How to make a temporary studio?

[tombuur]

Please direct me to relevant threads or sites, if this question has been asked many times before.

I have a room about 12 x 12 feet to use for recording, mixing and all. I basically want to record my own singing or guitar playing, starting it all with a remote control.

The problem is I will be leaving this house in about 2 years, so I won't put a lot of work into a conversion. That would probably even detract from the estate value when I have to sell. On the other hand I expect to make a similar studio in the next house, so things like moveable panels etc. could be part of the solution.

I don't need isolation in order not to disturb neighbors. But some isolation from outside sounds could be useful during recording.

Any experience?

[tjohnston]

its gonna be hard as hell to keep nosie from your computer or MDM out of the mic if your playing quite stuff

[tombuur]

The PC is already maximally acoustically isolated. Videocard withoot fan etc. Finally there is a space below the window where I can put it and place some isolating material during recording.

[Beak]

This is what I would do if I had any money

http://www.johnlsayers.com/HR/index1.htm

[tombuur]

Those drawings look more like a lot of time than a lot of money.

Aren't there any quickies, like absorbent material glued to boards. I imagine you could use that kind of thing for a temporary recording booth, then hang them on the wall afterwards. That way the elements could double as acoustic dampeners when using the room for mixing.

[tombuur]

Do matresses work for a temporary booth?

I have tried screaming at the wall "1-2-3 testing". A blanket helps very little, but matresses really dampens the sound. It so happens I have a sofa made of two matresses on top of each other, no wooden parts at all. Fine sofa for the "studio", then unfold it and place it upright in a corner. Perhaps get a couple of other matresses from elsewhere in the house and you have a temporary booth for a singer or acoustic guitar.

[MemoGtr]

Originally posted by tombuur
Do matresses work for a temporary booth?

I have tried screaming at the wall "1-2-3 testing". A blanket helps very little, but matresses really dampens the sound. It so happens I have a sofa made of two matresses on top of each other, no wooden parts at all. Fine sofa for the "studio", then unfold it and place it upright in a corner. Perhaps get a couple of other matresses from elsewhere in the house and you have a temporary booth for a singer or acoustic guitar.

yes you could put sofas standing in the walls with you in the middle and take the risk of sofas falling and killing someone or worse...damaging the compuer
hahahaha

[Dethska]

Try this link.

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...ght=mattresses

[tombuur]

Thanks, I see you started that thread also wondering whether matresses can be used.

So far doing my "screaming at the wall test", the matresses are all that have stopped the sound coming back at me. It sounds really dead when yelling at those matresses. They are about 8" thick and covered in cloth. All other material just dampen the sound a little.

Will it work for bass? I don't know. If it works for voice that is mainly what I need.

I have looked at Auralex, but it is not available in my country and in France (we are in the EU with them) it seems to cost twice as much as in the US. However, you can get som "rock wool" specifically made for acoustic purposes such as sports halls and manufacturing plants. They are made to be put up on walls and ceilings as they are.

Finally, I am looking into office screens. I guess if you cover those with appropriate material you could get a portable vocal booth.

[BillyFurnett]

Have you considered the PVC frame with moving quilts booth idea? Naturally it won't be anywhere near acoustically optimal in any sense, but it should be pretty easy and not super expensive.
Maybe someone here can elaborate on the idea and give the low down on how effective (Or not) it might be other than killing some highs.

I'm planning to build one (Same PVC and several thick moving quilts) for use in my apartment (for better or worse) as a makeshift vocal booth, but I think I'm going to incorporate some hanging "wall panels" that I can attach foam to.
I don't know what I'll get in terms of isolation, but ANY will be a big help for me, so I figure it's worth a shot.