and quantities you need will depend on your room's unique characteristics, so it's essential to experiment and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

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Placing Absorption Panels

Strategic placement of absorption panels in a small studio is essential for reducing reflections, improving sound quality, and achieving a balanced listening environment by addressing early reflection points and combining absorption with other acoustic treatments like diffusion and bass trapping.

Proper placement of absorption panels is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness in reducing reflections and improving the sound quality in your small studio. In this section, we will discuss the importance of strategic placement and offer guidelines on where to position panels for optimal results.
The primary goal of placing absorption panels is to minimize early reflections, which are the first points where sound waves bounce off surfaces before reaching the listener. These reflections can cause phase issues and create an unclear stereo image, making it difficult to accurately judge your mix or recording. By placing absorption panels at early reflection points, you can significantly reduce the impact of these unwanted reflections.
To determine where to place your absorption panels, you can use the mirror method described earlier. By identifying early reflection points on your side walls, ceiling, and floor, you can strategically position panels to minimize reflections in your listening position.
Here are some general guidelines for placing absorption panels in your small studio:
  1. Side walls: Place absorption panels at the early reflection points on both side walls. This helps to reduce the impact of lateral reflections and improve the clarity of your stereo image.
  2. Ceiling: Install absorption panels directly above your listening position and above your studio monitors, creating a "cloud" of absorption. This helps to reduce the impact of ceiling reflections, which can cause comb filtering and an unclear stereo image.
  3. Rear wall: Consider placing absorption panels on the rear wall behind your listening position. This helps to minimize reflections from the back of the room, which can cause issues with depth perception and localization in your mix.
  4. Behind studio monitors: Place absorption panels on the wall directly behind your studio monitors. This helps to reduce reflections that can bounce back into the room, causing phase issues and an unclear stereo image.
  5. Corners and floor: If you have a particularly lively room, you may want to consider adding absorption panels in room corners or on the floor to further reduce reflections.
When placing absorption panels, it's essential not to overdo it. Too much absorption can create an unnaturally "dead" space, which can be fatiguing to work in and may not accurately represent how your mix will translate to other listening environments. It's important to strike a balance between absorption and diffusion, using a combination of materials to create a controlled and natural-sounding room.
The strategic placement of absorption panels in your small studio can significantly improve the sound quality and accuracy of your listening environment. By identifying early reflection points and positioning panels accordingly, you can reduce unwanted reflections and create a clearer, more balanced sound. Experiment with different placements to find the best configuration for your unique space, and remember to combine absorption with other acoustic treatment elements, such as diffusion and bass trapping, for optimal results.

Installing Bass Traps

Bass traps play a crucial role in controlling low-frequency build-up in small studios, and their strategic placement in corners, room boundaries, and early reflection points helps create a balanced and accurate listening environment.

