ASC, The World's Best Studio Acoustics

Art Noxon teaches "Swedien Acoustics" once again at Bruce Swedien's studio engineer mentoring class

Bruce Swedien mentored 9 recording engineers from all over the world, once again in his home studio in Ocala, Florida. Art Noxon, Bruce's acoustic design engineer, taught "Swedien Acoustics" to the group each morning session for the first 3 days of this 6 day session. Martin Kanola, Bruce's microphone design engineer, took over the morning sessions for the last 3 days. Art taught the group about:

This was the 4th of Bruce's present series of mentoring workshops: "In The Studio with Bruce Swedien" is a comprehensive one week "reprogramming" course for recording engineers who come from all over the world. They hope to discover and take home some of Bruce's technical tricks but who they meet is an engineer who does not even use compressors, limiters or EQ and who never even tries to fix it in the mix.

He's a sound recording artist who does his mixing at the mic. And that's just the beginning. Bruce's mentoring classes are a rare, life changing opportunity for studio engineers to relearn how to approach their work in recording from one of the true and great Master Engineers in recording history.

Bruce's discography starts early with such names as Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, through Dinah Washington, Quincy Jones, The Wiz and Michael Jackson, Burt Bacharach, Sergio Mendes, James Ingram, Michael McDonald and Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Jennifer Lopez and many many more...

ASC's Art Noxon joined Legendary Studio Engineer Bruce Swedien for a week-long intensive. Noxon detailed studio acoustic design principles, and an overview of what's available. Most importantly, he defined the difference between sound conditioning and soundproofing, and how it relates to world class studio acoustics.

Critical listening is a form of listening that involves analysis, serious thinking and thoughtful judgment. When it comes to recording and mixing music, critical listening is used every day. The class explores all phases of world-class, state-of-the-art music recording right up to and including the final mix.

Yamaha Commercial Audio needed acoustics for their new Rolling Showroom demo truck, and the choice was simple: Call ASC. The Showroom is a 53-foot, double-expanding trailer that will make appearances at national tradeshows and events throughout North America. The unit is loaded with the latest pro audio gear from Yamaha and NEXO.

Yamaha's Advertising & Creative Manager Bruce Welnack called and we went to work custom building a modular poly diffuser and bass trap he designed for their project truck.

It is with profound grief that ASC thanks Michael Jackson for all he has done for both the music world and the world in general, promoting a message of peace and love. Mr. Jackson is perhaps the most famous musician ever to use ASC-TubeTraps to record every vocal track on every album he has made since Bad.

Bruce Swedien, the five time Grammy winning sound engineer who worked with Jackson for many years, even used ASC-TubeTraps to record the sound of Jackson's dance moves while he laid down tracks in the studio.

In a 2005 interview with Geraldo Rivera, Jackson chose ASC-TubeTraps as the backdrop.

ASC extends their deepest condolences to the Jackson family, his friends and his fans.

We are saddened to hear the news of Ed McMahon's passing, and our hearts go out to his friends and family. Just a few short years after ASC opened its doors, ASC TubeTraps were used by Director Bill White for a commercial starring Mr. McMahon.

The TV commercial (third reel in) was for Mannington Floors, and used an ASC QSF cloud (suspended TubeTrap array) to help direct vertical sound reflections toward the mic.

Engineer and musician Pete Droge of Puzzle Tree Music sat down and shared his experiences using ASC’s ATTACK Wall and StudioTraps. "I’m a total believer in ASC TubeTraps. I don’t really have a clue how they work, but I know that they do work.

Pete has served as producer on two of his own albums as well as work by numerous others, most notably Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard. He’s mounted tours with Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Dixie Chicks, and appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Jon Stewart Show.

On Tuesday the 28th, folks from the Jay Leno Show will pick us up to shoot a short audience segment of Orriel singing her "Chicken Opera". It will be aired that night. Last time she was on the program it was years ago and it was The Johnny Carson Show.

