New Dolby Atmos studio for classical label audite

A modern, immersive sound studio for the 50th Anniversary

The label audite Musikproduktion, based in Detmold, is a global provider of recordings in the classical music genre and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. On the occasion of expanding their in-house sound studio to the immersive Dolby Atmos format in their anniversary year, we fundamentally redesigned and revamped the studio acoustics for label head and graduate sound engineer, Ludger Böckenhoff.

We have decided to release future recordings not only in stereo, which remains the primary format with the highest relevance, but also in Dolby Atmos. Atmos will be presented to our listeners through a variety of speaker systems using all possible digital tools, attempting to recreate the listening experience we have chosen here in the studio. Given the growing array of ‘interpretations’ the mix undergoes on the customer’s devices, it is of utmost importance for a first-class studio to operate with the highest quality standards.

Graduate Sound Engineer Ludger Böckenhoff I Label Head audite Musikproduktion

New Beletage Dolby Atmos studio acoustics with abundant daylight

The company headquarters in a Jugendstil villa in Detmold houses the sound studio on the main floor, a spacious room with abundant daylight. The adjacent conservatory is used as a meeting room. For classical music productions, especially in Dolby Atmos, an authentic reproduction of spatial aspects is immensely important. Therefore, we minimized the effects of the asymmetrical window front and the connection to the conservatory. Acoustic symmetry with respect to the stereo axis was maximized.

CAD top view with Dolby Atmos speakers and tolerance ranges I audite Musikproduktion

Visually and acoustically aymmetrical sound studio

In the area of the control room front, we integrated fixed wall absorbers, acoustic curtains, and movable panels. This allowed us to design the control room to be both visually and acoustically symmetrical while keeping the windows accessible. An acoustic curtain is placed at the entrance to the conservatory. When needed, it decouples the conservatory from the control room in the high and mid-frequency range. All curtain rails are equipped with motors, enabling convenient control from the control room.

Acoustic coupling of a conservatory

In the bass range, despite the separating curtain, there is an acoustic coupling to the conservatory. However, according to calculations using the Boundary Elements Method (BEM), this does not have any adverse effects on the studio acoustics.

BEM – Boundary Elements Methode I Sound Pressure Distribution at 61Hz

In addition to our acoustic requirements, it was very important for us to preserve the architectural qualities of our studio.

Graduate Sound Engineer Ludger Böckenhoff I Label Head audite Musikproduktion

Large volume bass absorbers at the back of the studio

A large-volume bass absorber using the Acoustic-Design-System (ADS) on the back of the studio is sufficient to optimize the low-frequency behavior of the space. To avoid excessive reduction of the reverberation time, we covered significant portions of the bass trap with wooden slats in a manner that does not compromise its effectiveness as a bass absorber. The individual fabric covering ensures a uniform surface.

Acustic Design System ADS I with custom printed fabric covering

Determination of the optimal listening geometry for the new studio acoustics

As part of the acoustic planning, we determined the room’s setup with broadband absorbers and diffusers, as well as the optimal listening geometry (listening position and speaker positions). Our workshop pre-produced all acoustic elements, which were then installed along with the Neumann KH120 ceiling speakers. LED light bulbs are placed in the suspended ceiling absorbers, allowing for glare-free indirect lighting from above.

Preserving the character of the building without compromising on acoustics was the true challenge for us as studio planners. We are pleased that the classical music scene, after 50 years, can rely on audite more than ever before, be it stereo or immersive.

Markus Bertram I Owner and Managing Director mbakustik GmbH