Controlling low-frequency build-up is a crucial aspect of acoustic treatment, particularly in small studios where bass frequencies can be problematic. In this section, we will discuss the role of bass traps in addressing low-frequency issues and suggest optimal placement strategies for achieving the best results.
Bass traps are designed to absorb and control low-frequency sound waves, helping to minimize the impact of standing waves, room modes, and bass build-up. By effectively controlling low frequencies, bass traps can provide a more accurate and balanced listening environment, making it easier to judge the low-end content in your mix or recording.
When installing bass traps in your small studio, focus on the following areas:
  1. Room corners: Low frequencies tend to accumulate in corners, making them prime locations for bass traps. Install bass traps in all four vertical corners of your room, from floor to ceiling, to maximize their effectiveness. If possible, also consider adding bass traps in the ceiling-wall corners (trihedral corners), as this can further help control low-frequency build-up.
  2. Wall-wall and wall-ceiling boundaries: Low frequencies can also build up along the room boundaries, such as where the walls meet the ceiling or floor. Placing bass traps along these boundaries can help control low-frequency reflections and provide a more balanced frequency response.
  3. Behind studio monitors: Position bass traps on the wall directly behind your studio monitors to absorb low-frequency reflections and prevent them from bouncing back into the room.
  4. At early reflection points: Although absorption panels are typically used to address early reflections, adding bass traps at early reflection points can help control both high and low-frequency reflections, providing a more balanced and accurate listening environment.
When selecting bass traps, choose products made from dense, absorptive materials such as rigid fiberglass, mineral wool, or foam designed specifically for low-frequency absorption. Look for bass traps with a high low-frequency absorption coefficient to ensure they effectively target problematic bass frequencies.
It's important to note that the exact placement and quantity of bass traps required will depend on your room's unique characteristics, such as its size, shape, and construction materials. Experiment with different placement strategies to find the most effective configuration for your space. You may also want to use room analysis software or consult with an acoustics professional to fine-tune your bass trapping solution.
Installing bass traps in your small studio is an essential step in addressing low-frequency issues and creating an accurate listening environment. By strategically placing bass traps in corners, room boundaries, and early reflection points, you can effectively control bass build-up and provide a more balanced sound. Remember to choose bass traps made from dense, absorptive materials, and be prepared to experiment with different placement strategies to achieve the best results.

Incorporating Diffusers

Incorporating diffusers in a small studio's acoustic treatment plan helps create a balanced and natural-sounding space by evenly scattering sound waves throughout the room, improving the overall sound quality and accuracy.

While absorption panels and bass traps are essential for controlling reflections and low-frequency issues, incorporating diffusers into your small studio's acoustic treatment plan is also crucial. Diffusers help create a more balanced and natural-sounding room by scattering sound waves evenly throughout the space, preventing the build-up of energy in specific areas. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of using diffusers and offer guidelines for their strategic placement in your small studio.
Diffusers come in various designs and materials, but all serve the same purpose: to scatter sound waves in multiple directions, creating a more even distribution of sound energy. This helps to minimize the impact of direct reflections and can make a room sound larger and more spacious. Diffusers are particularly useful for controlling reflections in mixing and listening environments, where a balanced and even sound field is crucial for making accurate judgments about your audio content.
Here are some general guidelines for incorporating diffusers in your small studio:
  1. Rear wall: Consider placing diffusers on the rear wall of your studio, behind your listening position. This helps to scatter rear wall reflections, which can otherwise cause issues with depth perception and localization in your mix.
  2. Side walls: If you've already addressed early reflection points on your side walls with absorption panels, consider adding diffusers to other areas of the side walls. This can help further control lateral reflections and create a more balanced and natural-sounding room.
  3. Ceiling: If your ceiling is high enough, consider adding diffusers above your listening position to scatter ceiling reflections and create a more spacious sound field.
  4. Mixing and listening areas: In addition to placing diffusers on walls and ceilings, consider adding freestanding or desktop diffusers in your mixing and listening areas. These can help further balance the sound field and provide a more accurate representation of your mix or recording.
When selecting diffusers, choose products with a high diffusion coefficient, which indicates their effectiveness at scattering sound. Some popular types of diffusers include quadratic residue diffusers (QRD), skyline diffusers, and even everyday objects like bookshelves filled with books or irregularly shaped sculptures. You can also create DIY diffusers using materials like wood or plastic.
Remember, the goal of incorporating diffusers is to create a balanced and natural-sounding room, so avoid overusing them. Striking the right balance between absorption, diffusion, and bass trapping is essential for achieving an optimal listening environment in your small studio.
Incorporating diffusers into your small studio's acoustic treatment plan can significantly improve the sound quality and accuracy of your listening environment. By strategically placing diffusers on walls, ceilings, and in mixing and listening areas, you can create a more balanced and natural-sounding space. Experiment with different diffuser types and placements to find the best configuration for your unique studio and remember to strike a balance between absorption, diffusion, and bass trapping for the best results.

