PELONIS SOUND and ACOUSTICS

 

 

Pelonis Sound and Acoustics is a full service company dedicated to excellence in the field of studio design and consultation, acoustic analysis and measurement, construction and installation solutions for multimedia production facilities, performance venues, places of worship and theaters.

 

 

The company's philosophy is based on the fundamental concept that architectural design, acoustic engineering, ergonomics, construction, equipment and aesthetics must be strategically balanced to provide a thriving, harmonious and creative working environment.

 

 

*** Establishing balance in space is of paramount importance, as it parallels the importance of having balance in all aspects of one's life.  Determining a client's needs beyond what they feel they want, and achieving goals and then taking them further are core components of the company's philosophy. ***

 

 

Balance is the key to optimizing artistic, spiritual and physical energies.  When combined with the laws of physics, facilities designed by Pelonis Sound and Acoustics are consistently among the most musical and transparent facilities in the world.

 

 

TEAM

 

 

The Pelonis Sound and Acoustics team, headed by Chris Pelonis, is

amongst the most technologically advanced and creative in the areas of architecture, engineering, wiring and construction technology, interior design, and equipment specification and installation.

 

 

Chris Pelonis (Principal): is highly respected throughout the industry

and regarded as one of the foremost authorities in the area of acoustic design and ergonomics. He is a veteran of the music/audio industry, with more than 25 years experience in a variety of capacities, not only as an acoustical designer, consultant and manufacturer, but also as a professional musician / recording artist, engineer / producer, studio owner and record label executive.

 

 

In 1986 Pelonis introduced his first acoustical invention The Edge - a patented low frequency sound absorber which is considered to be the most effective device of its kind, with 95 -100% absorption from 400hz and below. The Edge received much critical acclaim by his peers during the Audio Engineering Society trade show that year.  He has since created numerous additional innovative devices all for the purpose of furthering excellence in the sensory experience.

 

 

He is also involved in beta-testing prototype professional audio equipment, as well as the development of new products for such leading manufacturers as Tannoy's studio reference monitors, TC Electronics' digital processing devices, Bruel & Kjaer microphones, Manley Labs tube equipment and Oram Sonics' recording consoles.

 

 

 

A SOUND PHILOSOPHY

 

 

Step 1.  Assessment:

 

 

In the initial meeting the focus is directed at the client's specific

needs, desires and goals. The facility requirements and project budget are clearly defined to create a strategy which will efficiently and effectively achieve the goals.

 

 

Information taken from the initial meeting is then skillfully analyzed and a proposal created, providing design and estimated construction costs.

 

 

The entire design, construction, equipment and wiring team is brought together to define a precise time schedule and budget.  The emphasis is always placed on the performance of the facility to achieve the highest possible standards within the budget. 

 

Step 2.  Concept:

 

 

Conceptual plans are presented three-dimensionally and modified until the client has complete confidence in all aspects of the proposed facility.

 

 

Step 3.  Architectural Design Rendering:

 

 

At this stage the design team begins the process of creating

documentation for the purpose of acquiring building permits and

providing the construction team with the necessary details. 

 

 

Equipment lists and wiring documentation are closely coordinated

between the technical and construction team.

 

 

Step 4.  Construction:

 

 

Once all documentation is completed and permits acquired,

construction begins.  

 

 

Chris Pelonis is personally involved in all aspects of the above steps

and the team is well known throughout the industry for staying on

budget even in the most challenging situations.

 

 

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Partial Client List:

 

 

Skywalker Sound -- Chris Boyes' new room at Skywalker Ranch designed specifically for  sound design for the blockbuster film, Titanic, for which he received an Oscar for Best Sound Effects at the recent Academy Awards.        

 

           

 

Future Disk -- Considered by many to be one of the top mastering

facilities in the world, mastering such artists as Madonna, Tom Petty, Hootie and the Blowfish and Pearl Jam, to name just a few.

 

 

Jeff Bridges -- Actor/songwriter.  Chris designed and built a screening room/ recording studio in the actor's home.  Also facilitated equipment design. 

 

 

David Kirshenbaum -- Award winning record and sound track producer, including the soundtrack to "Robin Hood" and artists such as Tracy Chapman, Joe Jackson, Kenny Loggins.  Pelonis designed and consulted on both equipment and acoustics. 

