Acoustic consultant

[midKnight]

Hey Gang,

I'm getting ready to move, which means I'm going to be in an a new room with an entirely new set of acoustical problems, and since I haven't invested yet in room treatment, I would really like to find an acoustical consultant I can hire to come analyze my space.

The key word of that last paragraph is *hire*. I will definitely pay for this service.

I've spent some time on google, and haven't had much success finding someone, so I'm leaving no stone unturned.

If anyone can recommend someone in the LA / OC area, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[Ethan Winer]

Unless you're building a large pro studio and have deep pockets, it makes more sense to buy treatment from a reputable vendor who can advise you on what you need and where to put it. Even if you pay a consultant, they'll still tell you to buy (or build) acoustic treatment which is always needed anyway.

--Ethan

[midKnight]

Originally Posted by Ethan Winer

Unless you're building a large pro studio and have deep pockets, it makes more sense to buy treatment from a reputable vendor who can advise you on what you need and where to put it. Even if you pay a consultant, they'll still tell you to buy (or build) acoustic treatment which is always needed anyway.

--Ethan

Totally agree with you on the making sense to buy the actual materials from a reputable vendor, however I've heard plenty of stories around here and other sites where people went out, bought a bunch of stuff and it made little to no improvement.

I'm sure it's not because the stuff itself was bad, but they really didn't have a good understanding of what their particular space needed and how to execute the placement of it. (I've read a ton on the subject and I still fit those two categories.)

So to me, it's only smart money to hire a pro to come in for an hour or two and tell me *exactly* what I need for my space, and where to put it.



However, I've had little to no success in finding anyone.. acoustic consulting must be an undesirable job..(probably why I don't want to learn it...) ha ha :P

[newkid]

Originally Posted by midKnight

Hey Gang,

I'm getting ready to move, which means I'm going to be in an a new room with an entirely new set of acoustical problems, and since I haven't invested yet in room treatment, I would really like to find an acoustical consultant I can hire to come analyze my space.

The key word of that last paragraph is *hire*. I will definitely pay for this service.

I've spent some time on google, and haven't had much success finding someone, so I'm leaving no stone unturned.

If anyone can recommend someone in the LA / OC area, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Make sure the guy is an expert in what you need.
Could be pricey.
May not give you the results you want.

Ditto the other answer.

Look at alternatives. Get educated. Google is your friend.
Also check out books at the library. Know the terminology.
Understand the problems so you don't get snowed.
Then look at vendors for advice.

If that doesn't work then hire the consultant.
BUT...... If this isn't for a pro studio, or at least to make pro recordings for sale then WAIT on the consultant until you have real experience.

If this is a garage, basement, or living room, forget the consultant forever. Put your money into a better mike or something.

[midKnight]

Originally Posted by newkid

Make sure the guy is an expert in what you need.
Could be pricey.
May not give you the results you want.

Well what's pricey? I can't imagine that it would take an expert more than a couple of hours, tops, to do a room analysis for me, and even at say $100/hr, that's what? $200? Drop in the bucket for peace of mind of having an expert analysis/interpret the results.

Originally Posted by newkid

Look at alternatives. Get educated. Google is your friend.
Also check out books at the library. Know the terminology.
Understand the problems so you don't get snowed.
Then look at vendors for advice.

I have. It's a confusing and complex subject. I'm a big believer in get the right people for the right job. I'm *not* an expert in that field, nor do I want to be.

Originally Posted by newkid

If that doesn't work then hire the consultant.

*Trying*... can't find any... argh.

Originally Posted by newkid

If this is a garage, basement, or living room, forget the consultant forever. Put your money into a better mike or something.

Nahh.. a new mic isn't the issue.. any one of Brandon's shootout should show you that the results between a $2k mic and a $200 mic are pretty subtle.

My problem is the acoustical space, not my gear.

[rockerdude]

What about getting a mixing engineer from a larger studio in your area check out your space and give you some advice.

I had my friend Pat Olguin setup my control room.He is a pro engineer/producer,(papa roach,cake,black eyed peas,Deftones,Will I am and more.He has some legit credentials.

He is in the Sacramento area, Velvet Tone studios.He is in LA all the time,hit em up.

You can get some good results from info on the net. When do we get to hear those drum tracks? Good luck, Rob

[midKnight]

Originally Posted by rockerdude

What about getting a mixing engineer from a larger studio in your area check out your space and give you some advice.

I had my friend Pat Olguin setup my control room.He is a pro engineer/producer,(papa roach,cake,black eyed peas,Deftones,Will I am and more.He has some legit credentials.

He is in the Sacramento area, Velvet Tone studios.He is in LA all the time,hit em up.

You can get some good results from info on the net. When do we get to hear those drum tracks? Good luck, Rob

Awesome.. did you get good results from his coming in and taking a look at your space?


Well I'm currently hard at work on mixes, so hopefully very soon.

[rockerdude]

Yes my room sounds great now.He just showed me where to place some acoustic panels,told me what type to use and ripped out most of my foam...lol.... and said he could mix in this room now so I guess that says it all.

I used acoustic panels from ATS for most of it and have some ghetto bass traps in the corners.

Sterling Sound Studios You get your eventide?

[midKnight]

Originally Posted by rockerdude

Yes my room sounds great now.He just showed me where to place some acoustic panels,told me what type to use and ripped out most of my foam...lol.... and said he could mix in this room now so I guess that says it all.

I used acoustic panels from ATS for most of it and have some ghetto bass traps in the corners.

Sterling Sound Studios You get your eventide?

Awesome.. that's exactly what I want.. someone to come in, make some recommendations, and boom. done.

Think he'd drive down to Orange County? LOL


No, not yet, I've been keeping an eye out for one on ebay though!

-Nick