A well-designed studio isn’t just about aesthetics; it directly impacts sound quality, workflow efficiency, and artist comfort.
Effective acoustic treatment minimizes unwanted sound reflections and interference, leading to cleaner recordings.
Thoughtful layout and equipment placement enhance productivity and creativity, while proper ventilation and climate control contribute to a comfortable work environment.
Today, we share insight into the BEAUTIFUL studio design of Matt Sutherland during our stay in Fort Wayne. Designed by our good friend, Gavin Haverstick who designed our home studio at Spitfire Studios, this showcases the simplicity of design that can have a massive impact on your studio quality.
Matt has built a fully isolated and acoustically treated space in his basement to pursue his passion for music and creative recording. The studio is not only a place for his work but also a place of inspiration and creativity. Join us as we explore this remarkable studio and learn about the equipment, design, and the creative process behind it.
The Isolated Home Studio
Matt Southerland and Warren embark on a journey through Matt’s home studio. The journey begins with a discussion about the importance of having an isolated studio, especially when you have a family and want to work late at night without disturbing anyone. Matt shares that his home studio is a fully isolated space, and it’s designed to be airtight to prevent sound leakage. The construction includes two layers of drywall, an air gap, and two more layers of drywall, with heavy, soundproof doors. The primary goal is to have a quiet space for recording and mixing, allowing Matt to work without any distractions.
Matt’s Impressive Gear
The tour continues with a close look at the studio’s gear. Matt showcases his professional-grade equipment and shares his experience with each piece. Here are some notable highlights:
- Focal Monitors: Matt uses Trio11 in his studio, known for their exceptional sound quality and accuracy. These monitors are ideal for critical listening and are widely used in professional studios.
- Sphere Microphone: Matt talks about the UA Sphere microphone, which allows for quick and versatile recording. He highlights the ease of setup and the fact that it’s stereo, making it ideal for acoustic guitar recording.
- Guitar Amplifiers: Matt’s studio features various guitar amplifiers, including the Orange amp, Magnatone amp, and Fender amp. These amps offer distinct tonal characteristics and can be used for different recording scenarios.
- Acoustic Guitars: Matt showcases his OM-28 and 12-string Taylor acoustic guitars, sharing how they contribute to his recordings.
- Pedal Board: Matt’s pedal board is equipped with an Axe-Fx unit, allowing him to create a wide range of guitar effects and tones. He also has a volume pedal for expression control.
- Lighting Control: Matt explains how he uses different lighting setups in his studio to create various moods and atmospheres, allowing him to find the perfect inspiration for his creative process.
The Creative Space
Matt emphasizes that his studio is not just a place to record music but a space for creativity and self-expression. It’s a room where he can experiment, write, and record whenever inspiration strikes. He draws parallels between the studio’s purpose and Tibetan mandala art, where the process is as essential as the final product.
Matt’s versatile setup allows him to switch between different instruments and sounds easily, promoting an environment conducive to creativity. He can move effortlessly from acoustic guitar to electric guitar, to piano, to bass, and more, with a range of gear at his disposal.