Doha, Qatar (January 11, 2016)—Katara Studios, designed by WSDG-Walters-Storyk Design Group and one of the Middle East’s largest and most technically advanced recording/feature film audio post production complexes, has opened in Doha.
The 65,000-square-foot compound was commissioned by The Katara Committee. WSDG co-principal Sergio Molho reports the project dates back to 2012, when WSDG was retained by Elie Wakim, head of the acoustical division of leading Doha-based, Imar Trading & Contracting.
“The new building, developed by London-based ADG, had just been completed in Doha’s Middle Eastern Art Development Center,” Molho explains. “Metropolis, a major London recording studio, had developed the extensive technology package, and was engaged to coordinate the system integration. The project required high-level studio and interior design, as well as a commensurate HVAC system and expert construction oversight to monitor the complex sound isolation issues essential to critical recording and listening environments. WSDG’s international organization was ideally positioned to deliver all of these services.”
The sprawling 40-plus-room complex is distinguished by the 3,000-square-foot. Studio 1 live room, designed to facilitate recording of indigenous and/or jazz sessions, crowned by a 30-foot-high ceiling, and capable of hosting more than 80 musicians. Katara Studio 1 features a 729-square-foot control room, with a 96-fader Neve 88RS console and 5.1 PCM BB5 surround sound system; three spacious, multi-configurable, ISO booths; an 1,158-square-foot mezzanine; and a 582-square-foot VIP lounge.
The facility also encompasses the 546-square-foot Studio 2 live room with a 435-square-foot control room outfitted with an 80-channel API Vision Console. Each studio has a dedicated machine room to reduce cable lengths, and each is designed to accommodate an eclectic range of clients and recording styles.
Katara Studios also houses a mastering suite; Dolby Atmos post production suite, with VO booth, for feature film mixing; two composer rooms; three audio prep rooms; a video grading suite; and a video edit suite.
WSDG-Walters-Storyk Design Group
www.wsdg.com
