That vocal booth

[statecap]

First off...
I know there are a few threads in BBS that discuss that vocal booth made with moving blankets and PVC (for portability)
Is there anything new since they were written.
I am starting mine and would like to know what is the best size to make. I understand you shouldn't sing too close to the walls
Call me stupid but is there any more suggestions/ pictures to help me along.
Any suggestions on height?
Or rigid material for a top
Do you need a top?

Thank you

Denver

 

[mikeh]

I use draperies rather than packing blankets, simply because they are more cosmetically appealing (I went to several rummage sales/thrift shops until I found the colors that matched my studio). Plus, I can use normal curtain rods, rather the PVC (lower profile)

Regardung you questions:

Height is likely dictated by the height of your recording space. Normally, people find a way to suspend the mounting hareware (rods, PVC, etc) from a ceiling. But in any can I would try to get 8 to 10 feet high (most basements are 8") - not only will this accomodae the tallest person you are likely to encounter - but it allows enough space to avoid the vocal booth from feeling like a coffin.

While a 4 x 4 space would be enough for a vocal booth, I made my area about 6"x4" (with about an 8' height) which allows enough space to move around a little and for a cabinet which serves as my mic cabinet and also allows space for the vocalist to set a cup of water, tea or whatever liquid they need.

Regarding a "ceiling" for the booth - it depends on the area you place it in. In my case, I'm in a finished basement with ceiling tiles, so this serves as my ceiling. If I was in an unfinihed basement the "ceiling" would likely be wood - in which case I would leave it be. If I was in a bedroom, which a drywall ceiling, I may leave it or I may install some sound tiles - dependaing on what the recordings sound like. In your case, I would delay a decision on the ceiling until you try recording in your booth - you can then decide if you need to deaden the ceiling or if some reflections help the sound.

Keep in mind the type of vocal booth we are discussing is simply designed to provide a dry (flat) recording space - most sonds will hit the blankets and die very quickly, meaning there will be limited reflection from the ceiling.

 

[statecap]

Thank you for your ideas and suggestions. You've been a very good help in my decisions.

 

[Son of Mixerman]

I made my area about 6"x4" (with about an 8' height)

Whoa!! Thats Tiny dude!


I think you should reconsider changing the inches to feet if you want anyone beeside Barbie and Ken to sing at your studio! LOL


SoMm

 

[tjohnston]

just be sure that the pvc is thick enough to support the blankets. I made mine too flimsy and the thing collapses on me during perfect vocal takes.

 

[mikeh]

SoMm,

Thanks for catching my error - I'm always transposing ' vs " - which is probably why I get so few responses when I reply to personal ads in the local swingers newpaper

 

[pdlstl]

just be sure that the pvc is thick enough to support the blankets. I made mine too flimsy and the thing collapses on me during perfect vocal takes.

Go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy dowels which most closely fit inside the PVC. This will sturdy it up quite a bit.

Earl

 

[kgirl72]

My dad is bringing over the materials for this tonight, actually. He decided to use pvc sealant (or whatever adhesive they use) to construct the floor and ceiling of the booth, then we just have to put the long legs in for the walls, basically. This makes it kind of prefab, yet collapsable. I have no idea if it will collapse while recording or not. We'll soon find out.

-Kirstin

 

[TexRoadkill]

I would expect better results using 3 pieces of OC703 in a semi circle in front of the vocalist. I use those and the vocals are completely dead with no claustrophobic side effects.

If you haven't played with 703 the stuff is really amazing. You can scream into it from 6" away and not hear any reflections. It's kinda eery and fun for parties.