Light commercial vehicles have long been celebrated for their adaptability, but Renault has taken versatility to a whole new level by transforming a van into a fully-fledged Music recording studio. The remarkable creation, known as the Renault Sound Truck, is designed to democratize Professional Music Production and has already hit the road in France.
Built upon the reliable Renault Master, which stands as the largest light commercial vehicle in Renault's lineup, the conversion to a recording studio presented a unique set of challenges. With a maximum permitted gross weight of 3.5 tons (7,716 lbs) and the inherent constraints of the cargo compartment, this project required the expertise of two remarkable teams: Red House, renowned for architectural acoustics, and Procar, with a profound understanding of bodywork.
The rear compartment of the Renault Master offers a spacious 9 cubic meters of room, measuring 3,733 mm (147 inches) in length, 1,765 mm (69.5 inches) in width, and 2,048 mm (80.6 inches) in height. Making the most of every inch, the teams ingeniously fitted all essential equipment into two separate rooms positioned behind the driver's cab – a recording booth for the vocalist and a control room for the sound engineer.
The most intricate challenge was achieving optimal soundproofing while keeping the vehicle within the confines of a B-category license in France. Simultaneously, it had to maintain a premium recording environment. To meet this delicate balance, every material and piece of equipment was meticulously weighed before application. Furthermore, the team opted for eco-friendly, sustainable materials for insulation in alignment with Renault's commitment to sustainability.
As a finishing touch, the interior was adorned with wooden finishes and luscious purple fabric, accentuated by custom lighting. The producer's station boasts a swivel chair, a bespoke desk with studio monitors, a PC, and a console. Towards the rear, a cozy couch awaits, complete with a Renault-themed pillow. On the exterior, the black livery is adorned with striking silver graphics and gold graffiti-style lettering, reflecting the diverse range of music recorded within.
The Renault Sound Truck has already demonstrated its capabilities, with five talented rap artists using this specially converted LCV to record their tracks as part of the Give Me 5 initiative since the spring of 2023. The result? A compilation of tracks that can now be enjoyed by music enthusiasts worldwide through online streaming platforms. Renault's Sound Truck has truly redefined the possibilities of what a van can be, making professional music production more accessible than ever before.
