Studio design firm Malekpour Design Partners (MDP) has completed its work constructing Siren Studios, a penthouse recording facility in the Penn District of NYC for music producer Chris ‘Chi’ Sanders.
Chicago-born Sanders began his musical journey in his teens, as an artist, songwriter and producer. After relocating to New York to work professionally and spending many hours and much money hopping from studio to studio, he decided to build his own space. His vision was of an inspiring studio in which he could grow and collaborate with other artists. Imagining a penthouse apartment/studio that balanced productivity and comfort, Sanders called in Malekpour Design Partners...
‘Chris was seeking monitors, gear, and a cutting-edge design for his new studio,’ recalls Malekpour Design Partners President, Dave Malekpour. ‘Inspired by studios we had previously designed for Jaycen Joshua and Top Dawg, he expressed his desire for a high-end space comprising of a large control room, vocal booth and lounge space that would exude a unique look and atmosphere, and which would stand out in NYC. The challenge of creating something fresh, was one we jumped at.’
Armed with Sanders’ brief, MDP’s team of architectural designers and engineers, led by Malekpour and design partner Michael Bashkhangy, developed a plan that encompassed all technical, acoustic and design aspects of the studio, starting with a world-class control room. The result is a futuristic, yet inviting, acoustically space that serves as the creative nerve center of Siren Studios.
The audio production spaces, control room and vocal booth were designed to the highest technical and acoustic standards, and carry a meticulously curated selection of gear including Augspurger Quattro 415-Sub218 monitring and Slate Raven MTZ touchscreens, with AMS Neve 1073DPD dual-channel preamp/EQ, Tube Tech CL1B compresso and SSL Fusion outboard, a Grace Design M905M monitor controller,and Avid ProTools HDX system all integrated and supplied by Professional Audio Design Inc.
Collaborating with partners at Jocavi Acoustics, MDP developed an acoustic treatment scheme, installing Jocavi’s TwoFX diffusers custom-painted in the same ‘Nardo Grey’ colourway as the Augspurger loudspeakers for a harmonious design aesthetic.
‘One of the key elements in designing a studio in the heart of NYC is isolation,’ says Malekpour. ‘When we first viewed the space, there were firetrucks blazing down 7th Avenue and it was clear we would need to plan for a great shell. We’ve acheived over 80dB sound isolation in both the control room and isolation booth using Studio Float Isorafts, decoupling the interior floors, walls and ceiling which hugely benefits the room’s reponse.’
As well as the control room, MDP designed expansive lounge space for artists to relax, recharge and exchange ideas. Integrating functionality and luxury, this space will ensure that artists feel inspired and rejuvenated in a light and inviting environment.
‘We are thrilled to have collaborated with Chris on this transformative project,’ Malekpour says. ‘Siren Studios embodies MDP’s commitment to combining cutting-edge design and technology with impeccable acoustics. Together, we have achieved a seamless fusion of innovative design, state-of-the-art equipment, and limitless creative possibilities.’
‘I wanted a penthouse apartment-studio vibe, and that’s exactly what Malekpour Design Partners delivered; a place where I can lock in on work and still feel comfortable,’ Sanders says. ‘With a studio of this calibre, it’s only right to stack plaques on these walls. It’s where greatness is born, and success is celebrated.’
