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Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets - Pro Economy - 80" x 72" (35 lb/dz weight) - Quilted Shipping Furniture Pads Navy Blue and Black?
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That's correct. You can get packs of 12 moving quilts from Amazon for less than a hundred bucks, and in my experience it is ALWAYS worth it to own a dozen of these things because they're so acoustically dead.
Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets - Pro Economy - 80" x 72" (35 lb/dz weight) - Quilted Shipping Furniture Pads Navy Blue and Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073V5CRQ7/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YQ96WGXS96GC0WFC4PNV
They honestly only help a little bit and are mostly aesthetic.
But that big white bag on the right is full of shipping blankets that I can throw over an amp or hang from the ceiling. Those are really useful.
I think 1 inch should be fine. But with 1 inch, you need to make sure that the structure is super stable. 1 1/2 inch is pretty much bullet-proof though.
So audio starts to sound great at about 2 producer blankets per side or 3 moving blankets per side or 2 Ultra Thick moving blankets (5 pounds each) per side. But as always, add more depending on the preexisting sound treatment in the room.
Vocalboothtogo charges for shipping and those prices definitely rack up quickly
For moving blankets, they're much more inexpensive, just as effective if you stack them and you get free shipping on Amazon.
You'll want 3 layers per side if your blankets are 2 3/4 pounds. So this 12 pack works just fine.
Standard thickness
But if you have thicker moving blankets (about 5 1/2 pounds per blanket), you can get by with just 2 layers per side.
Ultra Thicc version
Make sure to get 1.5 inches for PVC pipes for the best stability.
Also use clamps to hold them in place.
You might need to buy a few more blankets to hit the top too.
Moving blankets do work.
I think that's the one aspect of your video I disagree with.
You're saying VocalBoothToGo are the only option and that moving blankets don't work.
If moving blanket PVC booths never worked, I'd never ever ever recommend them. But they do. Key is to layer it correctly.
3 Moving blankets = 1 Producer blanket
I know this sounds wild and you won't believe me, but if you go and buy for yourself a 12-pack of moving blankets (any less than that it won't work) and use that instead, layering it 3 on each side you'll find it sounds just as good as 4 Producer blankets. It's just as effective.
VocalBoothToGo's mobile booths are just marketed well but its cost of $1000 isn't warranted imho.
If we run the math - a 12-pack of moving blankets will cost you $56 with free shipping.
A 4-pack of VB72 WITH shipping costs (they don't give you free shipping) is $243
That's a $187 price difference. For the same sound.
VocalBoothToGo charges you for shipping costs. Amazon does not charge you shipping whatsoever.
If you purchase a 12-pack of 72 X 80 moving blankets that are 3 pounds each totaling 40 pounds of moving blankets and you have 3 layers of moving blankets on each side it's just as effective as VocalBoothToGo blankets.
There's literally like 40 people in our voice acting Discord who have moving blanket PVC booths and they have fantastic sound. Key is to layer them. If you're rolling with less than 12 moving blankets, it's not enough.
Would strongly recommend a PVC booth if possible. It'll be about $150 if you include the parts and 35 pounds of moving blankets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073V5CRQ7/ref=psdc_9628861011_t2_B00Q6F18Y0
You can then spend that extra money on training or gear.
Issue with Whisper Rooms and booth is that because of its weight it has horrible resale value. Of course, on the other hand, it goes the other way where you might get one at a discount but I still would go for the PVC route as you can. Most recordings from PVC booths are very clean.
The only reason you'd use a Sound booth is if you need it to be sound-proof but if your objective is for clean, clear and perfect sound recordings, a PVC booth would do just fine.
If you need additional sound treatment...get some rockwool and/or Owens Corning 703 and stuff it in a body pillowcase like this
https://www.amazon.com/Pillowcase-Pillow-Cover-Cotton-Thread/dp/B00GIOWCO4
and hang it in your booth for fantastic sound treatment.....and yes...you could do it official-official and make panels...but I'm too lazy...and the body pillow covers stuffed with rockwool is done in seconds.
https://www.acoustimac.com/oc7032
That leaves you with $3800 to mess around with.
Then go buy an excellent microphone, interface along with training
Here are some alternatives and tidbits I learned about gear:
Instead of going head-first for the TLM 103, take a long look at the CAD E100s.
Instead of the Sennheiser MKH 416, take a look at the Rode NTG 3 and the Deity S-Mic 2.
Between Rode NT1 and NT1a choose the Rode NT1.
Choose the Scarlett Solo over the Scarlett 2i2 (Most voice actors won't use the 2nd input)
Choose the Audient ID4 over the Babyface Pro (Buy the ID4 and spend the extra $500 the Babyface Pro would have cost you on something else like studio monitors, etc. The preamps are very comparable and many say the preamps are better on the Audient as compared to the Babyface Pro.)
Choose the DT770 over the ATH M50x
What's your budget? If it's not much, you could start with a closet or pantry and put up moving blankets. It'll also help if you don't have much room to record. Closets are good since you have clothing in there to act as a natural buffer for noise. Blankets still recommended.
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If you're willing to invest more, you can make a PVC pipe booth for like a couple hundred bucks, or so? Maybe less if you're thrifty. As long as you have a 4x4 area in your home to put it. Just be aware, it may just be kind of an eyesore.
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As far as software, Audacity is a good option. But if you don't mind paying a subscription, Adobe Audition is awesome for removing background noise / white noise. It's not too expensive, but it is a monthly subscription. If you're a student, you can get a bundle deal and it's like.. $25 per month for everything.
