About
At MDRN Acoustic Concepts we diligently concern ourselves with all facets of acoustic design, sound isolation and vibration control across a variety of applications.
While we are qualified and eager to take on any challenge under the umbrella of Acoustic Design and Consultation, the primary focus of our service scope is weighted towards the design and construction of custom recording studios. This includes mixing, mastering, tracking, dubbing, and ADR facilities, live performance spaces, and critical listening environments such as home cinemas and high-fi rooms.
From a full-service project design that meets your specific requirements and budget to the design and integration of your technical systems, we will offer a solution that satisfies a balance between optimal acoustic response and your specific workflow.
What are the fundamental pillars of a properly designed, acoustically controlled environment?
There are many things to consider across the aggregate of any given project. But to put it simply – our designs focus on balancing 3 critical areas:
Adequate Isolation
Unwanted noise and distractions from the outside world can ruin the listening or recording experience, not to mention become a point of contention for neighbours bothered by sound bleeding from an under isolated space. A member of our team will run transmission loss testing prior to committing to any design details to ensure your space is designed to handle the expected disturbances (both in and out) that are unique to its location.
Naturally Weighted Acoustic Response
Whether you are a creator or a consumer, every detail of playback should be experienced just as the artist, producer, or film maker intended. Through an objective design criterion and the implementation of the proper materials in the right places, we leave the client with an acoustic response that is balanced, immersive, and – most importantly – true to the source.
Optimized Technical Design
From studio specific patch-bay layouts and recording friendly zero loop wiring plans to I/O systems integration of any type, our technical designs offer a solution that will maximize your systems capabilities while complementing – perhaps even economizing – your unique workflow.
John Ryan Sullivan
Acoustic Designer/Builder, Owner/Operator
I started my career in the music industry in 2002 when I joined GGGarth Richardson and his team at The Farm Studios in Gibsons, British Columbia where I was involved in many aspects of the record making process along with the day-to-day operations of the studio until 2010 – including a few facility builds over the years under the design and guidance of a well known Vancouver studio designer – John Vrtacic. This was a pivotal process that started me down the path of designing and building recording facilities and other projects with an acoustic focus.
Although I am still very much involved in the music making process in the form of composition for film/tv and a lot of song writing – since 2010, my focus has been directed towards the design and construction of all types of recording facilities, critical listening environments, sound isolation solutions and custom acoustic treatment plans for a variety of applications.
I have been lucky enough to work with and learn alongside some great designers over the years. For example, legendary local Vancouver designer – Ron O. Vrmulin – Who has designed/co-designed a few of Canadas most iconic studios – The Warehouse Studio and Armoury Studios– as well as personal studios for Mutt Lange, Brian Adams, Devin Townsend, Brian Howes, Josh Ramsay etc – many of which I have been a part of in some facet or another.
In 2015 I developed a working relationship with acoustic designer John H. Brandt. Since then, he has mentored me in the design process that he has cultivated over several decades in the field. Although I have personally refined my own process in ways that i see to be beneficial, many of the principals I incorporate into my current designs are based on the knowledge I have acquired working under John’s consult and design criteria.
I love the challenges involved in collecting all the pertinent information of any given space and implementing an appropriate design detail that addresses the functional objectives while also making sure to deliver a memorable visual form that resonates true to its purpose and unique in its character.
As a life-long student of music and acoustics I consider myself very lucky to be able to foster a career under its collective banner, and I am very excited to help you bring your next project to life!
Nygel Asselin
Technical Designs, Project Assistant
Hi there, my name is Nygel, but most people call me Nyg. I’m a bit of a studio nerd and I have a love for tackling technical layouts, patch bay designs and studio wiring.
The most important part of my designs is working with you on creating a workflow that focuses on ease of use and express access to all of your studio gear and toys. I’m always making records (producing, engineering, or songwriting) so I understand the importance of having a truly streamlined creative environment. I’ve designed recording setups, patch bays, wiring, and technical layouts for dozens of clients, including Dan Mangan, Half Moon Run, Pomo, Ryan Guldemond (Mother Mother), and GGGarth Richardson.
Feel free to reach out with any questions about how we can remove the technical hurdles so you can focus on what matters most – making music!
