The studio environment 263 disappointing. It also must be said that some owners do want something which looks great, even if the acoustic and operational results are compro- mised, but how to achieve that would be a totally inappropriate subject for discussion in a book such as this. The aesthetics of recording studios are a very important aspect of studio design, but good design can incorporate aesthetically pleasing ideas. However, the aesthetic demands of some interior designers are frequently acoustically insupportable. An air of respectful cooperation between the specialists is the obvious solution. 9.5 AC mains supplies Appropriate AC mains supplies are a fundamental part of the infrastructure of any good recording studio, but general electrical contractors are often totally unfamiliar with the needs of high quality recording studios, and they are often greatly resistant to suggestions which they consider to be out of the ordinary. Sometimes there is good reason for this, because standardised systems of installation and power distribution have been developed as a safety measure. Standardised systems also mean that any qualified electrician can make modif- ications or tests on a system which will not upset the rest of the installation, or show up as fault conditions. However, standardised industrial or domestic power installations may be inadequate for highly sensitive recording equipment. Hospital power supplies