Making Records with Eric Valentine - Episode 28 - Finishing The Control Room

[@kkjhn41]

The dark material around the screens and speakers makes a lot of sense and absolutely looks better. Just as the sand color tubes with the couches at the back of the room look coordinated. The way it is now the front looks like an unfinished patchwork.

[@michaela.1198]

Agreed

[@MurrayWilliams]

Dark disappears and light features things. I’d say it’s best to make absorption disappear. Go dark fabric.

[@pankakekid]

yep, 2 tubes and all the flat panels. Dark. I agree

[@macrobeastie2923]

100% yes to the dark fabric 👍🏼

[@the_thrill_as_himself]

darker color for sure... what an amazing space. thanks for taking us along for the ride. living vicariously through this journey has been great. thank you.

[@AA_MusicGuy1111]

Def make the front panels dark color

[@melodicaudiomusicgroup]

Thank you for involving us on this journey from when it started Eric.

[@MrGeesbouer]

Change it to dark grey for sure!

[@melodicaudiomusicgroup]

@@MrGeesbouerGrey for sure!!!! I was about to send you this video hahaha,look at you 🤣

[@cornerliston]

Yes to the dark fabric. Good thinking.

[@Yawsounds]

Building my first semi legit studio. These tubes are a GAME CHANGER. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE 🙏🏿

[@TheLevy59]

Your journey of building this room is amazing, this is probably the best studio-building documentary ever made, I learned so much. Thank you!

[@jdubbs9655]

Indeed! Go for the Grey! Eric, I would LOVE a T-Shirt depicting the before and after graphs of where you started and where you arrived! Congratulations!!! "Keep Doing That Voodoo That You Do!"

[@georgegeranios2918]

What an incredible journey from concepts to completion and more to come. Fascinating!

[@cjspectrum424]

What an absolute joy to watch. Thank you for sharing!

[@Tonymeister87]

Another vote for darker at the front. I agree it'll make the screens a little easer to lock into! What an amazing space, thanks so much for putting in so much extra effort to bring us along with you on the journey. Can't wait to hear what you create in here! And definitely put me down for a workshop if you decide to do them!

[@PIERSBARONtv]

Thank you for these videos; I made some serious upgrades to my studio and have reaped massive rewards. THANK YOU!

[@OssianOtt]

I just love watching these videos Eric, thanks for being so thorough with your reasoning and explaining in such detail!

[@blairyoung2461]

congrats on finishing the control room! looking forward to more production deconstructions 😍

[@mrwev]

Yes! I am excited to get back in to those videos!!

[@kelvinfunkner]

I absolutely LOVE the way you're not pushing your son into doing what you guys do, and letting him learn by exploration! This "unlearning" approach is what we did with our boys and they've completely DOMINATED in their respecive fields (older son in music and younger son in graphics, video and programming)

[@calebwhitlockmusic7222]

I think that dark gray would eliminate a little bit of distraction/visual clutter, and would effectively open up the space a bit. It wouldn’t be a massive difference, but worthwhile!

[@natlove219]

A big congrats to all that incredible effort you put in Eric 🎉… again your generous and discerning spirit is much appreciated over “hear”. I’ll take your learnings when I build. Thank you so much.

[@anthonycronk2001]

Would be interesting to see a fuzz measure graph of what your cheap adam monitors sound like in such a well treated room

[@DMKahn]

+1

[@hummarstraful]

This video was an amazing summary and chock full of great information. Everyone should save this video. Thanks, Eric.

[@RonnieLeBlancMusic]

stunning work man! Thank you for the updates!!

[@AntiTeatarMusic]

Congrats ! I didn't have any doubts that you're gonna get to that point seeing how determined you are. Big thanks for sharing ! I think I would go for the dark fabric around speakers and monitors too!

[@aaronnewberry]

This journey has been awesome to watch! I hope to get a full walkthrough of the studio once it's all complete! As for the front wall fabric, my vote is stay with the contrast that's there, the current fabric contrasts so well against the mechanisms on the wall, it's nice. Have a lovely day!