Ms. Smith is an avid QSF fan. A few years ago, she sent in some comments. "Being aware that the “voice” is mostly air, I like the idea that StudioTraps create a bright atmosphere to reflect or absorb the air/tone in a way that is controllable and consistent. The standard “recording booth” can seem overly absorbent and airless to me, not to mention claustrophobic. Operatic singing is based on overtones that are large, full with a ringing high presence. The feeling of singing within the StudioTraps is that of being within a “live and active” atmosphere and is extremely predictable."

ASC did this custom ATTACK Wall for Julien Apruzzese, owner of Di Notte Studio in Paris, France. Even though we completed it a few years ago, it was only recently we discovered Mr. Apruzzese's Facebook Page.

ASC recently completed an acoustic package for a state-of-the-art mobile mixing studio. The studio features ASC MatrixPanels on the sidewalls, suspended MixClouds above the board, and Quarter Round TubeTraps front and rear. The studio is profiled in the February '09 issue of MIX Magazine.

“We decided that anything worth doing is worth overdoing,” Co-owner Joel Singer says. “We purchased a new top-of-the line Freightliner chassis, and had a custom control room from Boulevard Body Works installed. We overdesigned the climate, electric and acoustic systems, and then installed top-end recording equipment.”

Music Mix Mobile’s projects include Bon Jovi in Central Park, the Sundance Channel’s Spectacle with Elvis Costello, Rosie O’Donnell Live, Fall Out Boy, Coldplay, Beck and more.

Course Goal: To enhance your ability to critically analyze musical sounds on a continuing basis as a professional. This master class is designed for those professionally involved in the technical aspects, the performing, and the production of high-quality recorded music.

Critical listening is a form of listening that involves analysis, serious thinking and thoughtful judgment. When it comes to recording and mixing music, critical listening is used every day.
We will explore all phases of world-class, state-of-the-art music recording right up to and including the final mix.

ASC is proud to announce this incredible video showing off ASC-TubeTrap acoustics. Lead Vocals by Brent Carter. Drums by Josh Garneau. Guitars by Jordan Garneau. Pianos/Keyboards by Mason Embry. Written by Kent and Jordan Garneau and Darren Corlew. Orchestrated by Jeremy Lubbock. Produced/ Engineered by Bruce Swedien. Co-Engineered by Keith Henderson.

About West Viking Studio
Grammy award winning producer/engineer Bruce Swedien built the latest incarnation of his Westviking Studio last year. He turned to ASC to supply acoustics and Arthur Noxon to engineer a full acoustic makeover for what was a basic steel barn. This included custom soundproofing and low frequency damping control. The Control Room features a full ATTACK Wall including wall mounted Fractional TubeTraps plus vented bass trapping SoundPlanks on the ceiling.

The Live Room features more vented SoundPlanks plus a huge supply of StudioTraps for QSF setups as seen in the above video. For more about WestViking Studio, CLICK HERE.

ASC has been asked to provide the acoustic control package for the upcoming live production of The WHO's Tommy, the ground-breaking rock opera composed by Who guitarist Pete Townshend in 1969. It will be presented for the first time in sonic 3-D via headphones for each and every audience member.

Acoustic Sciences Corporation, home of the TubeTrap, is proud to be a part of the excitement. Recording Studio expert and top sales producer Ty Moyer will be managing ASC's contribution of the world's best acoustic enhancement for the 3-D show. A huge shout-out needs to go to ASC's factory techs who dropped everything, showed up early and worked late to get the rush order out to LA.

The L.A. Times rates this show as This Summer's Best in Theater. Here's what they're saying. "A new mounting of the "The Who's Tommy" opened at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre on June 20 for a two-week run. The marvelous Alice Ripley, who was in Des McAnuff's original Broadway production, joins a cast that includes Nona Hendryx as the Acid Queen and Aleks Pevec as Tommy. But what might make the experience unique is the use of 3-D Sound, a new audio system that suggests what really cool Sensurround might be like -- plugged directly into your body."