Monitor Positioning and Listening Position

Proper monitor positioning and listening position are crucial for achieving an accurate stereo image and well-balanced frequency response in a small studio, complementing the effectiveness of acoustic treatment.

While acoustic treatment plays a significant role in improving your small studio's sound quality, proper monitor positioning and listening position are also essential. In this section, we will discuss the importance of setting up your studio monitors and listening position correctly to achieve an accurate stereo image and well-balanced frequency response.
Proper monitor positioning ensures that you hear a clear and precise stereo image, allowing you to make accurate judgments about your mix or recording. Here are some general guidelines for positioning your studio monitors:
  1. Equilateral triangle: Arrange your studio monitors and listening position in an equilateral triangle, with each side of the triangle being of equal length. This ensures an even distribution of sound between the left and right speakers, providing a precise stereo image.
  2. Tweeter height: Position the tweeters of your studio monitors at ear level when you're seated in your listening position. This ensures that you hear the full frequency range of your monitors, as high frequencies are more directional than low frequencies.
  3. Monitor angle: Angle your studio monitors inwards, so they are pointing directly at your listening position. This helps to minimize side-wall reflections and ensure that you hear a focused stereo image.
  4. Monitor distance: Avoid placing your studio monitors too close to walls or corners, as this can cause unwanted reflections and bass build-up. Leave a minimum of 12-18 inches between your monitors and the wall, and use isolation pads or stands to decouple them from surfaces that can cause vibrations.
Your listening position also plays a crucial role in achieving an accurate sound in your small studio. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal listening position:
  1. Room center: Ideally, your listening position should be at the center of the room, both horizontally and vertically. This helps to ensure a balanced frequency response and minimizes the impact of room modes.
  2. Room dimensions: Avoid positioning your listening spot too close to room boundaries, such as walls, floor, or ceiling. This can cause unwanted reflections and make it more challenging to hear an accurate representation of your mix or recording.
  3. Room modes: Be aware of your room's dimensions and avoid positioning your listening spot in areas where room modes can cause an unbalanced frequency response. Use room analysis software or consult with an acoustics professional to identify problem areas in your room.
By carefully positioning your studio monitors and listening position, you can significantly improve the accuracy and clarity of your listening environment. Combine proper monitor positioning with strategic acoustic treatment, including absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusers, to create an optimal listening space in your small studio. Experiment with different monitor positions and listening spots to find the best configuration for your unique space, and make adjustments as needed to achieve the most accurate sound possible.

DIY Acoustic Treatment Solutions

DIY acoustic treatment options provide cost-effective solutions for absorption, diffusion, and bass trapping, helping to improve your small studio's sound quality without breaking the bank.

