ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will discuss an example of a control room philosophy which is generally representative of the types of stereo control rooms which use hard, reflective front walls and maximally absorbent rear walls. Chapter 17 will put forward the concept of the Live-End, Dead-End (LEDE) control room, which uses an absorbent front half to a room and a reflective/diffusive rear half. It is written by a specialist in LEDE control room design, in order to keep a balanced viewpoint from the perspective of the book. By placing these two chapters together, readers will be able to judge for themselves the pros and cons. What is more, as both systems are in use in highly sophisticated professional studios, it should become apparent why the subject of control room acoustics can be so controversial, with partisan supporters of the differing philosophies all ostensibly seeking more or less the same objectives via some very different means.