 

 

Glen Phillips -- Singer/songwriter for Toad the Wet Sprocket.  Personal studio built from ground up.

 

 

Disney -- Disney Character Voices -- Voice-over facility in Burbank.

Also designed 3 post production suites for Disney, Burbank and a mixing room for Disney, Orlando.

 

 

Scream Studios -- Randy Alpert -- Chris

re-designed control room.

Over the years, clients include-Hootie and the BlowFish, Jewel, Tracey

Chapman, Nirvana. This, year 2001, Ozzy Osbourne, U2, Alanis Morissette,
Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Lopez, and Paul McCartney have kept Scream Busy. 

This is one of the most sought-after rock mixing rooms in LA!

 

 

3rd Eye Blind--Platinum record group from the San Fransisco--Private recording studio

 

 

La Casa Studios -- Used for production for label - Surco Records

(affiliate of Universal).  Molotov album produced by Surco was

nominated for a Grammy this year .  They're also up for Grammy for

producing Cafe Tacuba (on Warner Bros).  The tracking room in this

facility, in particular, is very impressive and is receiving rave

reviews all over LA.

 

 

Jack White Productions -- Production studio for producer, Jack White and wife Katey Segal.  Also built for developing Katey's music for new TV sitcom on CBS and for her new album.

 

 

John Bryan -- A major producer/studio musician who has worked with the Wall Flowers, Fiona Apple, as well as many other great talents.  Ethan Johns (father is Glin Johns who is a legendary engineer who worked with many super stars such as Led Zepplin, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, among others) is producing a new album together with John Brian in a new studio that Chris designed in a basement with only 7' ceilings.  Chris is well known for being able to combat and acoustically overcome small, confined spaces.

 

 

Another Large Production -- post production facility in LA.  Full

service entertainment marketing firm for trailers and television

promotion on-air and print.  Current projects: Martha Stewart Living,

Sinbad's late night talk show "Vibe" produced by Quincy Jones.

 

 

Interlock Studios -- Post Production facility completed in 97.

Designed dubbing stage and foley room.  Developed and designed waveless water pit (an original Pelonis' design) so that it sounds like a larger body of water by eliminating returning water from perimeter.

 

 

Steve Wood -- Studio for the producer/artist.  Steve has produced many IMAX soundtracks. Also founded group Honk (huge surf band in 70's).  Steve was musical director and keyboard player for 20 years for Kenny Loggins.

 

 

Brad Fiedel -- Film composer for such movies as Terminator I and

Terminator II. Designed personal recording facility. 

 

 

 

Vivendi Unerversal Interactive Publishing-- leading interactive educational software developer.  Designed 6000sq.ft.

facility in El Segudo including 3 audio control rooms, 2 sound design rooms and 2 video editing rooms

audio/video facility for interactive CD Rom production. Other facilities of this type designed by Pelonis include

Visual Concepts, Interplay, and Digital Manga.

 

 

Rick Alen -- Drummer for Def Leppard.  Designed private recording

room.

 

 

Christopher Cross -- Complete new personal studio converted from guest

house in '97.

 

 

Audio Mechanics -- Mastering and restoration facility.  Audio Mechanics was used for the famous "911" tapes in the O.J. Simpson trial.

 

 

Big Bang Studios in northern California -- Beautifully situated on ten acres in the redwoods of Humbolt Co. stands this unique recording facility.

 

 

DNA Mastering --  Designed two new room for mastering engineer, Dave Donnelly.  Donnelly was head of Recording for Geffen Records for nine years.  He is a recording and mastering engineer, as well as a producer.  Current projects include Shawn Colvin, Patty Austin, Aerosmith, Southhampton Titanic Soundtrack single, She Moves, Cher, Chicago.

 

 

 

Geffen Records -- Designed mastering facility.

 

 

Kenny Loggins -- Consulting and acoustical redesign and retrofitting of existing personal studio.

 

 

Ben Margules -- Producer/songwriter of Maria Carey fame.  Pelonis

designed a control room in the Margules home and a stand alone

facility, which includes two tracking rooms and a control room to be

used for his own productions.

 

 

Don Davis -- Film composer/arranger “Titanic” film score , composer of film score for “The Matrix” Designed private recording facility.

