Engine Room Audio (New York City), a full-service audio production facility, has introduced a new state-of-the-art mastering lab. Walters-Storyk Design Group’s principal architect John Storyk completed the acoustical design and installation following original construction consultation by Chris Bowman of CHBO.
Engine Room owner/head engineer Mark Christensen reported that the mastering suite represents the final step in the development of the young facility: “We opened our new facility about a year ago with six editing rooms, two live rooms and duplication services. When we entered the final stage of the build, our budget was stretched pretty thin. We weren’t planning to build a room of this caliber, but Chris convinced me that with John’s help, this could become an A-list room.
“Our old facilities primarily targeted small-scale projects and duplication clients,” continued Christensen. “When we built this room, our intention was to construct a high-end mastering suite to cater to our growing downtown clientele. We wanted to create a top-of-the-line room that was accessible to independent as well as major label projects.” The room features a hybrid of digital and analog gear including a SADiE 24/96 digital audio workstation and a host of classic Tube=Tech, Manley, Universal Audio, Ampex, Avalon, Waves and Crane Song outboard gear.
CHBO oversaw the initial design phases, including the construction of the isolated acoustic shell. WSDG completed the design with interior room acoustics, including a number of cutting-edge acoustical accouterments. “This is our first New York City installation of a new European product called Tobakustik, which is distributed in the U.S. by RPG,” said Storyk. “The splayed suspended panels, located on the back half of the ceiling, combine with the rear-wall wood diffusers to deliver the required amount of mid-frequency scattering and absorption.”
“The room is spectacular; it sounds phenomenal and looks great,” Christensen said. “John and Chris are the best in the business. Our clients are really impressed. The feedback has been very positive.”
Recent mastering projects completed at Engine Room Audio include a J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) produced album from recording artist Tony Jarvis, several classical music albums for Museovitch Productions, the new Goat CD produced by Tony Mangurian (Veruca Salt), and a number of assignments for Hong Kong-based alternative dance label, Respect Music Inc.
For more on WSDG, visit www.wsdg.com.
