Germany - Located in Berlin-Charlottenburg, Soundfabrik Berlin recording studio has long been a hub for musicians, producers, and audio professionals. Spanning 400sq.m on the top floor of a historic factory building, the studio has undergone a major renovation and expansion with the assistance of renowned architectural acoustic consulting, design, and media systems engineering firm, WSDG.
The renovation, completed in the summer of 2024, includes the addition of a state-of-the-art Studio B, a compact space optimised for immersive Dolby Atmos audio production.
Founded in 2013 as Blackbird Studios, the facility was acquired by musicians and entrepreneurs Guilherme Castelhano and Julia Selbherr Castelhano in 2022. Upon taking ownership, both envisioned transforming the space into a comprehensive creative environment for production, songwriting, and recording. With a reputation for offering professional services in recording, mixing, and mastering, Soundfabrik has since grown into a high-profile facility, attracting clients like Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Music, and Universal Music, as well as artists such as Snarky Puppy, Lena Meyer-Landrut, and Michael Wollny.
Recognising the potential for further expansion, the couple approached WSDG to assist with designing Studio B, an additional production space within Soundfabrik Berlin. WSDG’s role included providing expertise in structural acoustics, sound isolation, and room acoustics for the renovation, which was aimed at balancing artistic vision with technical precision.
The newly added Studio B features a room-within-room design, optimised for Dolby Atmos mixing and immersive audio production. With ATC main monitors and an EVE Audio Dolby Atmos system, the room delivers a high-fidelity audio experience that allows artists to create with unparalleled precision.
A major design goal was preserving the aesthetic integrity of the historic space, so translucent glass walls were retained, while advanced acoustic treatments and sound isolation techniques were meticulously integrated. The design also accounted for the compact size of the room, ensuring that every detail – from the decoupled gypsum structure to the custom acoustic panels – contributed to its acoustically superior performance.
Castelhano comments: “It was a pleasure working with WSDG. Dirk Noy [partner, general manager Europe, WSDG] and his team understood my ideas right away. They are not only experts in acoustics, but they really listened to what I wanted to achieve. The acoustic design is precise, and the results speak for themselves. Studio B sounds incredible, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how the space turned out.”
He continues: “One of the things we focused on was making sure that every aspect of the space felt comfortable. As musicians ourselves, Julia and I know that an inspiring environment is crucial for creativity. Studio B offers an intimate, immersive space where artists can truly focus on their craft, and it’s been fantastic seeing the reactions from everyone who’s worked there.”
Despite challenges such as post-COVID material shortages and cost surges, the renovation progressed smoothly, thanks to the team’s careful planning and collaboration.
On top of the studio’s acoustic design, WSDG’s scope of work also included site supervision, overseeing construction and initial acoustic measurements. The project also benefited from the expertise of system integrator Florian Strucken, owner and CEO at AVS Medientechnik, who contributed to the setup of the studio’s audio and networking infrastructure.
Soundfabrik Berlin’s newly renovated facility now includes two world-class production spaces. Studio A remains a versatile environment for live recording, featuring a 100 sq.m live room, a Steinway D grand piano, and a Neve Genesys Black 32 console. Meanwhile, the addition of Studio B enhances the studio's ability to cater to modern audio production needs, making it a standout facility for both established and emerging talents.
“We are thrilled to have been part of the transformation of Soundfabrik Berlin,” says Noy. “This project was an exciting challenge, balancing creative vision with technical precision. The studio now offers a unique environment where artists feel truly welcome, with acoustics that provide the perfect harmony between inspiration and production.”
