“Radio thriving in SA as podcasts grow. Audio, in its many forms, is becoming increasingly popular as people suffer from screen fatigue”. (courtesy of https://www.businesslive.co.za/redzone/news-insights/2022-03-24-radio-thriving-in-sa-as-podcasts-grow/)
Not a lot of people consider what goes on behind the scenes when they listen to a podcast, switch on their radio, or watch a show or movie on TV. Imagine you are listening to a presenter and suddenly you hear sirens or someone laughing…. would that not be strange?
Let us take a closer look at what types of recording studios there are.
Firstly, the Professional Studios. These are facilities have specialised equipment, professional sound engineers and the necessary acoustic treatment to produce a world-class recording or broadcast. The professional studios may have different focuses like:
- Commercial Film Recording Studios – these studios are designed to handle professional-grade recordings and offer a higher level of sound quality and equipment. These studios have several live rooms and control rooms. They are usually very large facilities like Cape Town Film Studios, Sky Rink Studios and Sasani Studios.
- Music Recording Studios are designed specifically to record artist or bands. They have at least one live room and a control room with an acoustic window and studio equipment required for recording music.
- A broadcast studio is a dedicated space used for producing and broadcasting audio or video content for radio, television, online streaming, or other forms of media distribution. It is specifically designed to facilitate live or pre-recorded broadcasts and may vary in size and complexity depending on the type and scale of the production. Primedia and Tiso Blackstar Group are great examples.
- Mobile/Remote Studios- these studios are designed to be portable and are suitable for on-location recordings.
Then we have the home or project recording studios.
A home recording studio, also known as a project studio, is a setup within a residential space where individuals can produce and record music or other audio content. It is a more budget-friendly and accessible option compared to commercial or professional studios. A home recording studio allows musicians, producers, podcasters, voice-over artists, and other content creators to create high-quality recordings in the comfort of their own homes.
So, what do all recording studios need?
Regardless of the type of studio, there are a few essential components that are needed:
- Acoustic Treatment – Properly treating the studio’s acoustics with sound absorbing panels, helps control reflections and echoes, reverberation, and frequencies. Internal room acoustics are essential, but keeping external noise disturbances out of the room are too. Acoustic doors and acoustic studio windows are needed since these are the most common points of noise penetration.
- Recording Equipment – everything from microphones to headphones, audio interface to monitors, are required to make a recording professional.
- Comfortable Workspace: A well-designed ergonomic setup with a comfortable seating position enhances productivity during long recording sessions.
Remember, the specific requirements of a recording studio can vary based on the intended purpose, budget, and personal preferences.
Professional acoustic consultants or experienced studio designers can provide expert guidance in analysing and rectifying acoustic issues specific to a recording studio, ensuring an accurate and controlled listening environment.
Aluglass Bautech can provide 50 years of experience and a bespoke range of acoustic doors, partitions, absorption panels, and fixed studio windows.
