“I don’t just admire your work, I am completely in awe of it!”.
Ben baptie
Project Details
Client: Ben Baptie
Location: Studio 5 (Pony Studios), Hackney, London
Year: 2020
Concept: Complete music studio design and build, from acoustic treatment to interior design
Designing A Professional Music Studio For World Renowned Producer
World-renowned record producer and mix engineer, Ben Baptie, is responsible for numerous critically acclaimed records from the likes of Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson and The Strokes to name a few, so when he approached us with a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve with his new studio, we were excited to get started.
With a career that was cultivated in New York’s Electric Lady Studios and a stellar back catalogue spanning decades, Ben needed his own creative space that would allow him to maintain his intense work schedule, whilst providing him with essential home comforts, as well as house his new Neve® Genesys console.
The brief asked for a state-of-the-art modern-day studio, which offered a personalised recording space to allow Ben to work at his best, without the restrictions present in rented recording spaces.
Music Studio Consultation, Design & Install With Sound Zero
Sound Zero partnered with Ben Baptie, and worked closely with him to create a comprehensive recording suite which was designed from the ground up to make his creative process simple. Ben offered us complete access to the project, working with us from the early design stages right through to installation.
Choosing The Right Acoustic Treatment For Professional Music Studios
On the ceiling, we designed unique cloud diffusers that were fitted with Wi-Fi-enabled smart lighting. A black walnut surround with illuminated opal cutouts helped deliver an added Art Deco, high-end New York lobby feel.
Wall baffles and panelling were kept clean, neutral and intentionally subtle so as to capitalise on the space’s natural light.In the recording booth, we designed a solid Walnut Quadratic Acoustic Diffuser which was engineered to dampen just enough sound, without removing all sense of the environment completely.
Professional Music Studio Design
Studio 5 is blessed with an abundance of light thanks to the space’s large windows throughout. To complement this, we opted for clean lines and mid-century inspired carpentry to ensure every surface felt high-end and complimentary to the astonishing collection of vintage recording equipment.
Black walnut detailing added that layer of depth and warmth, which contrasted perfectly with the room’s brighter, cleaner tones.
As this space was to be used as a ‘home-away-from-home,’ we needed to design a solution that helped to foster creativity, providing a healthy amount of natural light and ventilation, with comfort that you might get at home.
Music Studio Workspace Design
With a background as music production professionals, Sound Zero’s technical experts worked closely alongside Ben to design a layout that was both ergonomic and practical. This meant quizzing him throughout, learning about his workflow, what equipment he uses mostly, what new equipment he was purchasing from brand partner Funky Junk, whether he stands or sits most of the time…(etc.)
This type of close consultation and ongoing support enabled us to create a space that was unique to Ben himself, giving him easy access to essential equipment so that his creativity isn’t stunted in any way.
Of course, this is unique to the individual – but is also something that is commonly overlooked during a full studio design such as this.
Creating Next-Level Professional Music Studios
Project timelines were extremely tight throughout, and there was little room for error. The process was closely monitored and managed as Baptie was due to be recording an artist on the very same day of completion.
Thankfully, expectations weren’t just realised but far exceeded, with Ben quoting:
“I’m not amazed by what you do; I’m in awe of it.”
Ben Baptie
Since completing the project, we have been in regular contact with Ben, who has been hugely complementary towards the work that we’ve done for him. We’re sure that Ben’s new space will allow him to continue to pump out records to the amazing standard we’ve all become accustomed to.
Your Professional Music Studio Design Consultants
Do you have a recording studio that needs a revamp? Or are you looking at creating your own professional music studio from the ground up?
From design through to installation – and even selecting the right recording equipment, Sound Zero can ensure that your studio becomes a creative oasis, allowing you to work in ultimate acoustic comfort.
Have any questions about Music Studio design? Speak to a Sound Zero expert today.
