VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

vkuehn · Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2016 12:44 pm Post subject:

I engaged in some conversation recently which included a lady in New York City who does some work as a tech in some commercial studios but also has her own recording facility in a rented living space in a multi-story NYC apartment building. She has something of a "take no prisoners" attitude about what a studio must be. She will schedule union talent to come to her studio at a given time and she will record them, and then maybe later in the day be in the commercial studio doing recording and editing.

The part of the conversation that I remember, and which fits right here: If she has set aside 45 minutes for a recording session at 10:15 A.M., there is no slack for waiting for the neighbors laundry to finish or for the traffic reporter in the helicopter to finally leave the zone. And maybe the session will include direction via ISDN. It has to happen on schedule! She was rather adamant that a "Lego-Booth" was not going to be adequate for her next step.

It was a stark reminder: we don't all face the same level of challenge.

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 8:48 am Post subject:

Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 9:25 am Post subject:

DenaliDave · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 9:34 am Post subject:

Lee, I've been wondering about that -- is that a common issue people have with small booths? I know eventually I'll be setting one up myself.
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 1:28 pm Post subject:

I imagine the biggest problem with a small booth is how to make it not sound like you're recording inside a tin can. I can't see how it couldn't be a common problem.
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vkuehn · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 1:51 pm Post subject:

No, a TIN can would be too TINNY sounding. A small booth can take on the attributes of a small root-cellar... where you rush with your family during tornado weather. More of an EARTHY sound.

DenaliDave · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:10 pm Post subject:

I wonder if there's an optimal size you can make a booth to combat that "boxy" sound? If maybe making it a few feet wider or higher might help combat that just by having extra air for the sound waves to vibrate?
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paulstefano · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:14 pm Post subject:

Eliminating right angles works wonders. Even whisper room has a diamond shaped model.
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vkuehn · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 6:27 pm Post subject:

I would be interested in tracking down any "academic discipline and quality" report on diamond shape vs. rectangular/square spaces in the "booth size" realm. Can anyone point me to such a study or report?

I read the stuff on concert halls and worship spaces and large size recording spaces (12 performers or larger?).

I'm looking for literature on spaces under 360 cubic feet. Even better would be an article on spaces under 200 cubic feet.

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 12:16 pm Post subject:

My studies are called "life experience of 100's of clients". The Diamond shaped booths almost always sound better acoustically stock from factory. The square are the worst, the rectangle in the middle. They can all be tuned.
Sound proofing is depending on frequencies that need abated. Figure that out first before you shop by recording room tone at different times of day in the location.
More opinion of mine here.
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yarg28 · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:24 pm Post subject:

I just finished building a booth so I'm going to weigh in here. I did a ton of analysis and research before I made a decision about what to do. My needs absolutely required isolation. I have a better than average day job so 95% of my recording is done when family is home. They are either living, which requires sound unfortunately..(the sound..not the living!) or trying to sleep which requires quiet; which I cant be if I'm working.

I'd tell anyone to consider building if they are remotely handy or know somebody that is willing to help. Fraction of the cost with about 95% (or more in some cases) the efficacy.

A. Dont over complicate it. Whisperrooms are nothing more than an mdf container with a good seal. Unless you can afford a double wall version you can build something just as effective.

B. Drywall/gypsum is actually more dense than mdf. Most people dont know that. If you are willing to build a stud wall, double hung drywall on the exterior side with green glue between the sheets, you can build a really cheap and effective booth. If youd like a booth that is larger than 4x6 you probably need to consider this option.

C. After density of material the seal is everything. Sound LOVES to flank. Door seals must be custom built for your specific door. Easy to do. Very easy actually. Corner joints, ceiling joints, etc. must be sealed inside and out with green glue sealant. If air can get in, sound can get in.

D. All of this means nothing if you are not good at planning or have tools to do a good job. Seriously, building my booth was great. Saved me thousands. But it took me a month or more because I was doing it on weekends and evenings. You'll make mistakes. It just takes time. Dont cut any corners.

E. Your custom built booth or purchased booth wont sound as good as youd like it to. Be prepared to treat it heavily. I just sent info to George today as a matter of fact because I want help getting my booth tuned. I was very aggressive with my acoustic plan and still want a professional opinion.

F. It's really about what you need. Only you can assess that. If you're just worried about garden variety suburban noises, chances are that a simple mdf box will help you immensely if its sealed correctly. If you have other issues to contend with then it can get costly.

G. As an example, my booth cost me less than $1400 all in. That is including fancy lights ($100), acoustic panels, delivery, everything. Same size whisperroom was something like $4800 not including shipping, acoustic treatment, or taxes. I'm guessing north of $6000 all in.

Good luck.

gary

vkuehn · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:54 pm Post subject:

yarg28 · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 7:40 pm Post subject:

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I like Ethan Winer but when he starts talking techno-acoustics it makes my brain hurt. Ninja