Multi-platinum and Grammy-winning mix engineer Richard Furch has called on Carl Tatz Design (CTD) to create a PhantomFocus Dolby Atmos MixRoom at his Los Angeles home. Named mixManor Studios, the resulting facility embodies Furch’s vision of minimalism, acoustic precision and seamless workflow.
As with all CTD MixRooms, the acoustic design of mixManor Studios is dictated by the proprietary PhantomFocus Monitor System. The 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos MixRoom features a total of 13 PFM Master Reference Monitors, including 11 PFM UHD-1000p Mk II passive monitors for surrounds, and two PFM UHD-1000a Mk II active monitors for the left and right channels, providing a powerful and precise immersive monitoring environment.
The studio is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. One of CTD’s acoustic design signatures is the Acoustic Lens modules on either side of the mix position, in this instance allowing an abundance of natural light to flood through a window behind the lens columns on one side, and then mirroring that on the other, giving both acoustic diffusion/absorption and visual symmetry. Adjustable luminance is achieved by employing a remote-controlled translucent shade. Another CTD immersive room feature is the motorised centre monitor lift, which enables smooth transitions between stereo and Atmos mixing modes at the push of a button. Other MixRoom features are the Axial Mode Absorber, PhantomFocus eChair, PF Monitor Stands and CTD custom acoustic modules by Auralex.
Beyond the mix environment, mixManor Studios offers a boutique experience for clients. A kitchenette, adorned with Furch’s numerous industry accolades, provides a welcoming space, while a dedicated booth area is available for occasional overdubs. A carefully curated selection of outboard gear and plug-ins enhances the studio’s flexibility and creative potential.
Furch’s approach to studio workflow eschews the traditional mixing console in favour of a small pedestal desk that accommodates a keypad and monitor controller. This eliminates unwanted reflective surfaces and offers a clean, uncluttered workspace. All wiring is concealed within floor troughs leading to a separate machine room, further enhancing the room’s streamlined look and feel.
To complete the space, mixManor Studios is equipped with colour-changing LED lighting, allowing for multiple programmable scenes that contribute to the studio’s immersive atmosphere. The result is a one-of-a-kind facility in the heart of LA, tailored to the highest standards of modern audio production.
‘We installed a PhantomFocus System for Richard in his previous mixHaus facility over a decade ago, and have become friends during that time, sharing a lot of the same views on audio and design aesthetics – and The Musso & Frank Grill. When he decided that he wanted to be closer to home and family in his work, CTD was able to offer perspective in choosing a new house in which we would implement a PhantomFocus MixRoom. There were several iterations during this time until he found the right house. Richard had definite ideas about how he wanted the room to look and feel within the parameters of a CTD MixRoom, which made it sometimes challenging but, in the end, quite rewarding once solutions were found and both of us could not be happier with the results,’ comments Tatz.
‘After mixing chart-topping records on a PhantomFocus system for the past 14 years, I knew I wanted Carl to design my new mixManor Studios from the ground up,’ Furch says. ‘Starting with a space that allowed us to build optimal acoustic dimensions for a large, bright room with daylight and modern lighting design through a full room-in-room concept for excellent isolation to the outside, this space is surpassing all my expectations. The custom PFM UHD-1000 Mk II monitor system for stereo and full 9.1.4 Atmos is fully integrated into the design, delivering sonic excellence throughout, with exceptional translation and accurate frequency response all the way down to 25Hz. A feast for the ears and the minimalist eyes, it is a pleasure to continue my work in a space of this calibre and surroundings that make me want to create music daily. Thank you, Carl and Adam [Adam David Smith, lead PhantomFocus installation engineer] for the incredible experience and friendship.’
More: www.phantomfocus.com
