I was going to build something like that but then I had to move. Now that I'm moved I may revisit the idea... my neighbors are very sensitive. Removeable walls so it can be moved/transported easily.
 
Steve

mike_mccue


"I think one reason is because it isn't possible get access to an available alternative space or to treat the space you are in, therefore, in order to clean up the sound from the horrible reflections afforded by being surrounded by a plaster rectangle, a closet may be the only way you can get a signal free enough from the unwanted stuff to give you a chance of simulating a better sounding compromise."

I think I missed your post by moments.

I wasn't trying to be a wise guy but rather hoping to excite someone to offer the very explanation you just provided.

Personally, I do everything possible to stay out of "vocal booths"... they sound like vocal booths unless you obsess on making them dead... which is rarely effective.

I think that by the time a person learns how to place a mic and actually sing well in a vocal booth that they have probably learned enough about recording vocals to sound even better out in a moderately sized room.

Which is why I urge people to question "why" they are using a vocal booth mentality.

all the best,
mike

I agree. I like the depth of a larger room versus the squeezed effect I've experienced with booths. Booths are for drummers. You put them in there and lose the key.  Just kidding... I like my drummer, I take him for walks and everything.

I think his point might have been that you can't use it effectively as an isolation booth during a live multi track session... unless you put the whisper room in a quiet room that doesn't have a band in it.

That may not apply to a lot of people's interest. It may just be a pertinent distinction to some folks.

It does invite the question; If you already have a quiet room, do you need much more than that to get a great vocal take?

I have a friend who just bought a whisper room, he's learning that it serves best as a tool to keep his neighbors happy. He can still hear the garbage truck outside the building when he's inside it... the low frequencies sneak through, but his neighbors hear less of his singing and guitar amp.

The last time I had an audiologist test in a booth like that they shoved earplugs in my head to finalize the sense of isolation. The walls were 12" thick hi density fiber material so that helped too.


best regards,
mike



edit grammar

I've built a vocal booth from used office partitions (cubical walls). I got a bunch for free from Craigslist. It worked out pretty good. I eventually had to use them for drum/guitar partitions so I'm in the market for some more used ones. Everyday I check Craigslist, so far no luck. I guess in this tough economy pp got wise and realized they can make money from selling them. I might end up going to a local used office furniture store and have one custom made for a couple hundred bucks. This a lot cheaper then building one with 2x4 & drywall. Already went down that road and figured it would cost $1,000 with labor and materials. I've been able to get good sounding vocals with out it but something about a booth goes a long way with impressing clients. I know...they should be impressed with my work, but sometimes a nice looking vocal booth or professional well organized workstation desk will give a client that feeling that they're working with a professional sound engineer and can justify spending the extra money it'll take to get the job done...IMHO