VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:55 pm Post subject: Studio Remodel

hey gear-heads ... i'm finally making the time to upgrade the sound in my room. i'm going slow, and making considerations along the way. i'm a bit live in here right now.

SAMPLE

the room is garden level, 12'x8' and i am facing a long wall 2' off the corner (too big of a PITA to change that at this time). there is a large window at my left hand, fo which i will be making a plug.

i'll be using recycled denim in 3" frames.

any helpful hints?
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 4:26 pm Post subject:

You really don't have too much farther to go, from that sample. There isn't much reflection because of the openness of the room. Personally, I'd add the panels a bit at a time. I don't think you'd have an issue knocking down the little that is in that recording.

Is the computer in the same room? I couldn't tell from that sample if that was a fan noise in the silence, or if it was just the noise floor. If the computer is in there, I'd recommend putting together some sort of dampener, or just getting it out of the room all together.

Is the neighborhood quiet enough that you don't have to worry about noise from the neighbors? I didn't hear anything in that sample, but that doesn't mean it isn't there sometimes.

Lastly, if you allow downloads, it would be easier to check out the noise floor of the sample and isolate noise.

Cheers!

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 5:04 pm Post subject:

whoops - thought i did that - download away.

computer is in another room - nothing with a fan in the recording space - no worries there.

i have a hollow-core door now that i will be replacing with a solid oak door
the floor is concrete with laminate which will soon be 3/4" oak

i live on a quiet cul-de-sac so 85% of the time it's pretty great. most of the neighbors have actual jobs so they're normally not at home to annoy me.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 5:15 pm Post subject:

Good stuff man. I really enjoy your voice. A hi-pass filter drops you about 5db, and I can barely hear a TV or radio in the silence. I'm betting the solid-core door with weather stripping will kill that. I'd also add a small stop on the floor (just like where you would add weather stripping to the sides on the frame) to seal up the bottom. I had a sweep, but it didn't stop nearly as much as the wood strip I put down with weather stripping on it. Caulked to the floor, that really sealed up the bottom of the door.

Even in headphones, the reflection isn't terrible (though definintely audible). With some denim over your head, and on the walls, I'm sure you'll have a great sounding space. I'm in an 8x8 room, and I have 4" Rockwool on most of the wall space...probably a bit excessive. I would definitely do some bass traps, as there is a bit of low resonance in there.

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 5:17 pm Post subject:

thanks jason!
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ricevoice · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 5:53 pm Post subject:

I agree with Jason on both counts... it sounds pretty good but definitely some room for improvement with those reflections.

My room is pretty similar to yours dimension-wise. Though you say you can't move your desk to the short wall right now, maybe see if changing the angle you read at makes any difference. If you're facing the long wall when you read, try different positions from that same spot. It might not be feasible depending on if you read off of monitors, but I've had experience with a 30-degree angle change in which way I face making a noticable difference with cutting down reflections.
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:28 am Post subject:

i should know this but then, i don't know much ... when you talk about reflection, are you talking about a slight hollow sound to the voice/recording? i'm listening with my cans.
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todd ellis · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:14 am Post subject:

bumping this with another question.

i have the back wall covered in 3" panels, and am on to building a window plug today.

the I.D. of the window is 45.5"x32.375"

my plan is to build a 8"deep box to fit inside the window sill (yes, it's that deep) fill that space with the recycled denim insulation & place my 3" panel over that to blend with the panels that will soon surround it. that will put 11" of insulation between me & mom nature.

anybody see a flaw in this plan?

i will be able to remove the plug - but i don't imagine doing it very often.
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heyguido · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:19 am Post subject:

Remember to plan for a gasket of some sort for edge sealing.

If it ain't tight, it ain't right. Wink

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todd ellis · Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 6:41 am Post subject:

ok - update time -

the window plug is beefy: 8" deep box (filled with recycled denim) seats into the window sill - then the 3" frame (filled with the same stuff) overlaps the moulding & lines up with the neighboring panels. so i have 11" separating me from outside. it makes a HUGE difference. i'm going to add a rubber gasket all the way around as well. (thanks don)

here's a shot of the frames & insulation

and once they are covered

i will say this - the denim insulation is great to work with. i found out quickly it doesn't cut worth a crap, but it tears nicely. and it is perforated lengthwise at 12" ... so that's nice too.
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heyguido · Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:22 am Post subject:

Lookin' good. Smile

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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 5:33 am Post subject:

Great work Todd. Always improving and innovating. Yay!
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Monk · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:59 am Post subject:

VERY VERY NICE!

well done!
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todd ellis · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:05 am Post subject:

ok - pics

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Zach Meissner · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:51 am Post subject:

Thanks for posting and sharing Todd!! Oh the studio envy.... Smile