Join Jonas Jalhay, a renowned music director and guitarist, on his journey of transforming his home studio with Amphion speakers. Learn how he discovered the importance of reference monitors and room acoustics, and how he optimized his studio environment for the best sound quality. Find out how the Amphion One15 monitors and the FlexBase25 system enhanced his mixing experience and allowed him to hear the low-end frequencies accurately. Explore the impact of acoustic treatment and the ASC AttackWall on his studio's performance. Discover how Jonas now enjoys the comfort and precision of his Amphion system, making it hard for him to work anywhere else. Get insights into his remote rehearsal capabilities and the benefits of rehearsing and collaborating with artists from across the world. Experience the difference that Amphion speakers can make in your own home studio setup.
Discovering the Importance of Reference Monitors and Room Acoustics
Jonas Jalhay, a seasoned music director and guitarist, shares his initial indifference towards reference monitors and room acoustics. However, as he delved into production, engineering, and mixing, he began to grasp their importance. He recounts his transition to Amphion speakers and the insights he gained about acoustic treatment while developing his ideal home studio environment.
During his time in Los Angeles, Jonas set up his first home studio in an untreated spare room and purchased a pair of Amphion One15 monitors based on recommendations from friends. He noticed a significant improvement in sound quality and translation, enabling him to mix with confidence. However, he encountered challenges with the low-end frequencies due to room issues.
It wasn't until the pandemic hit that Jonas made a breakthrough. Working from home, he invested in an ASC AttackWall, a configurable acoustic treatment system. Pairing it with his Amphion speakers, he experienced a transformative moment, likening the sound to listening to his favorite records all over again. The AttackWall provided the tightness and detail of headphones while retaining the comfort of working on speakers.
Impressed by the results, Jonas decided to further enhance his studio setup when he moved houses. With the guidance of a friend, he incorporated the Amphion FlexBase25, a single box, stereo bass system that extended the low-frequency response of his One15 monitors. This integration allowed him to feel the suboctave frequencies as low as 20 Hz, addressing the need for a more robust low-end presence in his mixes.
Optimizing Acoustic Performance and Achieving Comfortable Mixing
Jonas acknowledges the increasing demand for low-end information in modern music and the importance of accurately hearing it during the mixing process. Prior to optimizing his studio, he struggled to shape his mixes due to the lack of low-end clarity. He even resorted to physically gauging the bass response by placing his hand near the speakers, turning it into a guessing game.
With the implementation of the Amphion FlexBase25 and the fine-tuning of his acoustic treatment, Jonas achieved remarkable results. Previously, he had to crank up the volume to compensate for the lack of low-end response. Now, even at low monitoring levels, he can confidently perceive the low frequencies. The response in his room is exceptional, creating a fantastic listening experience that makes it difficult for him to work elsewhere.
Jonas also made adjustments to his workstation display, lowering it to create a more ergonomic setup. This change not only improved his listening environment but also eliminated the distraction of screen feedback, allowing him to focus solely on the auditory experience. He emphasizes the importance of room control and acoustic treatment, stating that even the best speakers and equipment cannot compensate for a poorly treated space.
Remote Rehearsals and Collaborations Made Easy
Although Jonas primarily works alone in his home studio, he occasionally hosts artists for recording sessions. Notably, he has worked with bands like Hey Violet and artists like Adam Lambert. His welcoming and relaxed environment, coupled with the presence of his friendly dogs, creates a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for collaboration.
One of the advantages of his optimized setup is the ability to conduct remote rehearsals. Jonas shares his experiences rehearsing with UK artist Labrinth, where he remotely rehearses and communicates with musicians from different locations. By streaming his Pro Tools sessions and utilizing video conferencing tools, he can provide real-time feedback and make better decisions in a clearer listening environment. This approach saves time and eliminates the need for unnecessary travel.
Jonas reflects on the difference his Amphion speakers have made in his remote rehearsal capabilities. Previously, he relied on in-ear monitors and the limitations of the rehearsal room. Now, with the clarity and precision of his Amphion system, he can fully immerse himself in the rehearsals, resulting in improved decision-making and a more productive collaboration process.