For over thirty years, the legendary Latin music label Freddie Records had been recording out of their original facility in Corpus Christi, Texas. When the company decided to build a new complex that would house not only the label's corporate and merchandising offices, but also the company's centerpiece Legends Sound Studios recording and mastering facility, they hired Russ Berger Design Group for acoustical and architectural design of their new facility.
The new studio building has more than double the space of the old one. "We wanted to build a multi-room facility for recording, mastering and MIDI production," says Freddie Martinez, Jr., Freddie Records' VP/operations. "At the same time, we had to have comfortable spaces where our staff and clients could relax, such as a lounge and courtyard."
The facility houses two control rooms, each with a dedicated studio, a MIDI production room, and a mastering suite. The two studio suites are basically identical in size and acoustical character; however, they differ in finishes and equipment. "The rooms all have suspended ceilings, but each is unique in the way it is shaped," notes Blane Kelley, AIA, RBDG's project architect.
The site chosen for the new studio was located in an area of Corpus Christi that was undergoing a renaissance, with several types of new development being built. In terms of overall design and atmosphere, Martinez wanted his facility to fit in with the area's ultra-contemporary feel.
" For our new studio, we wanted something that was more in line with the whole mood of the music we make here," Martinez says. "Even though it's regional Mexican and Tejano music, it's still essentially all dance music."
To achieve the right type of environment for Legends, RBDG also utilized their trademark "line-of-sight" design, which relies on the use of carefully engineered glass walls to create a sense of openness and improved communications between engineers and artists. Another key design element was the use of vibrant, almost "tropical" colors to convey the upbeat musical character of Freddie Records.
" With the Latin influence, the colors had to capture and match the artists' style and our whole vibe. By incorporating a lot of vibrant colors (purple, red, green, yellow) it keeps the whole atmosphere upbeat," says Martinez. "With as many hours as the producers, engineers and the clients spend in there, the energy and creativity need to be kept high."
Martinez is confident that the newly designed studio will sustain those energy levels at Freddie Records for quite some time.