Is it worth trying to treat and master in this room?

[Chikkinn]

Hi, please see the attached file for my room layout, I'm looking to be able to master in here rather than record, but being able to do both would be a bonus. Everything I read seemed geared towards more conventionally shaped rooms than mine, and I just didn't have the know-how to apply the principles to my situation so I was hoping for some input here. I think the main differences will be down to the fact that this is a loft conversion, so very little of the ceiling is parallel to the floor; most of it is angled like in the cross sections I drew. Also there's a chimney column smack bang in the middle of the largest section, and the floor has 2 different levels on the "longer" section of the room... Also, one wall is just a massive old window. I'd consider putting a wall in if it would help and this isn't a completely lost cause; is it?

Thank you!

 

[Ethan Winer]

This is not a lost cause. With plenty of bass traps and other acoustic treatment you should be able to get great results.

--Ethan

 

[mjbphotos]

But where to set up? No dimensions on that lower section, but it looks to be 8' x 15'? Traps to cover the window, and set the desk up facing it? (and more traps behind and at 1st point of reflection)

 

[Chikkinn]

But where to set up? No dimensions on that lower section, but it looks to be 8' x 15'? Traps to cover the window, and set the desk up facing it? (and more traps behind and at 1st point of reflection)

Yes, the lower section is 8'x15', I was thinking about setting up there but I was concerned about having the window directly behind my desk (more because of the reflection than external noise. Also there's a 10 inch step upward (when walking toward the top of the diagram) at the orange line in the middle of this area, is there anything I should do to treat this particular feature? Would I be better off containing this 8'x15' area with a wall or could I achieve similar results without it?

 

[mjbphotos]

I honestly don't know how'd you set up for mastering in this space - the sloped ceilings just cut down on the available space for trapping, as well as the other size limits. What do you have for monitors?
I'm guessing this is an attic space? Where is the access (door, stairs)? Where's the 10" step you reference? Your diagram says there is a 5" platform. Is each orange line a 5" step up (from bottom to top)? If so, there must be a matching ceiling 'step'? Every corner needs some kind of trapping.

 

[Chikkinn]

I honestly don't know how'd you set up for mastering in this space - the sloped ceilings just cut down on the available space for trapping, as well as the other size limits. What do you have for monitors?
I'm guessing this is an attic space? Where is the access Your diagram says there is a 5" platform. Is each orange line a 5" step up (from bottom to top)? If so, there must be a matching ceiling 'step'? Every corner needs some kind of trapping.

Yeah, its attic space. Ive only got krk rp5 rokits as is, am looking into an upgrade alongside this treatment project, but I didnt think they would influence my approach to the room design. Access to the room is in the middle on the right side, immediately below the only protrusion on that side. Sorry I wasnt clearer, basically the 2 orange lines are boundaries for an elevated platform that results in a 5" step down when walking off it towards the top of the diagram, and a 10" step step down when walking towards the bottom of the diagram. So the room kind of has 3 levels. however, this platform is only there to allow pipes to run underneath it; the ceiling doesnt have a step up or down, its just sloped as shown in the diagram. Is it worth walling off this lower section at the upper orange line to gain some control over trapping in the space behind me, or would the sloped ceiling and 10" step in the middle mean the results would be really limited either way?

 

[mjbphotos]

I can't see that walling off into an 8' x 15' room with sloped wall-ceiling would be good, much too small a space.
The reason I asked about monitors is because of size - you want to keep them out of the corners.
If this is your only option for a room, just start by building some bass traps, first reflection and cloud panels, and see how it goes. You can always use the traps and panels elsewhere.

 

[Chikkinn]

I can't see that walling off into an 8' x 15' room with sloped wall-ceiling would be good, much too small a space.
The reason I asked about monitors is because of size - you want to keep them out of the corners.
If this is your only option for a room, just start by building some bass traps, first reflection and cloud panels, and see how it goes. You can always use the traps and panels elsewhere.

Okay, will do, thanks for your advice! It's my only option for a room until I move house in a few years, would like to start developing my ear for mastering properly ASAP... At least I have my desk position sorted, and will determine all first reflection points. Would covering the entire vertical face of the 10" step with traps be a good idea? I'm installing curtains over the window and will put some rugs down over the entire floor, as right now its hardwood. Aside from bass traps in corners, and first reflection/cloud panels throughout, is there anything that can be done to reduce the influence of the crazy-shape, chimney-containing unpredictable end of the room? That's why I suggested a wall, though if it'd make the area to small, perhaps random absorption panels placed down that end or something? Or needn't I worry?

 

[mjbphotos]

Don't carpet over the hardwood. Use some throw rugs if you find there are too many reflections. Until you start working in there, its hard to see what will be needed.