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Case StudyStudioTranslation

Case Study: 75% Better Translation In a Weekend

BySteve Gadeley
8 min read
Case Study: 75% Better Translation In a Weekend

The studio looked professional. The gear was high-end. But mixes that sounded perfect in the room fell apart everywhere else.

The Problem

Studio owner Mark had invested heavily in his room: quality monitors, acoustic treatment, room design by a reputable firm. On paper, everything was right.

But clients kept complaining. Mixes were consistently bass-heavy in the real world. High-frequency balance was unpredictable. After losing a significant client to a competitor, he decided to get objective data.

Initial Measurement: The Uncomfortable Truth

Issues Revealed

30Hz-80Hz room modes ±12dB variation
200Hz-500Hz comb filtering 4dB dip
Sweet spot width Only 18 inches
Left/right matching (2-4kHz) 3dB difference

The Fix: Strategic, Not Expensive

Friday Evening Physical Changes
  • Repositioned monitors 8 inches to reduce first reflection timing
  • Added two bass traps in untreated corners
  • Adjusted listening position 6 inches forward (out of a bass null)

Cost: ~$800 in additional treatment, zero structural changes

Saturday Measurement & Correction
  • Full multi-point measurement session (7 positions)
  • Digital correction filters for remaining issues
  • Careful balance of digital vs. physical treatment
Sunday Verification
  • A/B testing with reference material
  • Adjustments based on listening tests
  • Final measurements confirming improvements

The Results

Before → After

Bass variation ±12dB → ±4dB
Midrange dip 4dB → Eliminated
Sweet spot width 18 inches → ~4 feet
L/R matching 3dB → 0.5dB

Real-World Impact (3 Months Later)

60%

Fewer mix revisions

↑

Client confidence increased

Faster

Session completion

↓

Reference checking reduced

Total cost: approximately $1,500 including software, additional treatment, and a weekend of time. Mark estimated the productivity gains paid for the project within the first month.

Your Studio Could Be Next

Get the measurements. See what's actually happening. It's a weekend project that changes everything.

Choosing measurement software for your studio?

Compare your options: All comparisons · AudioMap vs Sonarworks

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