LED lighting around ceiling perimeter and under floating banquette

Focal 5.1 system with Triad Orbit mounts

Bass trapping with reveals going around the corners.

Integration and wiring by Sunset Audio Solutions

Custom engraved I/O panel and talent monitor

Photography by Mixbuss Marketing

Story

Activision Audio Studios: A Complete Acoustic and Visual Transformation

The Cubic Dilemma: When Perfect Squares Create Imperfect Sound

Activision's headquarters relocation presented a unique audio challenge. The newly installed prefabricated audio rooms appeared adequate on paper— Two 11-foot cubes with gray interiors, carpeted floors, and acoustic paneling covering both ceiling and walls. However, these seemingly well-designed spaces harbored serious acoustic flaws.

The overabundance of soft surfaces absorbed too much high-frequency sound, while the cubic dimensions—notoriously problematic in acoustic design—created a boxy, dark sound signature. Even more concerning was the significant sound leakage between rooms, with engineers able to carry on normal-volume conversations through the supposedly soundproofed walls.

Total Reconstruction: Back to the Framework

Faced with these challenges, Activision saw an opportunity not just to fix the technical issues but to transform these spaces entirely. The decision was made to strip everything back to the bare studs and completely rebuild. This extensive deconstruction allowed us to reimagine these crucial creative spaces without being constrained by the existing problematic structures, creating environments that would both function flawlessly and reflect Activision's innovative gaming culture.

Expertise in Tandem: The Design Partnership

Sunset Audio Solutions took the lead on project management, developing comprehensive acoustic treatments and low voltage designs. Our acoustician, Carl Yanchar, meticulously engineered solutions that would dramatically improve sound quality while addressing the transmission issues—all without resorting to space-consuming room-within-room construction.

For the aesthetic transformation, we partnered with our trusted interior design collaborators at Indio. This partnership ensured that while technical excellence remained our foundation, the visual and experiential aspects of the spaces would truly embody Activision's creative spirit.

The Technical Approach: Precision Acoustics

Our approach to solving the acoustic challenges was multifaceted:

We rebalanced the ratios of hard and absorbtive surfaces.
The strategic installation of reflective EQ panels and insulation density brought clarity back to the sound
Ample bass trapping was added in the corners to manage low-frequency response
To combat sound transmission, we doubled the mass on all walls
The studio windows were changed out and reframed to reduce sound transmission further
Low voltage conduits were relocated and sealed to eliminate sound leakage pathways
Custom gasket trims and zero-seasl added to doors to further improve acoustic isolation

Mora Woodcraft's master craftsmen executed the studio build and custom millwork with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that the technical solutions were implemented flawlessly.

Design Language: Gaming Legacy Reimagined

For the interior design, our concept centered on creating maximum impact within a limited footprint. Drawing inspiration from Activision's rich brand history, we incorporated colors and geometry that strike a balance between retro appeal and timeless design.

We further developed the aesthetic by looking to cinematic references for retrofuturistic elements—forms, colors, and materials that complemented our technical requirements while creating an environment that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.

The Finished Space: Performance Meets Identity

The completed studios represent the union of technical solutions, inspired design, and expert implementation. These spaces now deliver the acoustic performance Activision's audio team demands while visually expressing the company's innovative spirit and gaming legacy.

Before and After

Before. A grey room with absorption on all walls and ceiling. The floor was carpeted. This led to a dark, boxy sound.

After. Rooms with greatly improved vibe, acoustics, and sound transmission specs.

Before, Rooms had engineer with their back to the studio window.

After, we repositioned the workflow so engineers can easily see talent. A custom banquette was created for aesthetics and to maximize space in a smaller environment.

“When I returned to the office after the pandemic, I found the rooms we were assigned in our new office to be unworkable for audio post-production. The rooms were square, standard grey, corporate spaces, and to make matters worse, when I did a sound test, it knocked the picture frames off my neighbor's walls. The sound transmission issues were exceptionally bad.

Working with Rich and the Sunset Audio Solutions team, they quickly understood the complexity of the issues related to the space and its location within the building. They developed a great plan to create the amazing workspaces we now have. Rich walked us through every step of the process, ensuring we understood how each challenge would be addressed and resolved. From low voltage to aesthetic design, all the way through construction, Rich was always available to explain everything in detail.

I am incredibly thankful to Rich and the team for creating my first professionally built rooms. They sound and look amazing, and I absolutely love working in my new space!"

Trevor Bresaw, Activision, Associate Creative Audio Director