[@tommckeown6970]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. It's very informative and gives me some ideas on how I might solve some room acoustics issues as well.

[@greenloungerecording9362]

Erik. I really enjoyed these youtube videos of your journey. Your obsessive nature came through the whole story and I totally appreciated it. Some great information throughout.

[@innsidesound]

thanks eric for this series and sharing your experience - your approach is absolutely amazing 🙂

[@tootory9506]

Eric, I also want to tell you your explanation for why you went down this path is so refreshing and relatable - I relate to your videos, thought process and style in so many ways. I want to say, the detail, and passion in which you explained at around 41:30 on why you went down this path on your own was completely real and inspiring! Every Word, ment so much and I think it's a great lesson for anyone taking on any project.. Sometimes you just have to do it yourself, cover all the bases, just keep pushing till ya get there... and know you will get there... Don't give up! At the end of the day you didn't have to depend on someone else. You can keep track of the process and all your blood and sweat are in it!!! Man that will just resonate even more from the final creation... When you say how "some may call you a crazy person and you'll take all that, It's all good" I want to be one to tell you that you're not crazy. You Are totally inspiring, you're a hard-working genius! A killer mixer, and all the time, energy and focus you have put into your projects have come back tenfold every time! ⭐ Thanks for all that you share with us! 🍻

[@sanctipaprichio]

FInally I watched ALL of the episodes, it is crazy how much knowledge you're sharing with us, thank you so so much! (and greetings from Avid!)

[@emelyhedel]

thank you so much for sharing the whole process, your process ✨ so good to see and hear where patience, hard work and passion can lead!

[@castlestreetrecords]

Amazing stuff Eric, very jealous of your amazing control room. I have videos from when I was your sons age that are exactly the same so funny!

[@stacyodell15]

You’re nuts!!! Lol😂 thank you Eric for sharing your journey! ❤

[@avibortnick]

Amazing. Eric, can I suggest that you publish this for either AES or the Acoustical Society, or both? Because I work in acoustics, and I've never seen a more detailed and objectively measured exploration of controlling room modes. I think it would be super valuable info. Also I think the decision to stay rectangular is correct. There's basically no way to predict modes in a non-rectangular room (except perhaps now with Treble software) but you can (sort of) do it with simple shaped rooms. And you're absolutely correct, that so many high end control rooms have super uneven low-frequency sound fields.

[@stephenfleming8030]

That looks like an incredibly comfortable and cool room to work in. Amazing.

[@soulflower8687]

What an amazing father you are. The wisdom to just let your son be who he wants to be.

[@fiddlefolk]

Nothing but respect and admiration for you Eric! I like the fact that you look to achieve certain results and you don't stop until you get exactly what you want. If you need to fire up the old Singer sewing machine or split some big PVC tubing, Eric's going to find a way! Thank you for sharing all of this experience, lessons learned, and the fun of just getting to see the progress you've made...

[@coondog209]

Thanks for documenting all this Eric👍

[@kelvinfunkner]

can't even express how wonderful it's been that you've brought us all on this journey with you! I love the care you've given in replying to all the questions, including mine! And the way that you've passionately sunk all the time and work into testing all the treatments so that we don't have to, is such a service to the audio community! The only possible downside is that the cost of Tube Traps might go through the roof! lol. btw...my new favorite audiophile catchphrase is now "phasey disaster roller coaster ride of low frequency insanity" hahhahahaha!

[@chrisdover8507]

I also think the room looks great, certainly doesn’t have a mad scientist look. I’m still a little lost on the tube trap construction if you could do a detailed construction video. Glad you’re back Eric. Fingers crossed you get the call for Guns n Roses 🤞

[@DanielGlenTimms]

Looks great and I bet it sounds fantastic! Congrats

[@acatx9877]

you could try to pull out the right cone with a vacuum, it worked with the atc in my studio, no damage!

[@blashuvec]

just wanna say you're such an amazing dad, Eric!!!

[@sdanis]

Great video!! Thank you for sharing!