James Johnson (Sound Designer) has created a unique and unprecedented high definition 3 dimensional sound delivery system called exp3d™, which will debut at the show. Mr. Johnsons’ work on Tommy also includes the design of live and recorded 3d sound effects, and supervision of the live audio mix.

A group of enterprising studio folks opened a thread on John Sayers Studio Forum to discuss how to make their own QSF. After a few ideas were considered, Arthur Noxon, inventor of the QSF, proposed his own idea. On a serious note, we agree that the QSF acoustic space needs to become more available. Nothing can beat the long life, durability, convenience, handlability and sparkling sonic quality of a StudioTrap. But we are currently developing a budget version of the StudioTrap for start up studios that attaches to a mic stand. It should be out in June.

ASC extends a huge congratulations to both Amy Winehouse for "Back to Black" and Herbie Hancock for "River: The Joni Letters" on their Grammy wins. What most people don't realize is that Grammy winner Salaam Remi (one of the engineers for "Back to Black") uses ASC TubeTraps to record, mix or master some of the tracks. Yes, TubeTraps line Mr. Remi's project studio.

WaveGroup popsicles, L-R: Lindsay Bauer, Leslie Barton, Mark Lee, Bob Marshall, Scott Dugdale, Dave Urrutia, Will Littlejohn, Nick Gallant, Tearle Tomlin, Lance Taber, Sue Pemulder, Kim Nieva, Clay Barlow, Bill Frank

Photo: John E. Pelmulder

The feature story in the February 2008 Mix Magazine profiles WaveGroup's meteoric rise in the niche game audio industry, with their Guitar Hero soundtrack, among others. WaveGroup uses ASC StudioTraps in their live room, along with PCAD Panels and some Quarter Round TubeTraps in the corners.

Cry-Baby is a musical based on the movie. They are developing the play in San Diego area and then will take it to Broadway. They contacted us about orchestra pit acoustics and we developed a cost effective package for them. We were ready to ship the system but because of the firestorm down there, shipping had been shut down. Still, when it comes to show business, it’s always the same: The show must go on. As previously announced, Cry-Baby had its world premiere at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse from November 6th through December 23rd. Next stop is Broadway this coming March. Stay tuned for more information on Cry-Baby venues.

We repackaged the project and shipped it on the bus, which could get through the fire storm. The project got there just in time for setup. Rehearsals began this week and we have a report from Peter Hylenski, down in the pit.

Peter Hylenski is a Broadway Sound Designer. Peter also works as a recording studio engineer for various music, film and commercial projects.

Design credits include: Ragtime (West End) Olivier Award nomination – Best Sound Design, Children’s Letters to God, Laughing Room Only, Chef’s Theater, Dora the Explorer – Live! (US National Tour), Scooby-Doo Live! (US National Tour), Ovations! Concerts of Great American Musicals (Chicago Auditorium Theater), Blue’s Clues – Live! (US National Tour), Exactly Like You (York Theatre Company), Spoleto Festival U.S.A. (1999 - 2002 seasons), and Niketown (NYC).

What can we say. We’re proud to be allowed in the pit, let along to help voice it. We had to invent a great little self-standing super thick sound panel, with built in diffusion that loves to stand stable against the wall, that is low cost. We used an old technique we used to use for getting half round TubeTraps to stand up against walls. We also sent over 2 sets of StudioTraps. They were going to use them at one end for the drums but we’re glad they learned quickly how to mess around with the Studios to be able to fix the Sax, who got stuck at the other end of the pit.

Just to do our part, we took a little extra time with the shipping crate and turned it into a road crate, so the products can be packed in an easy to load box, and without having to be taken apart. Next stop….The lights of Broadway. See announcement here and book your tickets now. Opens on Broadway, March 15 2008.

We are sorry to hear that Porter Wagoner passed on yesterday. His name and sound are so familiar. One song in particular from his last album, Wagonmaster, is getting lots of airtime right now. It is “Committed to Parkview” by Johnny Cash and was recorded with Marty Stuart at OMNIsound in Nashville. In the video of the song, he is surrounded by ASC Studio Traps and they are also in photos from the actual recording session. We are very proud to have played even the smallest role in helping to record his voice.