Acoustic treatment can be expensive, but there are many cost-effective DIY solutions that can provide similar results without breaking the bank. In this section, we will discuss some popular DIY acoustic treatment options and offer tips on how to create your own materials for absorption, diffusion, and bass trapping.
DIY Absorption Panels:
Materials such as rigid fiberglass insulation or mineral wool can be used to create effective DIY absorption panels. Here's a simple process to make your own:
  1. Choose a dense and porous material like rigid fiberglass insulation or mineral wool.
  2. Cut the material to the desired panel size (typically 2'x4' or 2'x2').
  3. Build a wooden frame to hold the material, ensuring it's sturdy and well-constructed.
  4. Wrap the frame and material with breathable fabric, such as burlap or acoustic fabric, to prevent fibers from escaping.
  5. Mount the completed panel on your wall using brackets, Z-clips, or French cleats.
DIY Diffusers:
You can create your own diffusers using materials like wood or plastic. One popular DIY diffuser design is the skyline diffuser. Here's a simple process to make one:
  1. Choose a material for your diffuser, such as wood or high-density polystyrene foam.
  2. Cut the material into equal-sized squares or rectangles (for example, 2"x2" or 4"x4").
  3. Arrange the pieces in a specific pattern, varying the heights to create an irregular surface.
  4. Secure the pieces together using wood glue or another appropriate adhesive.
  5. Mount the completed diffuser on your wall or ceiling using brackets or adhesive strips.
DIY Bookshelf Diffusers:
Bookshelves filled with various-sized books and other items can serve as effective makeshift diffusers in your small studio. The irregular surfaces created by the books help scatter sound waves, reducing reflections and providing a more balanced sound. Here's a simple process to set up bookshelves as DIY diffusers:
  1. Choose a suitable bookshelf: Select a bookshelf that's sturdy and has multiple shelves to create an irregular surface. It's best to use a bookshelf that reaches close to the ceiling to maximize its effectiveness.
  2. Fill the bookshelf with books and other items: Arrange different-sized books, boxes, and decorative items on the shelves. The more variety in sizes and shapes, the better the diffusion effect. Be sure to leave some gaps and empty spaces to allow sound to pass through and interact with the irregular surfaces.
  3. Position the bookshelf strategically: Place the bookshelf on a wall where reflections are likely to occur, such as the rear wall behind your listening position or on side walls. You can also use multiple bookshelves along a wall to create a larger diffusion area.
  4. Combine with other acoustic treatments: Bookshelf diffusers work best when used in conjunction with other acoustic treatment elements like absorption panels and bass traps. Place absorption panels at early reflection points, and use bookshelves to diffuse remaining reflections and create a more natural-sounding room.
  5. Monitor and adjust: After setting up your bookshelf diffuser, listen to your room and make any necessary adjustments. Rearrange books or add more items if you feel that the diffusion effect is insufficient. Similarly, remove or reposition items if the room sounds overly dead or muffled.
Using bookshelves as DIY diffusers is a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing way to improve your small studio's acoustics. By strategically placing bookshelves filled with various-sized books and items, you can effectively scatter sound waves and create a more balanced sound. Remember to combine bookshelf diffusers with other acoustic treatment elements like absorption panels and bass traps for the best results.
DIY Bass Traps:
Creating DIY bass traps is similar to making absorption panels but requires using denser materials specifically designed for low-frequency absorption. Here's a simple process to make your own bass traps:
  1. Choose a dense material like rigid fiberglass insulation, mineral wool, or specialized bass trap foam.
  2. Cut the material to the desired size, typically large enough to fit floor-to-ceiling in the corners of your room.
  3. If needed, build a wooden frame to hold the material.
  4. Wrap the frame and material with breathable fabric, such as burlap or acoustic fabric, to prevent fibers from escaping.
  5. Mount the completed bass trap in the corners of your room, from floor to ceiling, using brackets or adhesive strips.
By creating your own DIY acoustic treatment materials, you can significantly reduce the cost of treating your small studio while still achieving excellent results. Remember to choose materials with high absorption coefficients for absorption panels and bass traps, and materials with irregular surfaces for diffusers. Experiment with different DIY solutions to find the best combination of materials and designs for your unique space, and always prioritize safety when working with tools and materials.

Conclusion

Optimizing the acoustics of a small studio involves understanding the basics of acoustic treatment, identifying problem areas, investing in essential materials, and strategically placing absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusers. Proper monitor positioning and listening position also play a critical role in achieving an accurate and balanced sound. For those on a budget, DIY acoustic treatment solutions such as homemade absorption panels, bass traps, and bookshelf diffusers can provide effective results without incurring high costs.
The key to creating an optimal listening environment in a small studio is experimentation. Be prepared to try different techniques and configurations to find the best combination of acoustic treatments for your unique space. Remember that every room is different, and what works for one studio may not work for another.
Finally, we invite you to share your experiences and tips in the comments section below. Let us know about the acoustic treatments you've implemented in your small studio, any challenges you've faced, and the solutions you've discovered. Your insights can help others in their journey to create the perfect small studio environment. Happy experimenting!

