"Porta-Booth" for Voice Recording
I saw this article on Digital Pro Sound a few weeks ago and I've been meaning to blog about it ever since. Harlan Hogan describes how to create a "porta-booth" to help reduce some of the "boomy-ness" that's typical of recording in random offices and hotel rooms. The basic idea is to create a little box with foam that you can place your microphone in that reduces the echoes it picks up.
Harlan goes on and recommends some specific materials that allow for a "on the go" box that's collapsable and reports good results. Has anyone tried this technique? It certainly seems like it could be a good middle ground for quick voice tracks when a better studio isn't possible. I might have to build one myself that I can keep in my office!
Comments
Noticed that Harlan is selling this on his site for those that don't want to locate the materials and put it together themselves.
Posted by: wbk | January 14, 2008 8:01 AM
This is brilliant. A nice, portable way to enhance voice recording quality without spending at minimum $2000 for a non-portable isolation booth. Of course, an isolation booth would be the preferred way, but if you're on a tight budget or traveling a lot-- this is a great idea.
Combine this with the godsend Noise Reduction Filter and it would seem the voice recording would be in (relatively) very good shape.
Cheers
Alexander Davis
Executive Producer
DREAMSEED - Original Audio Dramas
Posted by: Dreamseed Audio Theatre | March 15, 2007 6:49 AM
This works well for recording localized sounds too. Like if your recording some sound effects outside or recording in a public place. And if you want a stereo image then stick a stereo pair in and it reduces artifacts when widening or narrowing the stereo image ;)
Posted by: Ron | February 23, 2007 10:24 PM
This is an excellent idea.
After seeing some of the aftermarket products (clip-on foam behind microphone), I tried hanging a pillow on the mike boom, just behind it. This works, if affecting mike sound according to position even with a high-end cardioid mike.
I think this basket approach will probably be much better - will try as soon as can get some foam.
Thanks for posting it.
Posted by: Narration | February 21, 2007 5:22 AM