Here at Mas Acoustics we are experts in acoustic treatment for TV sets and other audiovisual outlets.
Next, we will share with you our project for the leading communication conglomerate Atresmedia and their Estudio 7, which is currently host to the well-known TV show “La Voz”.
Project goals
The main task at hand was adapting the acoustics of the Sound Control Room of Estudio 7 at Atresmedia to the technical demands of the TV show “La Voz”. We were looking to create an acoustic environment free of reflections on the sweet spot, all while maintaining an aesthetic raccord with the client’s preferences.
The importance of acoustics in a sound control room in Atresmedia
Acoustics matter in a studio where one audio source such as a PA announcement that surpasses 40.000W can get mixed with the incoming signal from the TV set or those from the musicians that complement the singers’ voices and the chants of the attending audience. With dozens of microphones recording different types of signals, it matters even more. Furthermore, this is an audience leading TV show we’re talking about. In it, different kinds of software, either for live signal or for editing, are constantly mixed, which requires an immaculate audio output.
Acoustic challenges and implemented solutions
Unlike a TV set, a sound control is a small room in which the technicians manage the sound design of the recorded audio during the time in which there’s activity on set. Although it is a smaller space, the audio quality is even more critical there.
In this sound control, a room of approximately 30 square meters and a Dolby 5.1 sound system, requires control of high, medium and low frequencies. Said control room was, perhaps, more oriented to programs such as “Sorpresa Sorpresa” or the show “Velvet”. Our mission was to adapt it to the new acoustic circumstances of the studio.
A TV set must be versatile in its sound design and adapt to any type of production that goes on within it. Atresmedia’s Estudio 7 was no different than the others in that regard. But its size, height and shape make it a somewhat special set, because its almost 700 sqm are divided in two sections with different ceiling heights.
Acoustic challenges for “La Voz”’s sound control
When it’s time to record, mix and/or edit music, the sound technician must receive a signal as flat as possible in the frequency spectrum. Nevertheless, the size and morphology of the room, the straight angles, the reflecting elements, the excessive reverberation, etc. may interfere in the existing path between the audio monitors and the ear of the technician in charge of mixing
What acoustic solutions were implemented?
As we had previously done in other Atresmedia studios, we implemented a functional and aesthetic acoustic treatment that included absorbing panels, diffusors, bass traps and resonators, all with an acoustic fabric finishing touches. This procedure not only improved the audio quality in general, it also kept an elegant appearance.
Technical details of the acoustic treatment for “La Voz”’s sound control
First evaluation and diagnosis
A first visit, previous to the making of the budget list, we studied the existing acoustic treatment, carried out the required acoustic measurements, which indicated that, the frontal part of the room needed acoustic reinforcement (specially in low frequencies) and some ‘breathing space’ in its rear part with less absorbing acoustic panels and using acoustic diffusers behind the sweet spot.
Planning and design of acoustic solutions
Once the measurements are done, and with the intention of having all of our clients involved in the selection of potential finishing touches (the color of the fabric, diffusers, switches, etc.) we offer them an escalated 3D model to help them make decisions regarding the final look of the studio.
The same proceedings took place with “La Voz”s sound Control and, after knowing the client’s choices for the finishing touches, we started planning the duration and organization of the works.
Installation of acoustic treatment
Wooden structures were installed to support the absorbing panels and the triangular bass traps on the front corners. Behind the sweet spot, paulownia wooden diffusers were placed, therefore optimizing the acoustics of the room.
Materials used for “La Voz”’s sound control room
- Mineral Fiber: Used in customized bass traps.
- Melamine Foam: Used as main absorbing panels.
- Camira Lucia CS Fabric: Made with Trevira thread and flame retardant, used for the scrim.
- Retainer channels: Designed for the installation of fabric without the need for staples.
- QRD Diffusers: Made of paulownia wood, they help improve the acoustic diffusion.