By the end of 2007, non-commercial radio station KLCC will have a new home. ASC has been selected to provide the custom acoustics, including special 3" thick wall panels and custom corner bass traps. The move gives KLCC -- consistently one of the nation’s premier public radio stations -- the capacity to deliver an even higher level of public service to all its listening communities.

ASC Custom Acoustics Helps Carl Tatz Win Mix Magazine 2007 "Hottest New Rooms" Contest for "The Grip" Studio

The June 2007 issue of Mix Magazine features the personal studio for Rascal Flatts bassist/songwriter Jay DeMarus. The Grip was designed by Carl Tatz, the studio's custom acoustics were provided by ASC and built to Mr. Tatz's exacting standards for performance and finish quality.

No matter which version, the article is packed with useful information and the historical underpinnings of our QSF system.

Mr. Noxon discussed soundproofing STC ratings and how this industry standard fails to cover low frequency sound transmission. ASC also hosted a booth at the Eugene Construction Expo 2007 where we had several hands-on WallDamp demonstrations.

They were actually more like "ears-on" demonstrations, as we showed the unique damping features of WallDamp. This was a side-by-side wall assembly, one with WallDamp, one without. Participants were invited to tap each assembly with a rubber mallet to hear the difference, which was dramatic to say the least. One side sided like a boing, the other like a dull thud. We'll leave it to you to figure out which was which.

Engineer and ASC founder Art Noxon worked with Sam Lynn Halonen who custom designed this product to fit a pair of Tannoy Ellipse 10 monitors. It's much more than a simple nook, because these active tri-amped monitors can pack a punch across a huge bandwidth (40 Hz to 50 kHz).

Because of that, the bridge, which spans the lower TubeTrap Monitor Stand and the twin upper TubeTrap tops, has to be acoustically transparent. In addition, the Ellipse 10 includes a top mounted tweeter which has to fit comfortably in the bridge.

It was a custom job all the way, but ASC handles tasks like this all the time. It was a team effort, involving many talents to get the job done. Shown in the picture is guitarist Buddy Sawyer, whose day job was ASC Shop Manager.

Bruce Swedien recently moved and of course, he's building a new Westviking Studio. He's using a steel building that came with his new property as the base structure, and adding a "room within a room" concept to achieve good sound isolation. ASC WallDamp is being used extensively throughout the project to damp low frequency sound and calm the walls. Bruce has retained his good friend Art Noxon for all the acoustic engineering and approval of the plans.

Now construction is under way, and so far it's looking very impressive. Bruce will be sending in updates, so stay tuned folks.

Our engineering department built a set of Dual TubeTrap monitor stands for Mr. Stuckey's new studio project. Basically, they are comprised of two TubeTraps mounted together in a monitor stand configuration. They were sized to perfectly fit the dual cone nearfield monitors at the control board. ASC never turns down a custom job!

For those who don't already know, Joey is an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio personality, teacher, and sound engineer. Stuckey lost his sight and sense of smell as an infant as the result of a brain tumor. Despite these limitations, he remained in mainstream education. Scholastically outstanding, Joey Stuckey graduated from high school at the age of 14.

Joey Stuckey is a young man with an enormous talent, clear vision, and a tireless work ethic who is well respected by his peers, fans, and even a few legends. Check out his official website.

ASC is working with Chambers Productions on their recently completed, state-of-the-art Digital Media Suite. ASC is providing acoustic engineering support and soundproofing. The studio will be a state-of-the-art facility for mixing and mastering 5.1 Surround soundtracks for feature length films.

Chambers Productions is a full-service film, video and multimedia production company that provides creative production services for entertainment, industrial and advertising clients. Essentially, it is a room within a room with 8" thick walls filled with mineral wool batts and damped using our WallDamp product. The ceiling will use ASC IsoCeiling resilient channel system. There's also an isolated deck with WallDamp used between three layers of OSB subfloor. They are not cutting any corners on this project and our entire team is thrilled they chose ASC for acoustic assistance.

