my new recording booth!

kayray · Post by **kayray** » May 5th, 2007, 5:23 pm

We have this funny little built-in shelf thing in our bedroom. I can never record in the bedroom because our personal server/firewall lives in the closet and hums constantly and loudly, but it suddenly occurred to me that if I lined the built-in shelf with thick padding, it might block the server hum. So I just placed sofa cushions all around it, and Dan held a thick blanket up behind me while I did a test recording. Oh My God. It was the best sound I've EVER HAD! There's some very low-frequency hum from the sever vibrations, but it's barely noticeable and I think I might be able to filter it out anyway. The "big empty room" sound is GONE. Stay tuned for samples! Dan is nailing up a beam so I can drape the backdrop blanket over it when I want to record.

Sample recording:
http://kayray.org/audiobooks/librivox/misc/what_think_you_whitman_ks.mp3
I need to build a pop filter -- my booth is so small that I have to have the mic right in front of my face and above my laptop screen, instead of off to the side as it used to be. But still, I think it's a much better sound even with the slight pops!

Starlite · Post by **Starlite** » May 5th, 2007, 5:24 pm

Sounds great Kara

kayray · Post by **kayray** » May 5th, 2007, 5:27 pm

I'm so excited I'm actually trembling.

Starlite · Post by **Starlite** » May 5th, 2007, 5:32 pm

kayray wrote:I'm so excited I'm actually trembling.

Another symptom of LV addiction.

kristin · Post by **kristin** » May 5th, 2007, 6:20 pm

kayray wrote:I need to build a pop filter --

I just made a new one with a 4" wood embroidery ring (lighter weight than the plastic ones) and some pink insulated copper wire and a stocking.

trioptimum · Post by **trioptimum** » May 6th, 2007, 1:04 am

kayray wrote: http://kayray.org/audiobooks/librivox/misc/what_think_you_whitman_ks.mp3

Wow, is that unprocessed? Sounds amazing.

Now you'll have to re-record all your earlier LV recordings in the new space... that shouldn't take too long, right?

earthcalling · Post by **earthcalling** » May 6th, 2007, 1:10 am

Superb, Kara!

anna · Post by **anna** » May 6th, 2007, 2:48 am

-OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kayray · Post by **kayray** » May 6th, 2007, 8:39 am

trioptimum wrote:
kayray wrote: http://kayray.org/audiobooks/librivox/misc/what_think_you_whitman_ks.mp3
Wow, is that unprocessed? Sounds amazing.

Now you'll have to re-record all your earlier LV recordings in the new space... that shouldn't take too long, right? :wink:

Heheh.. I wish. I can't bear to listen to the early stuff.

No, that file underwent my usual processing (10-band EQ and a smidge of compression). I was able to get rid of the server vibration by bringing down the lowest frequencies quite a bit.

Gesine · Post by **Gesine** » May 6th, 2007, 8:44 am

It sounds great, Kara. Gives a real depth to your voice.

gypsygirl · Post by **gypsygirl** » May 6th, 2007, 10:18 am

kristin wrote:...and some pink insulated copper wire and a stocking.

So... does it help that the insulated wire is pink?

kristin · Post by **kristin** » May 6th, 2007, 10:50 am

Well, strictly speaking it could be any color but it's so much cheerier if it's pink.

Gesine · Post by **Gesine** » May 6th, 2007, 2:48 pm

kristin wrote:Well, strictly speaking it could be any color but it's so much cheerier if it's pink.

LOL. Post a pic, will you? And Kara, you of your recording booth?

Cloud Mountain · Post by **Cloud Mountain** » May 7th, 2007, 3:18 pm

We're starting to enter the 21st Century. Pioneer women! Hooray! [And congrats!] 8)

Which mike is you using again?

Planish · Post by **Planish** » June 9th, 2007, 11:55 pm

gypsygirl wrote:
kristin wrote:...and some pink insulated copper wire and a stocking.
So... does it help that the insulated wire is pink?

Essentially, then, you have a Pink Noise filter?
(Sorry, had to insert a little technical humour there.)