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.

"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," explains Trevor Bresaw of Activision. "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."

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 Sunset Audio Solutions 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.

"Solutions isn't just part of our company name—it's the foundation of our approach," notes Rich Avrach from Sunset Audio Solutions. "We thrive on the challenge of transforming problematic environments and workflows into spaces that exceed our clients' expectations. In Activision's case, we faced significant acoustic and sound transmission issues within highly constrained dimensions."

Expertise in Tandem: The Design Partnership

Sunset Audio Solutions took the lead on project management and design, developing comprehensive acoustic treatments and low-voltage designs. Their 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.

"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," Bresaw recalls. "They developed a great plan to create the amazing workspaces we now have."

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

The Technical Approach: Precision Acoustics

The approach to solving the acoustic challenges was multifaceted:

• They rebalanced the rooms by removing excessive soft surfaces from the ceiling and floor

• 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, they 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-seals added to doors to further improve acoustic isolation

"Our design philosophy centered on maximizing usable space while simultaneously resolving the inherent acoustic challenges of small, cubic room geometry," explains Rich at Sunset Audio Solutions. "By applying targeted engineering solutions rather than conventional space-consuming methods, we delivered studios that sound exceptional without sacrificing precious square footage."

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.

"Rich walked us through every step of the process, ensuring we understood how each challenge would be addressed and resolved," adds Bresaw. "From low voltage to aesthetic design, all the way through construction, Rich was always available to explain everything in detail."