The SOUND Project

Haverstick Designs
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The S.O.U.N.D. Project is a podcast by Haverstick Designs that promotes discussions about acoustical topics involved with designing recording studios and other acoustical spaces. We will review tips and tricks to get the most out of your space acoustically, case studies of rooms we have completed, progress reports on rooms we are currently working on, along with interviews with artists, studio owners, and leading manufacturer representatives. We are excited to take this journey with you, and thank you for being a part of The S.O.U.N.D. Project!

  1. How Quiet Is Quiet Enough? – The SOUND Project Ep. 135

    11/10/2025

    How Quiet Is Quiet Enough? – The SOUND Project Ep. 135

    Gavin breaks down Noise Criterion (NC), a key metric used to measure how quiet a space really is. From HVAC systems to lighting buzz, NC ratings reveal what’s shaping your room’s background noise, and why small details can make a big difference in design cost, comfort, and clarity. Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #TheSOUNDProject #Acoustics #NoiseCriterion #HVACDesign #StudioDesign #SoundEngineering #HaverstickDesigns #QuietSpaces #proaudioheaven Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: What is Noise Criterion (NC)? 00:41 – Common causes of higher NC levels 02:05 – Target NC ratings by space type 03:50 – How to measure NC in real rooms 05:35 – Reading an NC curve 06:49 – Design fixes that improve NC ratings 08:37 – Why quiet rooms cost more to build 09:36 – Final thoughts on noise and design

    10 min
  2. The Perfect Mix Room Doesn’t Exist… Or Does It? – The SOUND Project Episode 134

    10/27/2025

    The Perfect Mix Room Doesn’t Exist… Or Does It? – The SOUND Project Episode 134

    Gavin sits down with Jacob “Biz” Morris of Reach Records for a relaxed Q&A on building a dream mix room, the Texas move, and why six inches kept his last studio from coming along. We talk speaker picks, ceiling height, real budgets, the mirror trick for first reflections, Trinnov tuning, and why Atmos keeps popping up in studios and cars. Guest links: Website: https://www.reachrecords.com/ Instagram: @jacobbizmorris Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoreThanMedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #TheSOUNDProject #HaverstickDesigns #BizMorris #ReachRecords #StudioDesign #Acoustics #Mixing #Trinnov #DolbyAtmos #HomeStudio #AudioEngineering #musicproduction Chapters: 0:00 Welcome back to The SOUND Project 0:28 Biz makes podcast history (three-time guest) 1:06 The Atlanta studio that couldn’t move to Texas 2:00 How six inches changed everything 2:45 Starting over in Texas 3:20 Designing a new studio from scratch 4:00 One finished song and lessons from the old room 5:05 Why the new homeowner uses it as an office 6:02 Speaker talk, what makes a mix room “right” 7:25 The ceiling height sweet spot 8:20 Gavin’s ideal room dimensions 9:10 The Flex 48 and acoustic treatment talk 10:05 Budget realities of a pro studio 11:10 What isolation really costs 12:04 The mirror trick for first reflections 13:20 Studio vibes vs technical perfection 14:05 Mixing for Forrest Frank and life on tour 15:15 Building “Mixd” and why it’s growing fast 16:25 Finding purpose through sound and family 17:40 The future of Dolby Atmos 18:50 Why spatial audio isn’t going anywhere 19:40 Wrapping up, faith, sound, and slowing down

    37 min
  3. IIC (Impact Noise) Explained - The SOUND Project Episode 133

    10/13/2025

    IIC (Impact Noise) Explained - The SOUND Project Episode 133

    Gavin defines Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and shows how it relates to sound isolation for footsteps, furniture movement, and other floor-borne vibration. He contrasts IIC with STC (airborne noise), walks through the rating scale and typical code minimums, outlines recommended IIC targets for different building types, demonstrates how IIC is tested with a tapping machine (ASTM method; result rated per ASTM E989), and details practical ways to improve IIC, like carpet + pad, floor underlayment, floating floors, and when ceiling upgrades help. He also notes slab thickness effects and why avoiding stacked noise-sensitive rooms matters. Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #SoundDesign #Acoustics #ImpactNoise #SoundIsolation #IIC #STC #RecordingStudioDesign #TheSOUNDProject #BuildingDesign #noisecontrol Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:08 – What is IIC (Impact Insulation Class)? 01:00 – Everyday examples of impact noise 01:47 – IIC performance ratings explained (poor to excellent) 02:28 – Recommended IIC levels for different building types 04:09 – IIC vs. STC: Impact vs. airborne noise 04:57 – Testing methods: tapping machine & ASTM standards 05:44 – How to improve IIC: carpets, underlayments, floating floors 07:21 – Ceiling treatments and design considerations 08:08 – Concrete slab thickness & room stacking issues 08:42 – Summary & key takeaways 09:26 – Outro

    10 min
  4. Building Music, Community & Creativity - The SOUND Project Episode 132

