If you've ever had the opportunity to sit down with a brainiac only to walk away with just enough brain cells to think, "Duh, I should've recorded all this stuff," then you'll really appreciate the newly revised How to Build a Small Budget Recording Studio From Scratch. (H2BSBRSS for short!) If the title sounds familiar, that's because the first edition was written and published by F. Alton Everest in 1979. Mike Shea has updated and edited this latest edition. If you have an older version, the additions are covered later in this review.
Having a budget is one thing, sticking to it is another. The tighter the budget, the less room for mistakes. Mistakes cost more money than just doing it "right" the first time. Lest you think Acoustics is a rigid science, it's not. But it is important to consider all obstacles and alternatives. The important concept is predictability-especially for your control room. There are times and places for symmetry and randomness.
No matter whether H2BSBRSS was purchased before or after construction, each time it's opened, new and refreshing information will come out. How is that possible? Like Dorothy's desire to get back to Kansas, the answers will always be there. It's your state of mind and willingness to allow the information to be absorbed that will make the difference. H2BSBRSS details all the usual suspects-from isolating the control room to controlling HVAC (air conditioner) noise-as well as all of the angles, whether you're building in a garage, a house or an industrial space.
Here are some of the key subjects: Room Dimensions-the relationship of length, width and height can be magical or disastrous; a cube-shaped room is least desirable. H2BSBRSS provides the preferred ratios and sample dimensions. The Reflections-not a cover band but the three ways sound bounces around a room-axial, tangential and oblique. Cost Effective-even though this book implies building a studio on a budget, there is a tolerance window. Mention carpet or egg cartons to an acoustician and expect a cringe. H2BSBRSS explains why carpet is uncool yet provides calculations for same as well as the anti-carpet fixes.
Of course the list goes on an on, from basic construction (like walls, floors and ceiling) to audio wiring and power distribution. H2BSBRSS details all of the popular acoustic materials (and their sources); their absorption coefficients (and how to calculate); plus designs for absorbers, diffusers and resonators. Even though basic acoustic theory hasn't changed since before the first edition, there are modern solutions. Your tastes and preferences may evolve also. While this book is a serious read, it may not be the type that will have you glued from cover to cover. Better to take a few minutes while doing time in the porcelain office. You'll be surprised how much can be absorbed.
If you have an earlier edition of this book, the updated version now has twenty chapters, the last of which details the reading of blueprints. The chapter on acoustic materials and their manufacturers has been expanded because so much more is available now. The electro- acoustics chapter has been expanded to include test and measurement tools available to anyone with a laptop, requiring an additional appendix to list those manufacturers.
Over the past year, I provided consultation services for three studio owners whose facilities were in various states of design and completion. Through these projects I got some serious chat time with two acousticians, Tape Op's own Wes Lachot; and an internet bud, Terry Hazelrig. That information exchange was reconfirmed when I read H2BSBRSS; in fact, Terry recognized it instantly when visiting my shop.
Our industry is about the love of and passion for music and technology! Since it's likely that you're already addicted and committed for the long haul, your first project studio will not be the last. With that in mind, I think you should buy this book. It's clearly written, details a variety of subjects, and will serve for many years as a valuable resource. ($24.95; books.mcgraw- hill.com)