How to take the room out

[Monkey Allen]

I can only record in a small bedroom with tile floors. It's a practical computer room really...so I can't deaden it with blankets or whatever. I can't change it...I can just record in it.

I've heard maybe I can take some of the echo/ room out of the recording by putting the mic in an open sided box so therefore kind of blocking a bit of the surrounding ambiance.

What else can I do in there to record?

I'm recording acoustic guitar in there...and it sounds very bathroomy...etc

thanks

 

[tonesponge]

Put a pickup in the guitar. Record direct and/or mic an acoustic amp with a dynamic mic.

 

[Monkey Allen]

Yeah...I could do that but I would hate the sound more than before

 

[Steenamaroo]

just get a longer lead an record in a different room.

Done.

 

[MG Eddie]

Maybe a mic baffle?

 

[tonesponge]

Yeah...I could do that but I would hate the sound more than before

You might be surprised what you can do with some motown compression, especially if you mic an acoustic cab. I haven't been satisfied with recording direct off an acoustic pickup, but the miced cab can be gold.

 

[The Cancers]

There's this thing:
Amazon.com: sE Electronics IRF Instrument Reflexion Filter: Musical Instruments
Haven't used it, but that seems to be exactly what it's designed for.
Other than that, the closer the mic is to the instrument, the less audible the room sound will be as compared to the main sound.

 

[Monkey Allen]

Thanks. I think I'll just put it in a box

 

[MG Eddie]

Have you considered using a temporary rug that you could put down, and maybe a drum shield to act as collapsible isolation booth?

 

[Bobbsy]

Build yourself a light, 3-sided folding frame out of PVC pipe and joiners available cheaply from your local plumbing supply place. Buy/borrow/steal some thick mover's blankets and hang these on the frame with spring clamps. position everthing so the back of the mic is pointing out into the room, preferably at curtains on the window or at least a corner instead of a flat wall. Sit inside the frame/mover's blankets to play your guitar. Works a treat...and helps with vocals too.

Bob

 

[Steenamaroo]

if you put the mic in a box it'll sound like it's in a box.

i shit you not.

 

[Bobbsy]

If you make a really BIG box you can call it a studio though!

 

[Monkey Allen]

I'll make it a medium box and call it a medium box in a tiled computer room

Maybe instead of a box I could use a bucket

 

[mixsit]

You're already in a box.

Build yourself a light, 3-sided folding frame out of PVC pipe and joiners available cheaply from your local plumbing supply place. Buy/borrow/steal some thick mover's blankets and hang these on the frame with spring clamps. position everthing so the back of the mic is pointing out into the room, preferably at curtains on the window or at least a corner instead of a flat wall. Sit inside the frame/mover's blankets to play your guitar. Works a treat...and helps with vocals too.

Bob

+1