 

John Larson -- Popular jazz pianist. Recording facility in Chicago.

 

 

Vineyard Music -- Christian music label -- 5000+ sq. foot recording

facility in Orange County.

 

 

Bob Kingsley -- largest syndicated radio show for country music -

"American Country Countdown".  Recently inducted into the Disc Jockey's Hall of Fame.  Designed production facility in the Dallas area.

 

 

Critical Listening Room for HDCD -- Pacific Microsonics in San

Francisco.

 

 

Another Large Production -- Designed a second post production suite. 

 

The latest project is a new record label formed with friends and

partners Michael McDonald and Jeff Bridges.  First releases were

successfully launched in October 1999.

 

 

 

 

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Endorsements and References:

 

 

"Chris Pelonis built my studio here at Skywalker Sound as well as

outfitting it with new gear. This took place just at the outset of

Sound Design for Titanic for which I was honored with an Academy Award. I consider what Chris Pelonis did for me a big part of the success I've enjoyed since my room was built."

 

Christopher Boyes

 

Sound Designer/Re-recording Mixer

 

 

Credits include: Jurassic Park and Lost World (as well as the upcoming JP3), Dinosaur, Titanic, Armageddon, Space Cowboy, The upcoming Pearl Harbor and Lord of the Rings, to name a few.

 

 

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It is my pleasure to unconditionally recommend Pelonis Sound to anyone for the design of professional audio facilities.  Pelonis Sound has enabled my studio to reap profits far beyond its cost.  Interacting with Chris was a true pleasure, and his extreme professionalism was indispensable, from the initial project drawings and specifications, through the construction process, and beyond the final set-up and trouble-shooting of the finished studio.  Chris Pelonis is without peer in the acoustical design field.

 

 

Don Davis

 

Film Composer and Hacienda Studio owner

 

 

Film scores recorded and/or mixed at Hacienda Studio, designed by

Pelonis Sound:

 

The Matrix, Warner Brothers

 

House on Haunted Hill, Warner Brothers

 

Universal Soldier: The Return, Sony Entertainment

 

Race Against Time, TNT

 

Fear of Flying, Trimark Productions

 

Alaska Love, CBS

 

Hell Swarm, UPN

 

Freedom, Warner Brothers Television

 

 

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Chris has the ability to get to root of the problem or project and cut

through the B. S!  He has "rescued" projects that other prominent

companies have attempted to take on. He runs an honest and direct to

the point business and takes 1st rate care of his customers. I have the highest regard for his abilities and integrity.

 

 

 Steve Hall,

 

Future Disc Systems

 

 

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We've provided sound design and mixing for every television network and all of the major cable networks.  The work that Chris Pelonis does through his company is the best blend of aesthetic appeal and comfort without sacrificing maximum acoustic integrity.  This made him our top choice to build the main mix room at our Hollywood facility.  Chris has achieved a wonderful balance between the ergonomics and the acoustics, between the ambience and the functionality, and, most importantly, the client-wow-factor with the budget we had to work with.

 

 

Michael Perricone

 

CEO and Founder, Interlock Studios

 

 

Credits include the blockbuster "Jurassic Park", the animated "American Tail 2: Fievel Goes West"  and the Independent Spirit Best Picture nominee "Sugar Town."

 

 

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"What a dream come true!"  That is how I can best express my feeling after hearing a mix from Bluestem Studios, on the radio.  Your judgement in design and other specs that you assisted with were right on in each case.  It is refreshing to walk out of the control room trusting that what I heard was indeed what I will hear when the product makes it to another environment.

 

 

Ken Halford

 

Producer/Chief Engineer

 

American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley

 

Bluestem Studios, Inc.

 

KCCS Productions, Inc.

 

 

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I found Chris's design ergonomic,  practical, inspiring, superior acoustically and very cost efficient.  He coordinated a team, including Jarrett Hedborg, a world-renowned interior designer, and me, as well as other audiovisual experts to come up with a very satisfying result.  My studio was picked as one of the top designed studios of the year by Mix Magazine.  I cannot recommend him highly enough.

 

 

Jeff Bridges

 

Actor / Recording Artist

 

 

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Awards: 

 

1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999 - Technical Excellence & Creativity Award

nominee in the category of Outstanding Institutional Achievement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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