Small room acoustic treatment

Started by jpmarques on 30 September 2006. 1 reply.

Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 7178.

Hi guys, I finally decided to do all of my recordings on a proper room instead of in the living room, mainly because I don't live alone and want a bit more privacy. I chose a small room, which is represented in the image below, to do this, but right now it is impossible to record there because there is no acoustic treatment. I intend to hang some drapes against the wall and use some bookcases as basstraps, but don't really know if I should cover all the walls in drapes, or use a different material. I also wanted some tips, on the best spot to record voice and acoustic guitar in the room, as I do all my mixing with cans this room will be mainly used for recording (still saving up for some monitors). Please keep in mind that my budget is very reduced and I would like to be able to use non-convential stuff like bookshelves or drapes, to solve my problem. Furthermore, the measurements provided are in meters, but if it would suit you better I will gladly change them to ft. The height of the room is 2.60 mts. Thanks in advance. PS: Feel free to draw over the room drawing.
Image not preserved: room.jpg
I would suggest covering both left and top brick walls in drapes. Use a bookcase to cover across area between door and window then a drape in front. What is the floor made of? Is it reflective? Is the ceiling reflective? If both are so put down carpet and drape the window wall as well... I feel that with such a limited budget you should go for killing reflections (make it dead as possible) and add verbs and grease in mix. Once all is draped to death experiment with exposing a little of one wall to get a little life back.... You know the drapes will not assist with bass but you said vox and guitar so this idea should help a little.. Mic placement can NEVER be done by eye...unless you are extremely lucky - you are gonna have to play around with that. My 2 cents - hope it helps.. :)