Go Deeper

Watch: YouTube

There are several YouTube channels that offer valuable content related to acoustics, studio design, and audio production. Here's a list of some of the best channels to help you improve your small studio space and expand your knowledge on the subject:
  1. Acoustic Fields (https://www.youtube.com/user/AcousticFields): Acoustic Fields is a channel run by Dennis Foley, an acoustics expert with decades of experience. The channel covers various topics, including room acoustics, soundproofing, and DIY solutions.
  2. Sonic Scoop (https://www.youtube.com/user/SonicScoopVideo): Sonic Scoop is a YouTube channel that offers a wide range of content related to audio production, mixing, mastering, and studio design. They frequently share tips and techniques for optimizing your studio environment.
  3. Produce Like A Pro (https://www.youtube.com/user/WarrenHuartRecording): Run by producer and engineer Warren Huart, this channel offers a wealth of information on recording, mixing, and mastering, as well as studio setup tips and gear reviews.
  4. Recording Revolution (https://www.youtube.com/user/recordingrevolution): Graham Cochrane's Recording Revolution channel focuses on home recording and mixing techniques, including advice on room treatment and optimizing your recording space.
  5. Home Studio Corner (https://www.youtube.com/user/HomeStudioCorner): Joe Gilder's Home Studio Corner offers a variety of content related to home recording, mixing, and studio design. The channel features tips, tricks, and tutorials that can help you improve your studio's acoustics.
  6. Booth Junkie (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHHf1h8k7MA6-AG8FXjnQSw): Booth Junkie, hosted by voice actor Mike DelGaudio, focuses on voice-over recording, but also covers topics like room acoustics, soundproofing, and DIY studio solutions.
  7. DIY Perks (https://www.youtube.com/user/DIYPerks): While not specifically focused on acoustics, DIY Perks is a channel that offers various DIY projects and hacks related to technology and electronics, including some projects on improving studio acoustics and soundproofing.
These YouTube channels provide valuable content for anyone looking to improve their studio acoustics, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional. By following these channels and learning from their content, you can gain practical knowledge and insights to help optimize your small studio space.

Listen: Podcasts

Here is a list of some of the best podcasts related to acoustics, studio design, and audio production:
  1. Working Class Audio (https://www.workingclassaudio.com): Matt Boudreau interviews audio professionals, discussing experiences, studio setups, and audio engineering insights.
  2. Recording Studio Rockstars (https://recordingstudiorockstars.com): Lij Shaw interviews recording studio professionals about techniques, gear, and studio design tips.
  3. Sound Design Live (https://sounddesignlive.com): Nathan Lively interviews sound engineers, acousticians, and audio professionals on live sound, studio acoustics, and sound system design.
  4. The UBK Happy Funtime Hour (https://www.ubkhappyfuntimehour.com): Gregory Scott and Nathan Schreier cover audio production topics, including studio design, acoustics, and mixing techniques.
  5. Gear Club Podcast (https://www.gear-club.net): John Agnello and Stewart Lerman interview audio engineers, producers, and industry professionals about gear, studio design, and recording techniques.
  6. The Mastering Show (https://themasteringshow.com): Ian Shepherd's podcast focuses on mastering and also covers room acoustics and studio design topics.
  7. Home Studio Corner (https://www.homestudiocorner.com): Joe Gilder offers practical advice on home recording, mixing, and studio design.
  8. Pensado's Place (https://www.pensadosplace.tv/episodes): Hosted by Dave Pensado, this podcast features interviews with top audio engineers, producers, and songwriters, discussing their creative processes, techniques, and industry insights.
  9. Twenty Thousand Hertz (https://www.20k.org): This podcast, hosted by Dallas Taylor, explores the stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds, delving into topics like sound design, audio branding, and the history of sound.
These podcasts provide valuable insights and practical tips for anyone interested in acoustics, studio design, and audio production. By listening to these shows and learning from industry professionals, you can expand your knowledge and improve your studio's acoustics and overall audio quality.

