Arts >> Music >> Recording Music

How to Build Your Own ISO Booth for Amp Cab

There is no substitute for a tube amp played at top volume for authentic electric guitar tone. In tight spaces, loud guitar amps can bleed into microphones on other instruments, reducing separation. Loud amps in small spaces present threats to the hearing health of those nearby. Each of these concerns is addressed with a isolation cabinet designed to enclose both amp and microphone to reduce the amount of sound escaping into the room. Such an isolation cabinet can be built with basic woodworking skills and readily available materials.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch MDF sheet
  • Carpenter's glue
  • Woodworking tools
  • Angle brackets and screws
  • Silicone sealant
  • Egg crate foam
  • Weather stripping foam
  • Hinges
  • Padlock latch
  • Casters (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Calculate the dimensions for your isolation cabinet, based on the largest amp or speaker cabinet you expect to use. Plan to leave room around the amp or speaker, for placing a microphone and small stand. Cut MDF to size for the panels of the six sides of your isolation box.

    • 2

      Use glue, angle brackets and screws to assemble the bottom and sides of the box, reserving one piece for the lid. Apply silicone sealant liberally to all joints where panels meet. Allow the silicone to cure.

    • 3

      Line the entire interior of the isolation box with egg crate foam. Glue or staple individual pieces in place. Attach egg crate foam to the inside of the lid panel, leaving a one-inch border around all sides. Line this border and the top edge of the box with weatherstripping foam.

    • 4

      Attach the lid with hinges. Place the padlock latch at the front of the isolation box so that engaging the latch pulls the lid to compress the weatherstripping foam. If you choose to add casters, screw these into the bottom panel of your box. Cables from the microphone and to the speaker cabinet can be laid across the weatherstripping, which will form a seal around the cables without damaging them.

Recording Music

Related Categories