    10/06/2025

    Building Music, Community & Creativity - The SOUND Project Episode 132

    Gavin visits composer/educator Brett Ensley in his South Carolina studio live room (designed remotely by Haverstick Designs). You’ll hear Brett explain how he moved from baseball to music, the mentorship that pulled him into film scoring, and why he built a hands-on music academy that now serves about 100 students. Brett walks through their teaching approach (bands, songwriting, recording, and mixing fundamentals), how community and accountability shape progress, and how they stage live events for students at local venues. He also breaks down a commissioned score he wrote for the silent film Go West, 81 minutes of continuous music, and how he’s introducing local orchestra students to studio recording. Guest links: Brett Ensley Studios: https://www.brettensleystudios.com/ Instagram: @brettensleystudios Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #TheSOUNDProject #HaverstickDesigns #BrettAinslie #MusicEducation #FilmScoring #RecordingStudio #MusicCommunity #MusicAcademy #CreativeCommunity #SouthCarolinaMusic #StudioDesign #MusicTeaching #MusicStudents #MusicProduction Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro with Gavin & Brett 01:00 – Brett’s journey from baseball to music 02:10 – Discovering film scoring and early mentorship 03:20 – Teaching, track production & first studio build 04:45 – Building a music academy during COVID 06:15 – Teaching philosophy & student growth 07:35 – Building community through collaboration 09:00 – Student performances & live events 10:00 – Growth to 100 students & expanding facilities 11:10 – Composing for film & orchestral projects 12:40 – Teaching recording & mixing fundamentals 14:00 – Future vision: blending bands & orchestras 15:20 – Growth from 10 to 100+ students 16:40 – Why community makes creativity thrive 17:45 – Reflections & closing

    18 min
  5. Understanding Decibels: How We Measure Sound - The SOUND Project Episode 131

    09/29/2025

    Understanding Decibels: How We Measure Sound - The SOUND Project Episode 131

    What exactly is a decibel, and why is it measured on a logarithmic scale? In this episode of The SOUND Project, Gavin breaks down the science of sound intensity, exploring how decibels work, why our ears perceive loudness the way they do, and how this knowledge applies in both studio and live sound environments. We’ll cover: -The origins of the decibel and Alexander Graham Bell’s connection -Why decibels are measured logarithmically -Real-world examples of decibel levels (from quiet homes to rock concerts and jet engines) -The importance of hearing protection and how filters work -How decibel changes are perceived versus measured -How multiple sound sources combine in terms of dB levels Whether you’re a mixing engineer, a live sound tech, or just curious about how loudness works, this episode gives you a solid foundation in understanding decibels. 👉 Comment below: What’s the loudest sound you’ve ever been exposed to? Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #TheSOUNDProject #Decibels #AudioEngineering #SoundDesign #MixingTips #LiveSound #StudioRecording #Acoustics #HearingProtection #SoundPressureLevel #DBScale #MusicProduction #Recordingengineer Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:08 – What is a decibel? 0:18 – Named after Alexander Graham Bell 0:42 – The formula for sound pressure level 1:15 – Why decibels are logarithmic 2:01 – Chart of decibel levels explained 2:18 – Threshold of hearing and anechoic chambers 2:51 – Everyday examples (home, conversation, cars) 3:38 – Car horns, concerts, and loud sound sources 4:56 – Pain threshold: jet engines and hearing damage 5:02 – How much difference a 1dB, 3dB, 6dB, or 10dB change makes 6:04 – Decibel reduction vs. perception 6:39 – Acoustical treatment and noise reduction goals 7:03 – Adding multiple sound sources (dB math explained) 8:11 – Summary: why understanding dB matters in sound 9:13 – Outro + question for viewers

    9 min
  6. Building Vintage Sound Studios - The SOUND Project Episode 130

    09/22/2025

    Building Vintage Sound Studios - The SOUND Project Episode 130

    Gavin sits down with Stephen at Vintage Sound Studios to unpack a 30-year journey from four-track dorm recordings to launching a purpose-built facility with tall ceilings, a spacious live room, multiple ISO booths, and dual studios. We get into why “big rooms” still matter in a bedroom-studio world, how thoughtful layout unlocks flexibility (A/B sessions, teaching + mixing simultaneously), and how the studio is serving its North Georgia community through lessons, workshops, and local events. Plus: the booking ramp, genre mix (from country and alt-rock to ambient pop and rap), and a gorgeous solo piano project tracked on their Steinway. Vintage Sound Studios Website: vintagesoundstudios.com Instagram: @vintagesoundstudios Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #TheSOUNDProject #VintageSoundStudios #RecordingStudio #StudioTour #ControlRoom #LiveRoom #ISObooth #MusicProduction #StudioBuild #Acoustics #FullBandRecording #Steinway #MusicLessons #BassGuitar #PianoLessons #DrumLessons #CountryMusic #AltRock #AmbientPop #Rap #MuscleShoalsVibes #NorthGeorgiaMusic #HaverstickDesigns #MoreThanMedia #AudioEngineering #ProducerLife #StudioDesign #RecordingJourney #CMAFest Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro and welcome 0:10 - Meet Steven of Vintage Sound Studios 0:30 - Early music influences and college recording roots 1:20 - First studio setups and part-time years 2:30 - Moving to Georgia and starting the dream studio 3:10 - Working with Haverstick Designs on layout and design 4:00 - Lessons from other studios and defining what he needed 5:15 - Transition from dream to build: process and partners 6:30 - Building a commercial space vs. home studios 7:30 - Studio layout and key spaces (live room, ISO booths, studio B) 8:30 - Types of clients and recording projects 9:20 - Offering music lessons and partnering with educators 10:25 - Vision for the studio: recording, education, and community 11:30 - Supporting local events and sponsoring talent 12:10 - How to connect with Vintage Sound Studios 12:30 - Wrap-up and future outlook

