A few years ago, I set out to turn an old sauna basement into my ultimate dream studio. The vision was clear: a perfectly optimized acoustic space where creativity and technical excellence could merge seamlessly. But the path to achieving this goal was far from smooth.
A Rough Start – A Painful Setback
The first major obstacle was the old shower room within the sauna basement. It had to be demolished to make way for the new studio. Last autumn, I began the transformation, excited and determined. However, disaster struck when a stone, falling from a height of two meters, hit the back of my head. The impact sent me straight to the hospital, leaving me with two deep wounds that required stitches and a severe concussion. Recovery took weeks, delaying the entire project. But once I regained my strength, I was more motivated than ever to bring my dream studio to life.
Acoustic Perfection – The Science Behind the Sound
With my recovery behind me, I focused on meticulous planning. Acoustics are the foundation of any great studio, and I wanted mine to be nothing short of perfect. I partnered with GIK Acoustics, who helped me measure and design the space for optimal sound. Every panel, bass trap, and diffuser was carefully selected to ensure a precise listening environment.
At the heart of my monitoring setup are the Genelec 8340 AWM, which I calibrated using the Genelec GLM kit. This system fine-tuned my already optimized listening position, ensuring a completely flat frequency response. The result? A studio that serves as a true reference space for mixing and mastering.
The Perfect Setup – Technology Meets Creativity
To complement the acoustics, I needed a workspace that was both functional and inspiring. Enter the Session Desk Gustav 2.0, a stunning studio desk custom-built in Portugal. While I waited for its arrival, I tore down my old studio, making way for the new setup.
Every piece of gear in my studio is now seamlessly connected. My MOTU 828 (2024), expanded with two Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre ADAT interfaces, serves as the heart of my audio routing. A Black Lion Audio 96-point patchbay and a 16-XLR patchbay allow me to instantly connect any synth, effect, or preamp with ease.
Two old racks from my previous setup have found a new purpose—now functioning as a sub-mixing station and housing my drum machines in dedicated trays. And to streamline my workflow even further, I created a custom Cubase Pro template where all instruments and tracks are pre-mapped, allowing me to jump straight into music creation without any technical distractions.
A Dream Realized – An Inspiring Future Ahead
Looking around my finished studio, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. After months of setbacks, planning, and hands-on work, I’ve created a space that fuels my creativity and enhances my production process.
This studio is more than just a workspace—it’s an environment designed for inspiration. Every synth is ready to play, every connection is seamless, and the room itself is a sonic masterpiece. I can now focus entirely on what matters most: creating beautiful music.
I am beyond excited to start working on new projects in this space. There’s no doubt in my mind that this studio will be the birthplace of many incredible musical journeys. Stay tuned, because there’s a lot more to come!
