Studio with a view

Berklee College of Music (in Boston) needed a new studio in which to teach stereo mixing and critical listening. A small synthesis lab (adjacent to the main lobby, directly over the cafeteria kitchen, penetrated by exhaust ducts, and next to a bathroom) was chosen for renovation. The primary requirements were for maximum visibility to assure hopeful future engineers a full view of all the cool gear, and comfortable seating for fifteen students. The challenges, to be discussed, included isolation with a view, quiet HVAC, and great sound, in a space that was acoustically too small and in the wrong place. The best verification of success is its popularity, which has prevented the author from booking time for listening or testing.