Acoustic Design Project
Sacred Ground
Studios
A Music Listening Room Like No Other
Sacred Ground is a dual purpose room. It measures 15′ w x 9′ h x 29′ l. Both “live” end and two channel playback are all built under the same room acoustic. Excessive low and middle frequency energy are absorbed using our activated carbon technology. Middle and high frequency energy is treated with our proprietary foam and the application of quadratic diffusion.
Activated Carbon Drum Platform
One end is a “live” room with drums, Hammond/Leslie, electric guitar and bass. Vocals are run through passive Renkus Heinz mono PA with Cary Audio Hi-Fi tube amplifier. Custom speaker / interconnects by JPS Labs. Mic pre-amp is Apollo run by Pro-Tools. The other end is a two channel hi-fi playback system with Revel Saloon II speakers coupled with Levinson solid state, bi- amps. Rogue Audio tube pre – amp, Benchmark DAC, Esoteric transport and Sony Media Server. The “live” end has two unique features.
There is a variable acoustic wall which alternates between rates and levels of diffusion and absorption and a carbon filled drum platform. On the rear wall, directly behind the drums and organ is a sliding panel system. Each wood “ladder” contains our foam technology. The panels expose and cover a two dimensional quadratic diffusion system based upon prime number 17. Under the drums is our ACDA carbon technology built into the riser. The total platform is composed of a series of modules that fit together to form the drum platform.
Vertical Diffusion
ACDA-12 Diaphragmatic Absorbers
Alternating Ceiling Absorber and Diffusion Modules
Absorption & Diffusion Ceiling Modules
We integrated our ACDA-10-and 12 technology as well as a quadratic diffusion units into the ceiling. Both the ACDA technologies are distributed throughout the surface area of the ceiling to manage both frequency specific and broadband absorption issues that are produced by the ceiling to floor dimension. Two dimensional diffusion minimizes the impact of reflections at both ends of the room. The room is a second story build with over 18,000 lbs. of our carbon technology inside the walls and ceiling. Additional structural support was added to manage the weight of the carbon and reduce vibration at all offending sources from door latches to air conditioning systems.
The carbon technology was used in all electronic gear platforms from the amplifiers in the “live” end to the speakers, amplifiers, and electronics of the two channel playback end of the room. The two channel playback side is surrounded by our ACDA-10 and ACDA-12 proprietary carbon technology on both side walls of the room. The front wall is our QDA-23 diffusion absorption system that has three technologies built into one unit. First, there is vertical, one dimensional,quadratic diffusion. Second, there is a broadband ACDA-10 performance behind the quadratic diffusion sequence and finally, the base of the QDA – 23 has our ACDA-12 carbon technology.
Acoustic Ceiling Modules
There are three modules within the CSS or Ceiling Support System: ACDA-10, ACDA-12, and QD or quadratic residue diffusion. The ACDA units are smaller versions of our free standing units. Both offer the same rate and level of absorption as our floor standing units only in a smaller more easily managed form. Each measures approximately 2′ x 1′ x 2′ and weighs 65 lbs. The QD diffusion can be based on prime numbers of 11, 13, and 17. Each prime number has depth and seating to diffuser distance requirements. Fabric and finish options are numerous.
Absorption & Diffusion Ceiling Modules
This instrumental track was recorded at Sacred Ground Studios, without using any effects on the audio stems. If you like you can also view a sheet with recording details like preamps and microphones used for the recording.
This recording is done with alternating absorption and diffusion exposed to the microphone. You have foam panels then diffusion and foam panels. This allows for 50% absorption and 50% diffusion at the microphone position.
This recording is done with the foam panels positioned to one side to allow for maximum diffusion directly behind the drums. Two dimensional diffusion allows for middle and high frequency definition and spaciousness.
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