Acoustic/reverb/echoe problem

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MaximeLajoie

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Hey I've just moved in my new appartment. I want to be able to record in my bedroom since I've always done it. But this new room has alot more echo and reverb and I find it annoying while playing acoustic guitar and singing. What can I do ?

I also have a closet in that room. The sound in it is way more controled and without annoying reverb, but I read everywhere that a small space like that tends to sound worst ...
 
Assuming that you're not in a space that is a naturally great recording environment.... and bedrooms typically aren't, you do everything you can to dampen the reflections, and still leave the place in a fit state for its primary purpose.... sleep and bonking.

It's a win / win situation, as most of the things you could use for one purpose are quite handy for the other...

Curtains, rugs, cushions, couches, stationary fat people, situated judiciously, will all reduce reflections and lessen your reverb problem, as well as making the place cosy, although you might want to kick the fat people out at bedtime...

Alternatively you can buy acoustic treatment... depends upon lots of factors.... particularly how serious you are about recording quality and how much you want your bedroom to look like a recording studio.

Read up... plenty of threads in here touch on this subject.

Closets have limited use in recording, and definitely don't sing in one...
 
Hey thanks alot, but I think the real problem is the walls... Anything I could put on it thats not too ugly for a room ?
 
Nope ..... ugly is the word of the day. How attached are you to these walls?
 
Small 1x1 or 2x2 panels in groups of 5 or 6 can travel with you to the next bedroom/recording studio.
 
Really ? how ? Cause if it wasnt the cost of it I would definatly use those...Maybe theres some other similar products for a lower cost too ?
 
Plenty of DIY threads here for you to learn about making them.


Used office dividers are cheap!
 
Yeah I found many on ebay for lower than the half of the price. Some are like 30 $ each... thats not that bad. What do I have to look in those for '' quality/best results '' ?
 
Thickness is one factor and the ability to have a space between it and the wall.
 
Do you have to stay in your room? Are there bigger spaces (ie. lounge) where you can record?
 
Ok well thanks alot! I see acoustic panels from 30 $ each up to 300 $ each...Does the price really affect the quality of it ? I mean...I just want it to work so what do I have to look for in an acoustic panel ?
 
You know the old saying .... You get what you pay for.
 
All the advice given is technically accurate. However, I'm a believer in "every little bit helps" even if you can't do a full treatment job.

Heavy thick curtains on your bedroom window will help, particularly if you arrange your recording so you're in front of them so the mic is facing them. If you have lots of clothes in the closet, try recording with the closet door open--it might function as a "sort of" bass trap.

Book shelves with an uneven row of book sizes can break up reflections a bit.

If nothing else, buy some plastic pipes and connectors to make an L-shaped frame and clip something soft like a duvet or mover's blanket to them--then put it around yourself when recording vocals. You can break this down and shove it in the closet when not recording.

Above all, experiment with the aiming and position of your mic when recording...a 90 degree or 180 degree change can make a big difference.

Now, the acoustic purists will tell you that none of the above will "fix" your room properly and they're right. However, little changes can provide "enough" improvement to make you happier with your vocals--experimentation should be a first step rather than throwing money at the situation.
 
I actually built once, out of 2 x 1 pine lengths, a box frame that I could easily dismantle as it was held together with wingnut bolts. I used it to hang blankets and doonas from. I got inside with acoustic guitar and mics and played and it worked just fine. Best for quiet sources - not sure it'd help with loud amps etc.

This was at a time when I had similar issues...
 
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