Acoustic materials in Saint Louis College of Music, Rome, Italy

Project Overview

Saint Louis College of Music, one of Rome’s most prestigious music academies, faced acoustic challenges in one of its recording studio control rooms. The irregular shape of the room, coupled with reflective wall materials, caused frequency imbalances that compromised sound clarity. A solution was sought to enhance the room’s acoustic performance for both teaching and professional sound production.

Challenge

The control room faced several critical acoustic challenges that hindered its functionality. Its irregular geometry distorted sound waves, resulting in an uneven frequency distribution across the space. Reflective surfaces further amplified the issue by exacerbating mid and high-frequency reverberation, while uncontrolled low frequencies disrupted critical listening accuracy, making precise audio work difficult.

Scope of Work

• Conducted an in-depth acoustic analysis of the control room.
• Proposed and implemented acoustic treatments that addressed both frequency response and aesthetic requirements.
• Ensured the solution supported the dual-purpose functionality of teaching and professional sound mixing.

Solution

To achieve a balanced frequency response, Echo Moon panels were suspended from the ceiling, and strategically placed to reduce reverberation and ensure a natural sound field. On the walls, a combination of Echo Wall textile panels and white wood perforated WAVO panels were installed in various sizes to control mid and high frequencies, providing an aesthetically pleasing and functional texture.

Low-frequency issues were mitigated using P Bass Traps, positioned in the room’s corners to absorb bass energy and eliminate muddiness. This comprehensive approach resulted in a more neutral acoustic environment, ideal for teaching and recording purposes.

Importance of Control Room Acoustics

Control rooms require precision in sound reproduction to support mixing, mastering, and instruction. Effective acoustic treatment ensures a flat frequency response, allowing professionals to make accurate audio decisions and students to learn in an optimal environment.

Transform your recording studio into a professional-grade space. Contact DECIBEL for tailored acoustic solutions designed for control rooms and music studios.