Abstract:
Consultants and owners are becoming increasingly aware of the choice between modular versus conventional construction methods when designing or remodeling broadcast and recording studios. In a laboratory environment the physical attributes such as acoustic isolation, direct material costs, physical weight, etc. have been quantified and the resulting cost per dB of attenuation determined. When assessing the method to be employed, the less obvious yet vital differences often overlooked include the consultants' added liability associated with conventional construction methods (risk of failure of acoustical isolation), supervision required during construction to insure attention to critical sound isolation details, durability, installation time, shortage of qualified workmen, fit and finish, exposure to unexpected on-site delays, ability to retrofit, or relocate, etc. These design and cost considerations will be compared and contrasted.