    16 min
  7. The Doppler Effect, Explained - The SOUND Project Episode 129

    09/15/2025

    The Doppler Effect, Explained - The SOUND Project Episode 129

    Gavin breaks down the Doppler effect, the apparent change in frequency caused by motion between a sound source and a listener, and why it matters for creators and engineers. From sirens and passing cars to bats, ultrasounds, GPS, and even cell networks, you’ll learn the core equations, the speed of sound (~343 m/s at room temp), what changes when the observer is moving, and practical takeaways for monitoring, mic technique, and creative sound design. Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #TheSOUNDProject #DopplerEffect #Acoustics #AudioEngineering #PhysicsOfSound #FrequencyShift #Mixing #StudioMonitoring #RecordingTips #SoundDesign #Ultrasound #Echolocation #Radar #GPS #CellTowers Timestamps 00:00 Intro & what is Doppler 00:30 Everyday examples (sirens, cars) 01:10 Core equation & speed of sound 01:50 Source vs. observer motion 02:40 Real-world applications (ultrasound, bats, radar) 03:30 GPS & cell networks 04:10 Creative recording ideas 04:40 Monitoring & mix-position tips 05:10 Outro

    6 min
  8. Building a Basement Studio into a Creative Powerhouse – The SOUND Project Episode 128

    09/08/2025

    Building a Basement Studio into a Creative Powerhouse – The SOUND Project Episode 128

    In Episode 128 of The SOUND Project, Gavin sits down with audio engineer John Spicer at his studio, Broken Soul in Maryland. John shares his journey from church sound engineer to building a basement studio designed for both personal growth and professional projects. We dive into: - The challenges of isolation in a small footprint. -Turning a personal creative space into a professional hub for artists. - How Covid reshaped his work with livestream mixes. - The balance between art, responsibility, and burnout. - Why “perfect is the enemy of great” in studio design. Whether you’re a musician, producer, or audio enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights about making the most of your space, staying creative, and building a studio that truly inspires. Guest Links: Broken Soul Audio - https://www.brokensoulaudio.com/ Video By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_ The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBP Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTF Keep up with us on our Socials: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/ - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns - Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/ #TheSOUNDProject #RecordingStudio #StudioDesign #AudioEngineering #MusicProduction #HomeStudio #BasementStudio #ChurchAudio #LivestreamMixing #CreativeProcess #IsolationDesign #ProducerLife #mixingandmastering Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to The SOUND Project 0:08 – Introducing John Spicer & Broken Soul Studio 0:39 – Getting started in audio through church productions 1:48 – Musician roots vs. engineering passion 3:06 – Early responsibilities running live sound for large productions 4:04 – Vision for the basement studio 5:09 – Isolation challenges and family impact 7:03 – Benefits of proper sound isolation 8:03 – Projects in the studio (albums, VO, livestream mixes) 9:14 – Helping churches during Covid with broadcast mixes 11:22 – Balancing passion and burnout in studio work 12:43 – Favorite types of projects and working with non-mainstream artists 15:02 – Pushing yourself creatively in a well-designed room 16:55 – Lessons from mixing and monitoring in small spaces 18:39 – “Hearing new colors” – how good rooms change perception 19:07 – Making great studios in limited spaces 20:08 – Intimacy of one-room collaboration with artists 22:04 – What’s next for Broken Soul Studio 23:21 – Reflections on artistry, community, and purpose

    25 min
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About

The S.O.U.N.D. Project is a podcast by Haverstick Designs that promotes discussions about acoustical topics involved with designing recording studios and other acoustical spaces. We will review tips and tricks to get the most out of your space acoustically, case studies of rooms we have completed, progress reports on rooms we are currently working on, along with interviews with artists, studio owners, and leading manufacturer representatives. We are excited to take this journey with you, and thank you for being a part of The S.O.U.N.D. Project!

Information

  • Creator
    Haverstick Designs
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Haverstick Designs
  • Show Website
    The SOUND Project