Acoustic Foam

PNS128 · #1 04-29-2008, 06:43 PM

hey my band has a small studio set up in a basement. everything sounds gorgeous thanks to great gear, but vocals could sound quite a bit better. i think it has something to do with the acoustics of the room, which are far from perfect. even if we only used a little acoustic foam/product and set up the studio mic in that corner or something, itd work. we're only concerned about recording the vocals. i know little to nothing about acoustics (especially fixing bad ones). any help is appreciated. thanks!

**baba** · #2 04-30-2008, 08:28 AM

The main goal is to absorb and prevent excess reflection. Some reflection is good and will add the sound/vibe of the room. You just want to squash the excess that's making it harsh.

Start with something cheap like hanging blankets, throw rugs on the floor, etc. Those aurelex pads and things are great but pricey. That eggshell carton matress pad stuff is a cheap option. I have two of these behind the drums that are in the corner and they make a HUGE difference.

Bard2dbone · #3 05-01-2008, 03:13 AM

And this will sound wierd but is totally worth it.

Put a pillow on the cieling above the vocal mic. Just get a really soft light pillow and nail the corners to the cieling right above the mic.

Baryonyx · #4 05-01-2008, 05:26 AM

I'd be interested to try this pillow trick to see what effect it has!

Bard2dbone · #5 05-01-2008, 05:50 AM

It knocks down reflected sounds that most people forget to address.

**baba** · #6 05-01-2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bard2dbone

And this will sound wierd but is totally worth it.

Put a pillow on the cieling above the vocal mic. Just get a really soft light pillow and nail the corners to the cieling right above the mic.

Nice one! I once recorded in a studio that had a drumbrella. The room had a very high ceiling and hung from it over the kit was a big umbrella to improve the sound. Pretty cool.