Submitted by anonymous on Wed, 11/05/2008 - 19:42

Hi,

I wonder could somebody please offer some soundproofing advice. I have just moved home and have a podcasting set up in my 'office'. The room is about 8'x8' with not a great deal of furniture in it.

I have a desk, studio monitors, mixing desk with two mics and the computer.

When recording with 1 mic there's a bit of 'echo' or bounce from the walls, but it's not too bad. However, when recording with two mics it's very noticeable and it sounds almost like a bad reverb effect.

What are my best options for soundproofing. In fact, it's not soundproofing I need, is it? I need something to dampen the echo.

Are the reflection filters you can get for microphones effective? I don't necessarily want to cover the walls with acoustic tiles but if that's the best option then I suppose I can give it a try.

Anyway, any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Comments

You're correct in that it's not "soundproofing" that you are asking about.

You're basically in an 8x8 cube. With not much to diffuse, absorb or scatter sound. You'll get echoes.

If no carpet...start there, or a large rug. If you prefer not to put acoustic panels up, then SOMETHING needs to go up. You'll not stop the echoes without putting up something to absorb or diffuse sound. Thick fabric here and there might help.
Large glassless pictures? Maybe something as simple as a couple of those large, tall office cubicle panels?
Maybe even just put in some more furniture with a few things on the wall?

You know what you need. You need to decide what you are willing to live with.

Kapt.Krunch

I dont know much about this but from what i remember you can get hold of some studio foam. that is if you want it on the walls. I wouldve thought if you went to a studio they might have a few spares to give or sell to you (probably the latter). If not Kapt Krunch's idea is extreamly good to. another idea is maybe wallpapering your walls in a thickish wall paper might deaden it a little, or a rug on the floor maybe. Just guessing at things now.