WSDG Creates ‘Invisible‘ Wall Between Live & Control Rooms
BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL: The wall separating musicians from producers and engineers was rendered virtually invisible for the innovative Diante do Trono Studio. Renato Cipriano, head of the Walters-Storyk Design Group Brazilian office www.wsdg.com, reports that a clear sight line between the live and control rooms was a critical design goal for the new complex.
Diante do Trono www.diantedotrono.com.br is the internationally recognized,50-member gospel band of Batista da Lagoinha, one of Brazil‘s largest worship ministries. In addition to attracting huge crowds to stadium-level venues around the world, the group has recorded 25 albums and sold over 3 million CDs since their formation in 1997.
When the decision was made to build a recording studio, WSDG (which maintains an office in Belo Horizonte) was commissioned to develop all of the architectural and acoustic aspects of the new facility, including structural, electrical and HVAC.
The ground floor of the complex is comprised of a 600 sq. ft. live room (with ceiling level windows facing the tropical sky), a 350 sq. ft. 5.1 Control Room with two spacious Iso booths, and an expansive equipment room. Studio B on the 2nd floor features a 600 sq. ft. Live Room /Control Room /Edit Room tracking facility and a video edit suite for music video projects. Studio amenities include office space, an interior lounge an outdoor lounge with a barbeque pit.
To accommodate diverse recording applications, WSDG architect/acousticians John Storyk and Renato Cipriano developed variable acoustic panels, including motorized units installed at the ceiling which can be operated remotely from the Control Room. This flexibility enables the engineer to tune the room acoustics to an infinite range of musical styles. The room also features eclectic surface treatments created with bricks from recycled materials.
The studio‘s most striking design element is the expansive forward-looking panoramic glass wall separating the Live and Control rooms. The three main Genelec 1032 5.1 surround speakers are housed in the glass via a baffled configuration. Positioned over the equipment rack, they establish a uniquely unobstructed view between the rooms. Tuned for ideal surround angles and measurements, the installation meets all ITU standards; providing an extraordinary sound imaging field and extended low end response for the mixing engineer.
Studio engineer André Espindola reports that Diante Do Trono is equipped with the latest Pro Tools HD3 system a Digidesign Control 24 console which may soon be upgraded to a new Neve Genesys, and numerous outboard processors, including Manley and TC Electronics, and an ample selection of vintage microphones and other outboard gear.
“The challenge of floating the main monitors within a panoramic front viewing glass wall in an acoustically acceptable configuration has been a long-time design goal,” WSDG principal John Storyk remarked. “In 2004 I was a member of the acoustic team for Jazz At Lincoln Center. The 500 seat Allen Room performance venue there features a 50‘ high by 90‘ long glass wall overlooking NY‘s Central Park directly behind the stage. The experience we gained from that project was extremely beneficial in helping us realize Diante Do Trono. This gospel band moves and inspires people around the world. We are proud to have played a role in creating their dream studio.”
“The challenge of accurately placing a control room main monitor system at ear level within a panoramic front viewing glass wall has been a long-time design goal or our company,” WSDG principal John Storyk remarked. “In 2004, we were member of the acoustic team for Jazz At Lincoln Center. The 500 seat Allen Room performance venue there features a 50‘ high by 90‘ long glass wall overlooking NY‘s Central Park directly behind the stage. The experience we gained from that project, along with many other control room installation measurements we‘ve done during the past 10 years all contributed to our successful realization for Diante Do Trono. This gospel band moves and inspires people around the world. Renato and the entire WSDG design team are proud to have played a role in creating their dream studio.”