[@robcraig3441]

What an accomplishment! Go with the dark fabric & thanks for sharing the process.

[@revrocks]

Yes, go with the dark grey. And get some tape and pull out the dust cap on that speaker cone, it’s tweaking my OCD. “The illusion of a finished look”, my life’s philosophy.

[@brianmclendon1647]

The speaker is also bugging the hell out of me as well, gotta get that thing fixed ASAP!!!!

[@MartinMartin-yi9to]

Very nice CR by the way. Thanks for sharing all this info. Cheers!

[@MoreSpaceEcho]

From the graph it looks like you're within +/-5db even without the eq, which is really really good. Such a pain in the ass trying to figure out where the weird nulls are coming from and how to fix them, but so satisfying when you do. I vote dark gray for the front.

[@Studio8Recording]

This is what I admire maybe most about you Eric. You cut through the shit / hype and get the facts of the matter in every aspect of sound. Thank you once again!

[@AdamGotheridge]

What a huge difference. Also voting for black on the front, but defer to Grace. Thanks for the whole journey!

[@erickurbinatoranzo9914]

Great great stuff thanks for sharing

[@danivalles7638]

Amazing achievement, congrats Eric!

[@shanegrush]

Aesthetically, I agree that the front wall being covered in a grey fabric will help “blend” those utility panels and the screens. FWIW, I think the room needs more contrast. It’s a little “one note” of light shades and yellow. If the wood were walnut or darker, you’d have some nice, darker tones to contrast the sand fabric. The beige carpet is the outlier here for my taste. I’d pull that and make the carpet compliment the wood tones. So, you’d have the sand fabric, walnut wood, and a carpet color that complimented the wood tones. Perhaps a lighter, or medium grey tone. That subjective fodder aside, it’s such a cool room concept, EV. You’re a master.

[@tootory9506]

Eric-I have experience with the same situation with the screens and adding a dark background instead of the light beige I originally had... And I tell ya, making everything dark around the screens really sets your focus at the screens and made a huge difference in my space and enjoying my screens and work flow. As long as you have ample light sources to make up for the loss of reflection from the beige background you're good to go with the darker colors.. I hope you do it. Can't wait to see it. Congrats on getting to this stage. So happy you're happy! It really looks awesome and You did so much work!!! s S much of your energy is in that building already! -- Let the music flow 🎉🥳⭐️⭐️🍻🎶🎵☮️

[@richdewhittaker1746]

Awesome build! Tube traps for the win… congrats!!

[@yungspoiler]

would the tubes with 1 inch walls work as good as the one with 2 inch walls? ive seen online that the 1 inch wall versions are slightly cheaper (10 inch diameter to make it 12 inch outer diameter) as compared to the 2 inch walls (8 inch inside to make it 12 inch outside). any thoughts or experience with thoses differences?

[@mrwev]

I've only used 2" (Vermont) and 1.5" (Barefoot Recording) tubes and both worked well. I didn't have an opportunity to quantify any difference between those two. I have never tried 1" so I can't say for sure that they would be better or worse. You may have to buy a few of each type and compare them. If you have a chance to do that definitely let everyone know what the results are :)

[@iamyila]

thanks for sharing so much insight, I've also taken your approach to testing and listening, and now I have three giant tubes on my floor, these tubes have tubes in them, so big tube has six little tubes inside ;) oh and def go grey back wall.

[@evoltap]

I like the look of the tubes now that they’re covered, especially with the plywood wrap on every other one

[@iamyila]

@@evoltapyeh I'm into that, my tubes I have just needed a cloth wrap.

[@TehSyneS]

Congrats on the new band!!! Wow thats awesome! Just protect his ears!!

[@TehSyneS]

so epic, thanks for bringing us along!!

[@Ramplcro]

I want to really thank you Mr. Valentine. You have really made a public service to all of us interested in acustics with your incredible journey documenting your progress. I really hope your facility will be operating to your liking and you will enjoy it even more. Other then that personally i like more a brighter/whiter appearance to the room. But I guess what more important question is, while working, what comfortable and non distracting the different colors/shades are to you personally?

