RECORDING STUDIO DESIGN & SOUNDPROOFING – SOUTHSIDE LIFESTYLE

Client: Southside Lifestyle Recording Studio
Request: Transform a spare residential room into a functional recording studio
Scope: Soundproofing, acoustic design, equipment specification and supply, installation, and full commissioning

Issue

Southside Lifestyle required a spare room within a private residence to be converted into a professional recording studio capable of producing broadcast- and release-ready recordings. The space needed to support vocal recording, mixing, and mastering while controlling noise leakage to and from the rest of the home.

What Was Happening

The room was a typical residential space with windows, an external door, and standard electrical infrastructure. These elements presented challenges for both sound isolation and internal acoustic control. Without intervention, external noise intrusion, internal reflections, low-frequency buildup, and electrical interference would compromise recording quality and monitoring accuracy.

Constraints

The studio had to be integrated within an existing residence, limiting structural changes and requiring solutions appropriate for a domestic environment. The client also had clear aesthetic expectations, requiring the studio to be visually cohesive while meeting acoustic performance goals. All systems needed to function reliably without introducing noise, hum, or interference into the recording chain.

BEXtronics’ Approach

An initial site visit and consultation were conducted to assess the room, understand the client’s workflow, and define performance targets. The approach combined targeted soundproofing to control noise leakage, acoustic treatment to manage reflections and low-frequency behaviour, and careful electrical and equipment planning to ensure clean signal paths and accurate monitoring.

Solution Implemented

Soundproofing works began with the removal of the existing windows and the installation of a dedicated soundproof door to reduce noise transmission into and out of the space. Electrical upgrades were carried out to eliminate sources of hum, buzz, and electrical interference. Mood lighting, fresh finishes, and acoustically appropriate flooring were installed to complete the physical transformation of the room.

For acoustic treatment, Echo Eliminator panels and Bass Buster low-frequency panels were specified and installed. Bass Buster panels were positioned vertically in the room corners from floor to ceiling to control low-frequency buildup, absorbing energy down to approximately 60 Hz and improving bass accuracy during mixing and mastering. Echo Eliminator panels were installed at first and second reflection points to control early reflections and reduce standing waves, improving clarity at the listening position. Both panel types were also used to create a controlled, low-reflection recording area for microphone placement.

Recording equipment was specified, supplied, and commissioned as part of the project. A PreSonus-based system was selected, including a PreSonus 192 audio interface and PreSonus Eris 8 studio monitors to provide accurate monitoring and high-resolution recording capability. An Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone was selected for its versatility and neutral response, suitable for both male and female vocals.

Outcome

The spare room was successfully transformed into a fully functional recording studio with controlled acoustics, reduced noise leakage, and a reliable, interference-free signal chain. The space now supports vocal recording, mixing, and mastering with clarity and consistency, allowing creative decisions to translate accurately beyond the room. The studio delivers both the acoustic performance and visual finish required for professional music production within a residential setting.