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Vocal Booth Materials

Vocal booth isolation methods can vary depending on the size of the room and the materials used to build the floors, walls and ceiling. Cellulose insulation is a great insulator for hollow walls, mass loaded vinyl sheets increase the insulating properties of wooden flooring and window plugs can temporarily conceal windows to help turn any room into a functional vocal booth.
  1. Cellulose spray

    • Damp cellulose fibers stop air filtration and increase sound insulation. Cellulose fibers are made from paper scraps, which are soaked in fire retardant chemicals to avoid the fire hazard created by stuffing recording space with wood-based particles. Cellulose spray, applied to exposed walls before drywall installation, creates a general soundproofing base. More accurate soundproofing requires alternative materials.

    Mass Loaded Vinyl

    • Soundproofing barrier mats are thin sheets of dense, mass loaded vinyl. These mats improve the insulation properties of drywall stud partitions and wooden floors, but are ineffective on concrete surfaces. To apply a mat to a floor, simply lay it down. Barrier mats are a popular for insulating floors due to their rubber-like, tactile surface. To increase the level of insulation, layer the mats. The mats can be secured to walls with nails or adhesive spray or draped from the ceiling.

    Window Plugs

    • Windows are a common problem area. The difference between the sound insulating properties of single-pane and double-pane glass is minimal, so don't spend money on unnecessary renovations if your vocal both has a window. Window plugs are the best soundproofing option. Trap sound absorbing material, such as fiberglass or acoustic foam, against the glass with a sheet of plywood cut to the dimensions of the window frame. Apply a thin layer of neoprene seal to the edge of the plywood to create a snug fit against the frame to insulate the window.

    Felt Lining

    • Felt is an excellent sound insulator to help you build a booth that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. Felt-lined walls absorb sound and reduce the number of sound reflections that occur small spaces. In the confined space of a vocal booth, where audio reflections leave unwanted artifacts in vocal performances audio, felt is a perfect option. The felt may be layered to increase its sound insulating properties. Felt also comes in a wide variety of colors. Mix and match felt strips to give your vocal booth bit of character.

Recording Music

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