Reflection Sound Studios, founded 30 years ago by owner Wayne Jernigan, has long been known as one of the premier studios in the Southeast. Studio credits include Aerosmith, Dixie Chicks, Hootie and the Blowfish, REM, and Joe Cocker.
A few years ago, a nearly 100-years-old Gothic-style brick church building located right acrossthe street from Reflection Sound Studios suddenly came up for sale. Wayne realized right away thatthe church's sanctuary could be reconfigured as a great place to record large choirs, orchestral ensembles, drums,and just about anything else that could benefit fromthe warm, reverberant acoustics of a huge room.
As he developed his plans, Jernigan hired Wes Lachot to design and oversee construction of the control room for what would become Reflection's new flagship studio, dubbed "Reflection Sanctuary."
Throughout the building renovation and studio construction, Wayne worked side by side with Wes Lachot, providing inspiration and valuable aesthetic ideas.
Borrowing themes from the existing architectural detailing, the design team decided to echo the curved ceiling of the original pulpit area by creating a curved wall between the sanctuary and the new control room.
Jernigan specifically wanted a view from the control room that would show off the magnificent triple Gothic arches in the rear of the church. The final window, therefore, is over eight feet high and 20 feet wide, and several innovative design concepts were required in order to integrate the huge window with the circular wall.
Reflection Sanctuary's control room is centered around an SSL 4056E console with G series automation.
Based on RFZ (reflection free zone) principles, the engineer's area provides a wide sweet spot that extends to the extreme edges of the console. The rear of the control room has a large producer's desk, and the back wall is treated with RPG Diffractal Diffusors, which help to produce an even sonic balance throughout the room.
Overall, the studio was completed in a remarkably short period of time, with Jernigan himself performing some of the construction work. Lead carpenter for the project was Wes's brother, Perry Lachot.
Musicians who record in the new facility often marvel at the room's visual beauty and remarkably rich sound. "Reflection Sanctuary gives our clients the spacious sound that only a church can give," Wayne affirms. "Because it is able to accommodate large choirs with audiences, it has become a cost-effective alternative to remote recordings for many gospel sessions."