Centred on Universal Audio Apollo x8 (Studio 1) and Apollo Twin X (Sturio 2) interfaces, paired with Ableton and Logic DAWs and served by Genelec GLM monitoring systems, along with a DJ suite called The Sanctuary, the recently opened KAD Studios facility in Bradford is the realisation of a long-time dream for owner Karl Dunnachie.
The studio’s three rooms all feature extensive sound treatment from Portuguese specialists Artnovion, turning a 200-year-old building into a highly usable, musical-sounding space. Previously a chiropodist’s practice and left vacant for several years, the building required a back-to-brick restoration and conversion, which allowed Dunnachie the opportunity to design the creative spaces from the ground up.
‘I was in touch with Artnovion – via UK distributor Audio-Technica – throughout the build process and who were incredibly helpful with both advice and the design service they provide. We supplied measurements and provided other info and they sent reports and suggested designs with 3D visualisations. We then worked to refine the initial designs to end up with fantastic results, both from a sonic and aesthetic point of view.’
The two production studios feature a variety of Artnovion treatments, including Myron E diffusion panels, Andes and Orion absorption, Ulysses bass traps and absorption. The combination of corner, wall and ceiling-mounted treatment has provided control of reverb time and undesirable resonant frequencies, with the choice of wood, fabric and EPS finishes – in both black and white – enabling Dunnachie to match the Artnovion array to KAD’s aesthetics.
The studio’s largest room is home to KAD’s DJ set-up and also features Artnovion’s Galan hybrid absorber-diffuser and Bow Tox absorbers, designed in conjunction with acoustician and studio designer Jan Morel. Additionally, Artnovion’s Atlas Diffuser – in gloss white – is used on the studio’s back wall to interrupt mid-range reflections without removing energy from the room.
Ehe studios also use Artnovion Vector Gaming desks, another Morel signature product whose acoustically optimised surfaces, cable management and integrated bass trapping combine good looks with acoustic control.
‘I’ve been absolutely delighted with the whole Artnovion experience,’ says Dunnachie. ‘We couldn’t have created the studios without the treatment products and the design process was fantastic. The level of service we received was second to none and I’m really proud of the facility that we’ve managed to build for Bradford’s creative community as a result.’