I know from experience how Tube Traps are the only tools that I would have to replace if my system were ever destroyed. I have a side by side attack wall/ quick sound field set up in one room.

The thing that sold me on them was at the ASC booth in the late 90's at the AES meeting in NYC. I listened to a mix I made on dat tape in the ASC booth attack wall. I immediately heard where my mix was flawed in the low end. It only took a little tweak of the eq in the mid bass to fix the mix. It was the only way I could hear the eq problem. It was not detectable in my studio which I thought was well tuned. The amazing thing was that this experience was in a portable system that was set up in a huge auditorium at the javitts center. That meant that if I ever moved my studio, the sound treatment would be moved as well with no compromise.

Someone may balk at the price for this sound treatment, but I must say that without it, any expense in musical or recording equipment is a waste of money because the quality of a recording is only as good as the mix portrays. It will most likely not translate well in playback on other systems without ideal acoustic control. Also, consider the fact that major acoustical architects charge close to $100k just for design before anything is built. I think Tube Traps are a much better value if you are serious about recording.

After all these years, ASC has finally come up with a nifty nylon carrying bag for our famous StudioTrap. For folks with the Quick Sound Field setup or anyone with StudioTraps, this bag makes portability a snap. Its also a great way to store your Traps and keep dust and dirt out.

Its a slip cover with a convenient carry handle, placed to perfectly balance the StudioTrap when lifted into a horizontal position. We used durable 240 oz. black coated cordura nylon fabric and super tough nylon webbing for the handles. Plus it comes with a drawstring at the base to keep the cover from slipping off during transport.

If you do a lot of travel and don't want to leave your StudioTraps at home, consider picking up some travel bags, bargain priced at $39 per bag. Made in the USA.

Mike Brini recently built his dream Home Recording Studio with the help of our Studio Acoustics Expert, Ty Moyer. Not only did he receive the same great service we provide to our "big" clients, he got that service with a smile!

These six extremely talented and experienced musicians chose ASC StudioTraps to record their latest CD. It's produced and engineered by Grammy Award winning Glen Kolotkin (Santana's "Supernatural"). The results are nothing short of awesome tracks of hot Latin Pop Rock in the Santana tradition.

Second Engineer Tom Harney writes: "We used StudioTraps on all tracks. We even used the StudioTraps for our photo background on the cover of the CD."

That's what we like to hear, happy customers using our gear creatively to get the best possible sound for their music.

ASC-TubeTrap has been selected to outfit the acoustics of a new recording school in Gambia. The project designer is Sam Lynn Halonen, long time associate with ASC and pioneer in the development of the ATTACK Wall. This studio complex is being built in a former casino. Recording engineer and talent Dale Ramsey is on site in Gambia acting as the liaison for the project. The Dale/Sam/ASC team is in sync and burning up cell phone hours day and night.

This project is one of those " it's showtime" projects where the factory shuts down normal work and converts its manufacturing power into just one job. We will built a whole control room + live room package in one week. It will be loaded into the back of a truck and shipped by air to Gambia.

.After a heroic rush effort by ASC factory technicians, the first of 2 Gambia shipments left the factory on 23 February. Picture on right shows one of five pallets being loaded onto the truck. Additional photos and project notes will be posted as they come in.

Blink 182 has literally tons of ASC TubeTraps, StudioTraps, Quick SoundField setups and an ATTACK Wall. Here's a link to Blink 182 session shots at Conway Recorders in Los Angeles, from September 2003 showing how they use ASC StudioTraps in conjunction with their mic setups. These guys know what quality recording is all about. Jerry Finn produced the recording with Ryan Hewitt engineering. Many thanks to Royer Labs and their excellent lineup of ribbon mics and accessories.

Jennifer Lopez was so impressed with ASC's Quick Sound Field while recording this CD, she honored us with a "thank you" on the liner notes. Engineered by Bruce Swedien (see next item below) and Peter Wade, the unmistakable Quick Sound Field brightness is evident on all tracks. The key to success for this project was the ability to have repeatability while recording in studio or in Jennifer's living room at home. The portable StudioTraps that make up a Quick Sound Field allow recording in relaxed, casual settings without having to dial things in each time. Thanks Jennifer, we'll always be here to help dial in the acoustics for your next project.