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Seriously, measure it for width , and get 2 backdrop stands like these:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1154354-REG/impact\_bg\_ps440\_pro\_backdrop\_support\_kit.html
and
some of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Max-Moving-Packing-Blankets-Furniture/dp/B073V5CRQ7/
Set the racks up with one as close to the rail as you can, and the other just in front of that. the two racks loaded with moving blankets will dissipate a LOT of energy, both leaving your working space, and preventing it from coming back.
Put a small, fabric covered couch near that that chair and break up the reflection from that glass railing. There are some relatively inexpensive memory foam type ones that are will do the job.
Get some area rugs to break up that floor as well.
| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets - Pro Econo… | $83.98 | $83.98 | 4.6/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets - Pro Econo… | $83.98 | $83.98 | 4.6/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sure-Max 12 Moving & Packing Blankets - Pro Econo… | $83.98 | $83.98 | 4.6/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
I use moving blankets. They're cheap, large, washable, and one will last you a good long time.
https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Max-Moving-Packing-Blankets-Furniture/dp/B073V5CRQ7/
So it depends on the moving blankets.
If it's 72 X 80 and 2 3/4 pounds per blanket, then you want to layer it 3 per side
https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Max-Moving-Packing-Blankets-Furniture/dp/B073V5CRQ7
If it's 72 X 80 and 5 1/4 pounds per blanket, then 2 layers would be fine.
And yes, if they touch, it's fine. You'll want to use clamps. Also make sure that the PVC pipes are 1 1/2 inches.
If you can't be bothered with PVC pipes, you also use photo backdrop stands
Owens Corning 703 isn't as common as rockwool. But always go for whichever doesn't require shipping. In Home Depot or Lowes you can also use Rockwool Safe N Sound
or Thermafiber
But you want to make sure that you cover it with burlap or something as the fibers will irritate your skin.
Method 1:
PVC booth
Total price: About $150
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgl5zv7Bagw&t=48s
Components:
Get the PVC parts at Home Depot or a local Lowes
Get the moving blankets (2 to 3 per side). You can buy a pack of 12 for $59.99.
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Method 2:
Your own closet at home.
Disclaimer! Only if it's a walk-in closet.
https://i.imgur.com/CX28fY6.jpg
Study the hell out of how Mike Delgaudio is treating the closet!
https://youtu.be/q1GfjhTSNZ4?t=90
He basically:
- Hangs up all his clothes in the closet
- He puts large, large, thick comforters over the clothing over the pole that holds the clothing
- He places pillows everywhere.
- He places more blankets everywhere.
- Then he tops it off with a fuzzy rug.
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Method 3:
Acoustic panels
The right way and arduous way of doing it:
--> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBHYiWIJhUA
Every tool needed and all steps needed to build acoustic panels for the video above
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Iv1hahmPauCh47H4PjfLDZKi8XpxXnNTOxIHgWvv1uA/edit?usp=sharing
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Or the lazy and quick way :P
Acoustic panels created in 3 minutes (for those who don't have DIY know-how)
https://www.reddit.com/r/VoiceActing/comments/bts24s/acoustic_panels_created_in_3_minutes_for_those/
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Method 4
Amazon Basics folding rack
PVC booths are great. But you don't need to use the acoustic blankets featured in that video. That video is actually an ad for Vocalbooth blankets, which I honestly feel are overpriced.
Watch this video here:
https://youtu.be/D9pHxVCkof4?t=180
Which basically explains the same concept but uses moving blankets and talks about how Vocalbooth blankets are basically overpriced for what they do. The shipping costs on VocalBoothtogo blankets are something you have to factor as well. Just make sure that if you use moving blankets, you get 72X80 and 2-3 layers per side. Ideally try to find 65 lb/dz for the moving blankets.
Buy 1 of these and layer 3 per side
Or https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Max-Moving-Packing-Blankets-Professional/dp/B07CJHH7J8/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=suremax+ultra+thick&qid=1602983691&sr=8-16 and layer 2 per side.
I bought it. Tested it.
From my own personal tests.
3 moving blankets from Suremax = 1 Producer Choice Acoustic blanket.
One thing to be aware of is that VocalBooth does not pay for shipping. Whereas Amazon will give you free shipping.
One 12 pack of Suremax 72 X 80 will cost you $62
https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Max-Moving-Packing-Blankets-Furniture/dp/B073V5CRQ7 (33 pounds of moving blankets, 12 pack, 72 X 80)
A 12-pack of SureMax provides with you about 2-3 layers per side including the top of a PVC booth.
For me, for shipping costs for the VocalBooth blankets, it's an additional $40, totaling $200 for a pack of 4. Y
3 moving blankets == 1 Producer Choice blanket (So when I say they're equal I mean one Producer choice blanket weighs 10 pounds each. One moving blanket is about 3 1/2 pounds each. In terms of how they handle reverb, I find 3 moving blankets do the job of one Producer blanket. I actually conducted tests on this via video and found that 3 moving blankets are pretty much the same as one Producer blanket.
You can get 12 moving blankets for $62 and it includes FREE shipping from Amazon.
If you want the Deluxe version, which are a bit thicker you can get them here:
https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Max-Moving-Packing-Blankets-Professional/dp/B01GK6JTFE
When you factor the price difference between the Suremax moving blankets ($60 for a 12 pack of moving blankets and free shipping ) or ($200 for a 4 pack of Soundbooth blankets AND shipping costs).
200-60 = $140
(equates to about the cost of a good microphone or audio interface) and the sound treatment is the same.
It's a $140 price difference with identical results. You just have to stack it. Very important you stack at least 2-3.
You'll get better ROI going for the moving blankets instead. Essentially you get practically identical sound treatment (with a pack of 12) and enough money to buy a solid interface or microphone too.
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