BrainWOrx Studio Europe
PMC ATMOS REFERENCE Studio | Langenfeld Germany
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Executive Summary
Brainworx Studio Europe is a PMC Atmos reference control room designed and built as a fully decoupled room-in-room structure inside a former conference hall in Langenfeld, Germany. Commissioned by Brainworx (now Plugin Alliance under Native Instruments), the studio serves as the company’s headquarters and combines world-class acoustic precision with architectural clarity and visual elegance.
Designed for critical stereo and Dolby Atmos mixing, the room features a flush-mounted PMC monitoring system, fully integrated Atmos speakers, and 72 concealed Helmholtz/Slot resonators. A tailored Philips HUE lighting concept and natural daylight via transparent RPG diffusors create a visually dynamic and healthy working environment.
The project included complete design, construction, acoustic modeling, furniture integration, and system commissioning — all carried out under the direction of Dennis Busch / Acoustic Spaces. The studio is now operational and available for commercial use.
Project: Brainworx Studio Europe
Location: Langenfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Completion: 2024
Type of Project: Room-in-room build inside an existing office building (former conference hall, shell dimensions approx. 10 × 8 × 4 m; interior studio dimensions approx. 8 × 6 × 3.8 m)
I was commissioned to design and build a studio in the company’s new building that would serve multiple purposes. First and foremost, the studio was intended to support the creation of audio plugins.
As Brainworx places the highest value on the quality of its products, it was essential to build a professional studio that meets the highest acoustic and technical standards. The studio plays a crucial role in ensuring that the products are developed and tested in an environment that reflects real-world, high-end production conditions.
My responsibilities included the entire acoustic and architectural concept, the planning of studio and ventilation systems, as well as the integration of all technical components, including full furniture and interior design. Active cooling for the flush-mounted subwoofers was also implemented. The in-house construction division of Acoustic Spaces carried out the full build under my supervision.
For the highly complex simulations of acoustics the Stereo System and the integration of the 6-subwoofer configuration, I collaborated with Dr. Peter D’Antonio’s team at RPG / REDIacoustics – specifically PK Pandey and Rinaldi Petrolli. The Dolby Atmos layout was designed by me; Maurice Batiste and Dan Zimbelman from PMC provided the necessary equipment. Final system commissioning was completed together with David Ziegler of Dolby.
Beyond plugin development, the studio is also designed to serve marketing purposes—providing a space for content creation, product showcases, and demonstrations. Furthermore, it is available for professional producers to rent, and it opens up opportunities for collaborations with sound design schools through workshops and educational programs.
The 7.6.4 control room was intentionally designed to visually reflect the acoustic energy flow within the space. The optical concept expresses the idea of sound spreading from the acoustic center – the front wall with the main monitors – toward the rear of the room, culminating in a broad diffuser array. This was achieved through precise segmentation of the fabric-covered surfaces across the walls and ceiling. A multi-zone Philips HUE lighting systemwas installed to enhance the visual geometry through dynamic color accents.
A particular design challenge was the requirement for healthy daylight within the studio – despite the constraints of a room-in-room structure. This was resolved by integrating transparent RPG diffusors into the rear wall, behind where actual external windows were installed. This approach allowed natural light to enter without compromising the acoustic function of the rear structure.
The PMC main monitors were flush-mounted, and this principle was extended to the entire Dolby Atmos speaker system. All surround and ceiling speakers were mounted at precisely calculated locations and fully integrated into the construction. This approach not only enhanced aesthetics but also served key acoustic purposes as minimizing S.B.I.R.
This kind of integration leaves no room for error – all speaker positions had to be fixed during construction, with no possibility of adjustments afterward. The calculated angle of the Atmos top speakers gave the multi angled ceiling it’s look. Form follows function.
As with all of my studio designs, it was essential to achieve a flat response and RT60 that remains as uniform as possible across the frequency spectrum, from deep bass to the high end. This goal was realized through targeted REDI simulations and a custom-designed Helmholtz system.
The space was entirely acoustically treated with Helmholtz/Slot resonators, while large reflective surface areas were intentionally preserved – except in the zones of first-order reflections. The result is a balanced blend of acoustic control and spatial liveliness.
The sweet spot was implemented as a Reflection-Free Zone (RFZ), where early reflections are eliminated. A large-scale diffuser array in the rear of the room helps to enhance spatial cues present in program material.
This acoustic strategy enables exceptional stereo image precision, ideal depth perception, and a highly realistic three-dimensional sound field – in both stereo and Dolby Atmos formats.
The control room was realized as a fully decoupled room-in-room system. The construction features 20 cm reinforced drywall walls supported by custom-engineered steel long-span beams that carry a free-hanging ceiling – forming a structurally calculated “inverted shoebox.” The entire structure is mounted on Sylomer strips engineered and dimensioned in close coordination with the manufacturer Getzner, based on exact load distribution calculations.
Inside the room shell, a 7 cm thick wood-sandwich floor was installed atop KIP decoupling pads. All construction joints were meticulously sealed in multiple layers to eliminate airborne sound leakage. Custom-made acoustic glass doors and windows with transparent damping film ensure additional soundproofing performance.
A total of 72 Helmholtz/Slot resonators were installed, completely hidden behind acoustically transparent fabric panels. This design supports a clean technical look while providing highly effective modal control.
A unique feature is the ventilation system: cooled air is introduced silently, while exhaust air is drawn through the flush-mounted subwoofer enclosures, which include acoustically dampened chimneys located above the amplifier bays. The entire cabling infrastructure is routed underneath the decoupled floor, fully integrated and hidden from view.
Dear Jury,
As the lead designer and project manager behind Brainworx Studio Europe, I would like to provide some context regarding the absence of traditional architectural CAD plans. All of my studio projects are full turnkey developments. I personally oversee every phase of the process — from the very first on-site visit to concept design, construction planning, and final handover.
Because of this integrated approach, I work exclusively in SketchUp and compatible systems such as Treble™, allowing for seamless design development and real-time collaboration across all stages. Every aspect of this studio — from the first sketch to the finished room — has been realized and built based solely on the materials shown in this submission.
I hope for your understanding, and I assure you that this project is the direct result of that tightly managed, end-to-end process and the data shown.
Sincerely,
Dennis Busch
Additional Information, photos of the construction phases as well as smaart Measurements and Simulation Data can be downloaded here:
Renderings
Construction
About
Welcome – I’m Dennis Busch, and I’m delighted to have you here.
As founder of this studio design company, my mission is to help you bring your sound vision to life – with precision, passion and proven expertise.
Whether you’re evaluating a new property for your future studio, searching for the perfect acoustic environment to record vocals or instruments, or struggling with a control room that doesn’t allow you to mix with confidence – I’m here to support you.
Do you need:
A mixing room where your speakers truly shine?
A dedicated recording or mastering studio tailored to your needs?
A Dolby Atmos environment that meets the highest standards?
A solution for soundproofing issues in your club or venue?
With over 12+ years of experience in studio design and construction, 15+ years as a sound engineer, and more than 30 years as a musician, I combine deep technical understanding with creative sensibility. Together with my team and a trusted network of specialists, I realize projects throughout Europe – from high-end studio complexes to optimized home studios.
No matter the size of your project – if great sound matters to you, we’ll make it happen.
Let’s design, plan and build your acoustic vision.