WALTERS-STORYK DESIGN GROUP FINE TUNES THE ENGINE ROOM
The Engine Room, a full-service audio production facility located in NY's colorful Chinatown district, has introduced a new state-of-the-art mastering lab. Walters-Storyk Design Group (NY) principal architect John Storyk completed the acoustical design and installation; following original construction consultation by Chris Bowman of CHBO construction.

Engine Room owner/head engineer Mark Christensen reports that the mastering suite represents the final step in the development of the young facility.

"The whole space is relatively new. We opened our doors about a year ago with six editing rooms, two live rooms, and duplication facilities. When we entered the final stage of the build, our budget was stretched pretty thin. We weren't planning to build a room of this caliber, but Chris convinced me that with John's help this could become an A-list room."

"Our old facilities primarily targeted towards small scale projects and duplication clients," continues Christensen. "When we built this room, our intention was to construct a high-end mastering suite to cater to independent record labels."

CHBO oversaw the initial design phases, including the construction of the isolated acoustic shell. WSDG completed the design with interior room acoustics including a number of cutting-edge acoustical accouterments.

"This is our first NYC installation of a new European product called Topakustik distributed in the U.S. by RPG," says Storyk. "These rear ceiling splayed clouds provide the required amount of mid-frequency scattering and absorption."

"The room is spectacular–it sounds phenomenal and looks great," Christensen claims. Our clients are really impressed. The feedback has been very positive."

Recent mastering projects completed at Engine Room include: an album from recording artist Tony Jarvis, several classical music albums for Museovitch Productions, and a number of assignments for alternative dance labels.