Bruce Swedien comments on recent work with artist Jennifer Lopez in the October 2004 issue of Pro Sound News magazine. Swedien, considered “the busiest man in music,” is a loyal Quick Sound Field and TubeTrap user, and he has used the QSF for countless sessions with artists including Michael Jackson, Count Basie, and, most recently, Jennifer Lopez.

Swedien, a longtime friend of ASC President Arthur Noxon, recounted some of his experiences with Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and others in the PSN article.

The Quick Sound Field is a versatile acoustic sub-space for vocal and instrumental tracking. A set of eight or more StudioTraps is all that is needed to create the QSF, providing recording engineers with adjustable absorption and diffusion to shape and sculpt a rich, full sound space. Click here for more information on the Quick Sound Field.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – Acoustic Sciences Corporation is pleased to add renowned recording engineer Bill Malina to the growing list of top professionals who use the Quick Sound Field as an essential studio component. Malina, in collaboration with producer Glen Ballard, used the QSF extensively on one of his latest projects, a new album from Van Halen.

“The guys [from Van Halen] really noticed a difference,” says Malina. “They heard the immediate change when we brought the Quick Sound Field in.” Malina utilized the QSF for vocal and instrument tracking, as well as for bass management. For percussion, Malina quickly put his set of eight StudioTraps to use to keep the microphone focused on the drums and prevent the room from taking over.

Malina first came in contact with the QSF after working with fellow recording engineer and loyal TubeTrapper Bruce Swedien for the Jennifer Lopez “This is Me…Then” album. “It was amazing how much better her vocals sounded just by adding the QSF to the equation,” says Malina. After obtaining his own set for his work with Van Halen, Malina began to realize the true value of keeping ASC products in his toolkit. “It makes it easier to record,” he says. “We can work much faster.”

The Quick Sound Field has redefined professional recording methods and techniques with a set of adjustable ASC-StudioTraps. By dialing-in precise diffusion and absorption, recording engineers can create an intimate acoustic subspace to provide a rich and beautiful sound right at the mic. Malina also provides a recommendation for recording drums with the Quick Sound Field: “If you position [StudioTraps] just right behind the mic, 2 or 3 feet back, it really helps the mic see the drum and not the room”

Acoustic Sciences Corporation has been the premier producer of acoustic conditioning and soundproofing products for both amateur and professional recording studios since 1984. Art Noxon, president of ASC and inventor of the TubeTrap™, is the leading name in high energy, full bandwidth acoustics and a renowned expert in acoustic applications and techniques.

Make Mine Music, a new book by our friend Bruce Swedien is now in stores. Bruce is as glowing in his praise for the ATTACK Wall and Studio Traps as ever.

"I have used my Tube Traps in an array around Michael Jackson when I recorded every one of the vocal tracks on all of his albums since Bad. The acoustic space created by the Traps allows for consistency of sound at the mike, regardless of position shifts on the part of the performer. I find the Studio Traps particularly useful for recording an artist like Michael Jackson because Michael always dances as he sings, even when he's recording. This combination helps create at the mike a dense pattern of early reflections on both the vocal and the footstep sounds."

" I couldn't wait to hear what this Attack Wall would do for my listening environment, so I got out a couple of the mixes I've made over the years that I'm very familiar with. As I listened I was absolutely amazed to hear, and in my mind's eye, to see, microphone positions in the stereo panorama that I hadn't seen in decades — I had maybe never heard these mixes as well as with the Attack Wall. I was absolutely knocked out, just floored. I ordered an Attack Wall right there, and it's been a part of my studio world ever since."

“Wow! Why don’t all major studios have these, not to mention home studios?”

"ASC’s StudioTraps..are a portable way to make any space sound better. These products will bring any studio up several notches, both sonically and aesthetically."