Read: Books

Here is a list of books on recording studio design, acoustics, and related topics, including short summaries, the year of publication, and links to the publisher's website when available:
  1. "Master Handbook of Acoustics" by F. Alton Everest and Ken C. Pohlmann (2009): A comprehensive guide to acoustics, including room design, sound isolation, and noise control. Publisher's website
  2. "Acoustic Design for the Home Studio" by Mitch Gallagher (2006): Offers practical advice and guidelines for optimizing the acoustics in a home recording studio. Publisher's website
  3. "Home Recording Studio: Build It Like the Pros" by Rod Gervais (2011): Provides step-by-step guidance on designing and building a professional-quality home recording studio. Publisher's website
  4. "Recording Studio Design" by Philip Newell (2017): Explores the principles of studio design, acoustics, and architectural considerations for recording spaces. Publisher's website
  5. "The Studio SOS Book: Solutions and Techniques for the Project Recording Studio" by Paul White, Hugh Robjohns, and Dave Lockwood (2013): Offers practical tips and solutions for common problems faced in project studios. Publisher's website
  6. "Sound System Engineering" by Don Davis, Eugene Patronis Jr., and Pat Brown (2013): Covers the fundamentals of sound system design, installation, and optimization. Publisher's website
  7. "The Reference Manual for Telecommunications Engineering" by Roger L. Freeman (2017): Provides an excellent overview of acoustics and audio recording principles. Publisher's website
  8. "The Audio Expert: Everything You Need to Know About Audio" by Ethan Winer (2016): Covers a wide range of topics, including room acoustics, studio setup, equipment, and more. Publisher's website
  9. "Designing Sound" by Andy Farnell (2010): Focuses on practical techniques for recording studio design, acoustics, and equipment choice. Publisher's website
  10. "Architectural Acoustics" by Marshall Long (2006): A comprehensive introduction to the principles of architectural acoustics. Publisher's website
  11. "Acoustical Design and Noise Control" by Cyril M. Harris (1998): Covers the fundamentals of acoustical design and noise control in buildings. Publisher's website
  12. "Principles of Architectural Acoustics" by Vern O. Knudsen and Cyril M. Harris (1989): Provides a thorough understanding of the principles of sound and vibration as they apply to architectural design. Publisher's website
  13. "Handbook for Sound Engineers" by Glen Ballou (2015): A comprehensive reference for audio engineers, covering a wide range of topics related to sound engineering, studio design, and acoustics. Publisher's website
  14. "The Complete Guide to High-End Audio" by Robert Harley (2015): Offers detailed information on audio equipment, speaker placement, and room acoustics. Publisher's website
  15. "Control Room Design and Acoustics" by Gene D. Kobrin (1990): Focuses on the principles and techniques for designing effective control rooms with optimal acoustics. Publisher's website
  16. "How to Build a Small Budget Recording Studio from Scratch" by Mike Senior (2013): Provides step-by-step instructions for creating a cost-effective recording studio from scratch. Publisher's website
  17. "Acoustical Tests and Measurements" by Don. N. Hovey (1933): A seminal work that provided the foundation for modern acoustical testing methods and principles.
This comprehensive list covers a wide range of topics related to acoustics, studio design, audio production, and DIY solutions. These books offer valuable insights and knowledge for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to improve their understanding of acoustics and optimize their studio spaces.

Wall Art

Incorporating unique artwork or wall art in your small studio space can significantly enhance creativity by inspiring and stimulating the senses. Artistic visuals create a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere, which can help break the monotony and invite fresh ideas. Moreover, carefully chosen artwork can serve as a source of inspiration, providing you with visual cues or themes that can be translated into your musical compositions. The presence of aesthetically pleasing art pieces can also contribute to a positive, uplifting mood, fostering a nurturing environment for creative exploration and self-expression. In essence, incorporating distinctive artwork or wall art in a small studio space can be an essential element in cultivating a vibrant, inspiring ambiance that fuels your creative process.

If you are looking for wall out that stands out check out the Passfilter Wall Art collections for more creative inspiration.