Hi guys,

I recently bought my first apartment and I will finally have a spare room that I can use for a mini-home studio.

I'm intensively reading all the threads I can find (thanks, @Sinus Well) and once I'm done renovating, I will make measurements and try to develop a serious plan. But I would like to ask you already for some general advices on how best to treat this specific room, as I see a few challenges (windows in the corner, no room for a bass trap near the door, etc.). I'm attaching a few pictures of the room (don't judge its appearance, the last owner had a... questionable taste).

The room is 394 x 300 x 248 cm (L x W x H), so I know it's on a smaller end, but this is what I have to work with. At least the acoustics don't seem too bad: https://amcoustics.com/tools/amroc?l=394&w=300&h=248&r60=0.6

I will appreciate any helpful suggestions, thank you in advance!

PS. I'm working 100% in the box and mostly on metal music. I play electric guitar through amp modelers and occasionally use MIDI keyboard. So no synths, no recording vocals, etc. - I'm going purely for critical listening.

 

Last edited: Mar 4, 2024

I would get your room laid out and running. Mic the room, and add accordingly. Hang your guitars and what not, it helps with the acoustics. My room is similar and my treatment needs were less than expected.

 

Good room proportions from start
"Listening only" option is easier than tracking

Start :
http://arqen.com/bass-traps-101/placement-guide/

1 - let the window BEHIND your desk : no more "bouncing" problem AND you can put your desk near this wall to gain some space (keep some space for heater/window access anyway)

2 - bass trap in 3 corners AND ceiling angle : there is no problem of symmetry with bass trap. if corners are not possible, keep only ceiling ones.

3 - dispersion panel behind you (door side) and two lateral walls to maintain stereo image

That's how i see it if you REALLY want to treat the room.

You can test mic your room first like @LpHelix75 said.
Defects, especially bass domain, will be obvious.

https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

 

I will, that's the plan, but the room is a mess at the moment. And thank you for some tips, very useful!

 

I'd only treat that room if you are going to record vocals.The only thing a room will effect is acoustic properties, if you are primarily using amp sims you're already faking the amp and speakers. Reverbs, you are faking the rooom, etc.

There's no point in treating the room if you aren't recording in it using microphones.

 

set everything up, test the room with measuring equipment, then post your results here and we may be able to help further. sometimes its as simple as having a panel or two, a cloud maybe

 

also, under NO circumstances change that butterfly wall or the paint job. Pink is essential for accurate tonal reflections.

 

If you're going that route, standard diffusers need some distance to the listener to work properly. In a room this small i suggest you go for something that does diffusion primarily on high or mid-high frequencies (at least for the side walls) like a binary amplitude diffiser, which also does absorption so it's a double win. OR, just go for good 'ol absorption instead.

You should also scout for optimal listening positions. A quick way of doing that is by putting a monitor speaker near the corner on the floor, play music you know very well, then walk around the room looking for the spots where the bass feels more ballanced. Then choose the one that's more practical for you.

 

or just hang some tapestries,get a lava lamp, and some throw rugs.sound absorbtion by furnishings hides alot of flaws and warms up the room sound.