Taylor Swift’s long-standing lead guitarist Paul Sidoti has opened Scarlett Sound Studio, his Carl Tatz Design (CTD) 9.1.4 PhantomFocus Dolby Atmos® MixRoom™, in Nashville, TN.
The studio features 13 PFM HD-1000 MkII Monitors integrated into signature MixRoom™ acoustic architecture elements including an Axial Mode Absorber™ rear wall, Acoustic Lens™ side walls and front-corner subwoofer enclosures. Center channel and TV monitor are both programmed to go up and down depending on stereo or Atmos use. The PhantomFocus System Atmos tuning is also programmed separately between the two working modes using the system's Apex Tuning Protocol™, minimizing localization and enhancing immersion.
Scarlett Sound Studio’s tracking room has been thoughtfully tuned using a combination of deep absorption modules balanced with diffusive stone columns and space couplers® on both the walls and the floating canopy assembly, “tricking” the mics into thinking it is a much larger space, rendering a neutral acoustic footprint. Adjacent to the tracking room is an amply sized booth for tracking acoustic instruments and vocals during live sessions.
Other amenities include a comfortable KISS-themed studio lounge/game room with a vintage Ms. Pac-Man and KISS pinball machine as well as an acoustic piano room, both of which can be used for additional tracking space. A stocked kitchenette and remote amp closet complete the studio layout.
Studio wiring was performed by Mike Rhodes of Skinny Fish Audio; custom CTD Acoustic Modules™ supplied by Auralex Acoustics®; Axial Mode Absorber consultant Dennis Foley of Acoustic Fields; PhantomFocus Monitor Stands provided by Sound Anchors; height speaker mounts by Adaptive Technologies; Studio furniture supplied by Sterling Modular, Argosy Console and Todd Beeten of Difoustics; Studio chairs are PhantomFocus eChairs; Amp/Processors utilize Ashly Audio engines; Monitor system amplification provides over 5,300 Watts; console Avid S6 M40 24-9-D. Full gear listed below.
Sidoti comments, “I’ve had incredible response from clients who have heard the Dolby Atmos PhantomFocus MixRoom here at Scarlett Sound Studio. The clarity and immersion of the spatial audio experience has made me rediscovering and really enjoying some of my favorite classic records. I could not have been more pleased or even imagined how well this has turned out.”
Sidoti continues, “I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone in advance who nominated Scarlett Sound Studio for this year’s 2025 TEC Studio Design Project award at NAMM. I’m truly humbled and honored and look forward to the future!”
The 40th annual TEC Awards will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025, at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Voting is now open in all categories through January 7; click here to cast your ballot.
Scarlett Sound Studio Gear List
Avid S6 M40 24-9-D control surface, Avid MTRXII, Avid Pro Tools MTRX Studio, (4) Undertone MPDI-4, Neve 1073 DPX, API 3124V, API 3122V, (2) API 512V, (2) API 550A (5) API 550b, (5) API 560, (2) API 527, API 2500, Empirical Labs Distressor EL8-X, (2) Universal Audio LA-2A, (2) Universal Audio 1176, Tube Tech CL1B, Fractal AXEIII, Roland JX-8P, Roland JD-800, Roland RD-2000, Roland MKS-20, Yamaha DX7, Yamaha DX7IIFD, Yamaha TX-816, Yamaha TX802, numerous amps from Fender, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, EVH5150III, Matchless and Roland as well as an extensive guitar and microphone collection. Cue system is Hearback Pro via Cat6 connections.
