FAMA – Santo Domingo’s Luxurious New WSDG-Designed Destination Studio
Outstanding Acoustics & Gear In An Exceptional Setting
SANTO DOMINGO -- FAMA is a forward thinking music company, and boutique record label with a focus on artist development from the ground up. Their primary objective is the fostering of creative minds and the development of talent across multiple genres and markets. A key element of their strategy was a state-of-the-art recording complex available for creative retreats and songwriting camps. To support this plan, they acquired a three-story luxury home in Santo Domingo’s historic, bohemian yet upscale Colonial District. They then reached out to WSDG for an acoustic and aesthetic studio design to meet their requirements.
“FAMA described their dream studio to us and WSDG delivered,” says WSDG Partner / Project Manager, Sergio Molho. “They found a wonderful building with very sound bones and terrific views, and we helped them to create a showplace destination studio. Interestingly enough, their sister company owns a boutique hotel right next door to the studio, so there is every reason to expect it will attract an international clientele.”
Studio A on the first floor features spacious Control and Live Rooms, an ISO Booth, Sound Lock and, a charming outdoor patio for client breaks. The second floor offers two additional control rooms (B & C), a shared Live Room, ISO booth and CMR. The third floor is dedicated to a large apartment-like living room/kitchen/dining room client lounge with a panoramic view, and an expansive terrace with a shallow ‘ornamental’ pool.
WSDG Partner/Art Director Silvia Molho devised an inspired color and lighting scheme for the FAMA complex. Control Room A is distinguished by handsome perforated wood wall and ceiling treatments, a Rupert Neve console, ADAM SD3 stereo monitoring, an arsenal of outboard gear and views into the Live Room. Two Sound locks, one offering a unique custom-designed acoustic wooden wall, and a delightful patio complete the 1st floor configuration.
On the second floor, Control Room B is outfitted with a SSL Duality 48 Console, ADAM and Focal speakers for 5.1 feature film audio mixing. The compact CR C, AVID-based project studio is equipped with Neumann Speakers. Both CR’s share the 2nd floor Live Room, which is graced by graduating, multi-color custom ‘ribbed’ acoustic wall and ceiling treatments created by Ms. Molho.
A bold wooden staircase leads to the surprising third floor lounge. “FAMA understood the importance of complimenting flawless acoustics with an inspirational aesthetic environment to stimulate clients’ composing and performing creativity,” Ms. Molho says. To accomplish that goal she developed a vibrant color palette of tropical greens and sky & sea blues, She also suggested a ‘tunable’ LED lighting scheme be installed at key ceiling and floor points to provide colorful mood enhancements. WSDG engineer David Molho acoustically tuned all recording and production rooms.
“FAMA Studios is a true gem,” Sergio Molho concludes. “It is beautiful, outfitted with an impeccable array of world-class technology, and it is owned and operated by audio professionals committed to providing his clients with the best possible recording experience. WSDG is extremely proud to have contributed our skills to this remarkable studio.”
