Exploring Recording Studio Acoustical Design: Sound3Lab Case Study
with Ellen Buchan, P.Eng, Senior Acoustical Engineer, Alberta Infrastructure.
Wednesday November 8, 2023
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM MT
In-person at the Sound Studies Institute
Room 3-47, Old Arts Building and Convocation Hall
or tune in to the livestream
Discussion of the fundamental principles of acoustics, shedding light on how sound behaves in enclosed spaces; the interplay between reflection, absorption, diffusion, and transmission-through-structure of sound waves within the studio. We will examine acoustic treatments and materials, exploring the role of diffusers, absorbers, bass traps, acoustic panels and wall construction in shaping the sound within the studio. We will also discuss the importance of proper placement of the monitoring systems. How to achieve very low background noise level requirements, with focus on the heating/ventilation system will also be examined. The recently renovated UofA Sound3Lab will serve as a practical example of the implementation of all these design considerations. We can tour through the Lab to see and hear how examples of these principles are applied in a recording studio.
Ellen is a member of the Technical Services Branch with Alberta Infrastructure. As an Acoustical Engineer whose experience has spanned almost 20 years in this field, Ellen is involved in the acoustical design of a diverse range of buildings. She is responsible for providing design guidance, detailed design on specialized projects, developing design standards and assessing building performance. After graduating from Mechanical Engineering in 2003, Ellen joined Alberta Infrastructure’s Acoustics Group as part of a team of Acoustical Specialists primarily focused on the acoustical considerations in the field of building science for the Province’s rapidly expanding infrastructure, affording her an opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of building projects, such as, health care facilities, schools, post-secondary institutions, correctional centers, museums and courthouses, all having unique acoustical challenges. Through additional education and the opportunity to work with experienced professionals, an interest in acoustics was allowed to flourish. Ellen’s expertise has come to include areas such as Architectural Acoustics, Structural Acoustics, Mechanical Noise and A/V Technology. She has made many presentations on a variety Acoustical Engineering topics to the Acoustical Society of America, Canadian Society of Acoustics and Alberta Provincial Government Ministries/Organizations.