[@djcrote76]

It looks super nice Eric! Hope you make tons of records in there!

[@danbronson]

Have you measured the RT60 across the frequency range? Very curious where it ended up and your thoughts on ideal RT60 times for mixing music. Thanks for showing your process and congrats on being done the control room!

[@echology]

thank you Eric, what you do is just invaluable and awesome! have you tried doing measurements in different positions in the room just to see if this flat curve is somewhat relevant?

[@paulwinaudioltd]

1,000,000% dark frame the screens. You will also be able to run screens at a lower brightness, easing eye-fatigue, if the y don't have to compete with the brighter surrounds... Amazing transformation in the eleventh hour. Gorgeous now - although I'll always think fondly back to the "box of Tampons" look! Congrats man....success.Now enjoy!

[@mattperreault3518]

Looks incredible!! The dark gray is a cool idea but I’m with you . Doesn’t really matter much. Looks great already!

[@theheatstudio]

I would say yes do it! It would obviously look cooler but I’ll give the feeling that the space is bigger. Go for it!

[@castawaymusic144]

She's a Beauty! One in a Million rooms. 😀

[@palsheldon6520]

My wife saw Grace recently at the Ryman.. She loved it.. Our neighbor is playing guitar with her..

[@henningbortne8650]

Hi Eric. Calling from Oslo Mastering. Couldn't agree more about the thoughts of all the studio with big budgets sounds craps. I have done like you, did all by myself and it's one of best sounding rooms in the hole country. 8 hz to 23khz. But why not cover the hole wall with fabric? Then the tubes are behind the fabric and you have nice flat wall? Thanks for making these videos ❤

[@falldowngoboone]

Yes to the dark gray. Congrats on finishing the room (ish)!

[@AdamSoucyDrums]

Dark fabric in front for sure! That’ll tie things together really nicely

[@apanalbert]

Yes! Definitely go with the darker fabric!

[@Journeymanlive]

looking great, congrats Eric ! I'm at the start of building a studio, and I'm tempted to leave the floor open between the speakers and me ( with a metal grid + cork, the sound will then cross the studs and rockwool into the basement) . It's a bold move, to NOT finish the hard floor structure, but basically it supresses the floor reflection in the low-end. I think Rue Boyer studio in Paris have pull that off as well. Have you ever seen that ? or anyone ? I am also curious to see your cork floor with good lighting!! pretty awesome choice. All the best music to you, in your new gorgeous space!

[@nikgalanopoulos383]

21:23 "I don't know... I just... It's a sickness" this made me LOL, I completely relate Eric :D

[@Djnitrane]

+1 for the Grey. Will contrast nice with the wood frame around the rack space as well. Or you match the desktop colour to that sand colour and see how that feels.

[@merlinproductions7374]

the dark grey would look awesome, you got my vote there eric

[@drewleclair1281]

Definitely a fan of the dark material around the front of the room, however, if I can be a little OCD, don’t do the tubes. Just change the color from the outer perimeter of the speakers inward. In other words, leave the tubes on the outside edges of the speakers the original color, if that makes sense. I think this would give you a more “soffited” look. Lastly, I can’t get over how good that little Ludwig kit sounds haha. So excited for you guys! Thanks for letting us have a say!!

[@half-tonstudios6961]

Congratulations on the finished room Eric! Has anyone found a good supplier for fibreglass pipe insulation tubes in the uk by any chance? All the ones I've seen are foil covered - I don't know if that makes a difference?

[@aaroncupples54]

I'd love to see waterfall and reverb response charts. From my own experience getting a flat response is only part of the battle. For EG: if your reverb time is too short at certain frequencies you might add to much reverb etc. Thoughts?

[@darrenjensen1933]

Well done the room looks amazing. Just wondering if you could build a fabric frame that covers the whole back wall instead of covering each tube individually ? Cheers

[@lmrecorders]

Totally vote for the dark fabric on those panels. I'd even consider wrappin the first couple tubes on the ceiling with the dark fabric to chill out the reflection from the monitors.

