Hah hah. Thanks Philip.

Yes, the sound isn't perfect, but markedly improved for sure. Improvements can definitely be made, but I just can't see forking over $300 for a "professional" reflexion filter.

Good point about reflections from behind. I could also simply have the singer(s) stand with backs to my walls, which are lined with acoustic foam. That would help, or have them stand in a corner, with the point right at their back. That would prevent direct reflections.

I have nothing bad to say about Mr. Winer, he was actually very instrumental in helping me get my control room sounding good with TONS of free advice. But I do agree, I believe once I get this designed and permanently installed on my straight mic stand, it will not only be very portable, but not very bulky at all - and attractive to boot.

Still waiting for opinions on the "breathability" factor. Then I can get started. Thank you for the listen and for your thoughtful contribution.

actually, i've had good results with a simple hanging of a sound blanket.

a pair of booms, with the blanket draped over it and hanging down, in a slight curve.



http://www.markertek.com/Acoustic-Materials/Sound-Blankets/VAN-PAD-BLACK.xhtml?SAB-1

these work great.

Bat: yes, I am a strong proponent of the good old fashioned moving blankets. I actually know that Ronan Chris Murphy uses those on the walls of his studio too, covered with tapestries. A lot of multi-million dollar facilities do. If it works, it works. I just want something that looks a bit nicer, having clients in my little home away from home.....

You know what I've found helps my vocal tracks? Having someone else sing them!! :)

I have the NT1A and think it's a great mic for the price. Very versatile.

First of all, if it sounds good to you then that's the most important thing.

Second, I listened to both examples and in terms of raw sound I preferred the wo reflection one. It was a fuller sound, and for me it would offer more options at mixdown. The minimal room sound wouldn't be an issue for me. But again, so what? Doesn't matter what I think.

regarding comb filtering and the link that spindlebox posted. It's talking about comb filtering in the context of speaker playback in a room. That's a very different context than comb filtering in your recording. The first isn't a problem much of the time--which is what the article is saying. The second is a problem a lot of the time--which the article somewhat ignores except in the context of talking about the measurement.

Finally, mattplaysguitar brings up the harshness. Yes, both recordings were painfully piercing. I realize these are the raw recordings so I only bring it up in response to matt's asking if anyone else heard it.

Oh, yeah. One more thing re: comb filtering and that article. At the bottom there is a link to Floyd Toole's book "Sound Reproduction: Loudspeakers and Rooms". That is one of the best books out there on playback systems. It has nothing to say about recording, so it might not be everyone's cuppa tea--it's all about playback. So if you want to get serious about your playback system, then buy it and study it.

the box sounds brighter to me....  probably from the reflections from the box.
I would line it with some foam or carpet and see what that sounds like. 

I'm guessing the whole point of the reflexion filter is to prevent all reflections and sound from the room from  entering the mic from the sides and rear. 

Interesting observations SCorey. I guess it's kind of like cooking; everyone has different taste. I don't pick up the "painfully piercing" thing. But I would rather have my recordings brighter than duller anyway. Any day of the week. Cheers!!

Getto recording. Love it. Put some foam inside you box to see how that effects things.

I love the experiment.  Glad you posted!  Fun to read and to consider the facts.  I should use something for vocals but since I haven't, if you soloed my vocal track, you would probably catch some T.V. in the backgroud or if you are lucky, my two pugs barking, snorting, getting too excited (like they always do). 

Rim