John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum

So, here it is, my new studio of glory. After much struggle, my business partner & I have found a beautiful space. We will be renting time from a novice musician/engineer who is renting the space himself. That being said, we have full permission to clear out the rooms and start from scratch. We will be using all of our own DIY acoustic treatment. I have a fair amount of knowledge for recording/engineering/producing/performing, and even a bit of room treatment know-about, but there is another level of physics that I am not inclined to learn at the time being. And, I would like to avoid hiring an acoustic tech. So, I have a few general questions on room treatment. I'll post some pics, & some time soon a 3D blueprint.

1. Tools: Would it be appropriate to use Pro Tools with a signal generator, Waves PAZ, a measurement mic, & some loudspeakers to analyze the room(s)?

2. How do I figure where to place the panels?

3. I have a bunch of mineral wool. I know this is best for broadband absorption, what should I use for bass traps?

4. Aside from room treatment, the live room has a 'loft' space(pictured). Any creative ideas for what I should use it for?

I realize these questions are broad and may seem incomplete/novice. I know not to expect world class results -I'm just looking for some general direction. I think the rooms sound great to start with, so I want to know how to keep room treatment minimal, yet effective.
All thoughts and comments are appreciated. Thanks!

Live room (2nd floor)


Control room (2nd floor)


Lounge (1st floor)


Live room 2


Loft


Iso booth


Iso 2

Hey there Besee
There is indeed a great deal of space you have to work with here, I would suggest grabbing google Sketch-up and making a 2D/3D drawing of what your are exactly trying to achieve.

I.E where you want the placement of everything, is the placement in the existing shots,(it all looks very messy and confusing at present) then you may start to get some answers, as for using Pro Tools ..... Yes you can, & an omni Microphone.

You should make some test measurements now, and see what is required in terms of acoustic treatment. Inclusive of do you need to Soundproofing Internally/Externally, or do you only have the worry of dealing with the Acoustics in your space.

This looks like a big project, are you remodelling, or making do with what you have...... Much more information is required then just those cluttered photos. I'd also get an Acoustics software package such as from Ethan's site,[url] http://www.realtraps.com[/url] and show the Frequency Response at present.

You have so many variables here. Sort those out, read the stickies & look into this forum prior to asking for dead straight advice that can not be given as we don't know what your exactly trying to achieve. List your Goals..... from A -Z .... with Sketch-Up design drawings. Then you will get replies.
Cheers
ADDA