[@stevedoesnt]

I did the same with my son, he never really developed any interests. It really made me wonder how much the limitations on when I could play drums and when I couldn’t had an impact on my drive to really want to do it all the time.

[@Richard_P_James]

Darker colour around the front +1 Please, please, please keep making videos. Really looked forward to every new one. Amazing journey! We can only live in hope that we get a Slate VSX of Eric’s room 😂

[@sawthootwave]

Congrats for the excellent job! Do you have a reverb analysis (RT60, 1/3 Oct). that would be great additional info about how the room turned out... and how it compares to mine ;)

[@imdrecordings]

I would do the dark fabric for the front wall, black even. Beautiful room!

[@vaughanband]

the darker colour fabric is a good idea, go for it

[@benthomas8290]

Hey Eric, looks fabulous as it is. The whole wall being black and dark grey could serve to close in the space. Anyway, whatever works for you is best

[@EDEN-LIMINAL]

Congratulations, Eric!

[@claudiopetucco]

Dark fabric and never look back! I also let my little boy playing with the guitar, I tune it with an open tuning (open G usually) to make it more musical!

[@HandsUpDK]

Dark grey fabric! Possibly also a big beige fabric over the back wall of tubes would look a lot cleaner, so it just looks like a solid surface

[@orsi]

The dark fabric would look great to break up the amount of beige that's already in the room.

[@bluewaterstudio]

Fantastic accomplishment Eric. Congratulations. I think the lower-contrast dark theme would tend to be easier on the eyes and reduce fatigue. Au revoir -Daniel (Paris)

[@jeffsalvatore7441]

That's a cool room. I'm new to this series. Does anyone mind telling me more about those tubes? What are they made of? I'm assuming an absorption and diffuser in one? Does it help with the low end? Seems pretty lightweight in the video. Again, awesome room and a great frequency response. How are the decay times in there?

[@TheThinker43]

Functionality of the lighter color around the screens may be appreciated with the contrast of a bright screen . Sometimes it wears on my eyes seeing really bright screens and and dark light absorbent material around the screens for 8-10 hours a day 5- 6 days a week. YMMV Congrats on that 200 hz! im in a great control room now but have to move to a new studio in a few months and am nervous!

[@mcourt1358]

I think you're a genius man!

[@iCombs]

That lil’ dent in the woofer dome can be sucked out with a vacuum cleaner. Set it to its gentlest setting and take your time, but it’ll pop that back out easily.

[@nolanmarshall3212]

The dark material would also create a neat depth of field illusion, potentially making the room feel larger!

[@markholley]

I’d love to see the entire back wall the darker color. That would ROCK!

[@jimmiefarmer3022]

Yeah, you gotta do the dark fabric in front. I found your discussion about your experiences listening in different rooms overt the years fascinating. It also matches a story I heard from Shawn at Sweetwater Studios last year. Sweetwater spent a lot of money building their studio and had it designed by renown experts. When Shawn got hired there as lead engineer, the first thing he thought about the control room was "It sound terrible!" He spent a lot of time trying to fix it. He's still not totally happy but it has come a long way, he said. All I know is that it sounded pretty damned good to me as a lay person. He told a funny story about Allen Sides coming in there to tune the Ocean Way monitors they have in there. Allen has a CD he brings in, and they didn't actually have a CD player in Studio A. So they had to run around to find one and get it patched in so Allen could do his thing. This is obviously subjective to me and my ears, but when Shawn was switching between the Ocean Way monitors and the ATC ones, there was no contest. Ocean Way all day, every day. At least in that room. Not that I'll ever be dropping $30K on monitors any time soon!

[@SessionsRecording]

Dark Gray in front, YES... For sure. Thanks for asking. Amazing journey.

[@timgosden5519]

Definitely do the grey at the front! 👌

[@Somebodysomewhere2]

Great videos eric !how do you make the tube traps

[@MarcusFilipeAndrade]

Maaaaaaaaaaan, the darker fabric would look AWESOME (and definitely more forgiven to the eyes)