Sound Advice

Offering acoustic consultation andcomprehensive sound design solutions

Soundproofing

Are you experiencing noise pollution, unwanted reverberations, sound "leakage" from adjacent rooms, or complaints from neighbors related to sound? We can measure, sample, and track down acoustic compromises in the space. After detecting the source of your issue, we design and specify a comprehensive solution that will effectively mitigate these sound issues without exceeding your budget.

Acoustic Design

Different rooms require different approaches to acoustic treatment. Whether you're constructing a recording studio, a restaurant, or a home office, we can deliver solutions to craft a perfect sonic environment for any application. Whether you're looking to upgrade an existing space or construct a new room, we can put you on track for the most efficient and functional design based on your own goals.

Audio & Video

As well as expertise in acoustic environments, Sonic Zen offers design and problem-solving for both commercial and residential audiovisual systems. Having built numerous recording studios and deployed hundreds of both temporary and permanent AV installations for large scale events, conferences, and exhibits, we can put you on the path to perfecting your system no matter the scale or context.

Napa Charter School

Acoustic Consultation​

When River Middle School moved into their new digs –a hundred-year-old historic building, fully upgraded –the project managers wanted to ensure that the two music classrooms would not interfere with the surrounding academic classrooms across the hall. We performed a full structural inspection and acoustical analysis to determine all likely pathways of sound transmission. The net result was that no further acoustical construction would be needed to achieve the isolation desired. We were happy to provide the confidence the client needed to prepare for the grand opening.

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River Middle School

111 Minna Art Gallery & Event Venue

System Design, AV Install, Room Tuning

Through several phases of systemupgrades and room tuning, Sonic Zen helped turn one of SF's oldest art galleries into one of the busiest event venues downtown. A centrally-matrixed sound system allows the two rooms to be split for simultaneous events, six ceiling-mounted HD projectors are networked to show either identical or separate video feeds, and full-ceiling acoustic absorption tames the sonic atmosphere for both the coffee bar andcorporate meetings by day, and the DJs and live bands on the weekends.

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111 Minna Gallery

Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

Consultation, System Design, Install

As the San Francisco Zen Center constructeda magnificent new retreat hall in theTassajara Mountainsin 2010, we were on site to help envision, design, and install a minimalist and effective suite of AV components that would future-proof this huge investment for the coming decades. We consulted with the architect to add cost-effective sound absorption behind the entire maple-slatted ceiling. The projection screen is hidden in a custom maple-veneer enclosure to disappear when not in use, and the tiniest pair of microphones hangs from the ceiling to record lectures and performances at the press of a button.

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Tassajara

Woodside Home Studio

Full Home Studio Conversion

When a private client wanted to convert a home office into a music and video production studio for their three talented children, We stepped in to design and manage the construction of a top-notch production suite that would be meticulously integrated into the existing home’s architecture and woodworking style. A soundproof vocal booth with isolated HVAC was linked to the main control room and the living room via 4k cameras and displays. The vintage leather-top desk that had previously occupied the home office was converted into a custom audio production console with inset rack bay and internal cable management.

Coast Recorders

Recording Studio Room Addition

In 2005, when the legendary Coast Recorders studio,built by Bill Putnam in 1964 for Blue Note Records, wanted to add a 4th isolation room, the owners contacted us to design and build a “disappearing” room whose walls could fold flat and out of the way when not in use. The hinged soundproof wallsrolled on wheels and mated with a floating ceiling suspended by steel cables. The finished addition debuted just in time for the AES conference after-party hosted at Coast Recorders that year.

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Coast Recorders

Hong Kong Multimedia Design Exhibition

Video/Audio/Lighting/Architectural

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Commissioned by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in 2019, the Co-Creating Hong Kong exhibition of 14 multimedia design pieces drew on a wide swath of Sonic Zen's technological expertiseto create an immersive and engaging installation at Chandran Gallery in SF. 3D projection, acoustically focused "SoundTube" speakers, custom lighting fixtures, precisely installed architectural sculptures, andmore than two dozen securely installed interactive iPads, TV's and wireless headphone stations were all sourced, installed, and configured to the exacting specifications of the 14 artists who flew in for the grand opening.

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Co-creating Hong Kong

HK Economic & Trade Announcement

AIGA Sponsor & Artist Profiles

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Roche Harbor Residence

SoundproofingConsultation, Home Theater Design, Whole-House AV Design

This private residence, under construction in 2021, has a commanding view of the busy marina at Roche Harbor Resort, and aims to keep its technology seamless and easy to use. Four 4K displays and six installed audio zones all run from a single smart hub, and music can be streamed instantly from any smartphone without having to find any remote controls. A 4K webcam at the top of the tower will share a livestream of the harbor view 24/7 for neighbors and friends, and a "virtual window" in the dining room can show the view from the tower... or from the Eiffel Tower, just as easily.

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Roche Harbor, WA

Contact Us

We're here to help, and we're happy to offer a free phone consultation to get the process started. Please give us as much context as you can in writing below, and we'll reach out to set up a time for a call.