When I was first starting out as a rapper, I saved up all the money I could. I then went out and bought the most expensive compressor microphone I could afford, as well as an audio interface and cable. I thought I had everything I needed to record a great sounding song, but was I ever so wrong.
Meet 'Room Reverb'. The term used to describe the additional, unwanted noises picked up by high quality compressor microphones. If you're recording with a dynamic microphone this won't be an issue. Compressor microphones are so sensitive that the noise created by your vocals bouncing off the walls in your room (as well as any other noises that may be around if you're recording in a less-than-perfect environment).
I tried everything I could (and within my very-low budget) and nothing worked well at all. I tried hanging sheets, and then blankets. I moved the microphone into my closet. I then padded the closet with blankets - all in an attempt to absorb the sounds but everything I tried failed.
-- I should note at this point that although I didn't actually try it, I did spend some time researching into the theory that egg cartons can be used to absorb sound. There seemed to be a fairly universal acceptance that this theory is a myth, so I don't recommend trying it.
It was at this point (while I felt like the only workable option was to spend thousands of dollars surrounding all of my walls with sound-absorption foam) that I discovered 'Portable Sound Booths'. Small, portable devices attached to the microphone stand that surround the microphone itself. The device is lined with special padding to effectively reduce sounds bouncing back. Because it's surrounding the microphone, it also assists in preventing other unwanted sound sources from reaching the microphone.
There are a few different companies on the market making these products, but the one I found to be the best option (and subsequently ended up purchasing) is the SE Reflexion Filter. You can read more about it at http://www.seelectronics.com/rf.html. It set me back about $550 AU when I purchased it about a year ago, and was actually quite difficult to locate within Australia.
Since the first time I got it set up though, I could not have been happier. My vocals came through on the recording crisp and clear, and there was virtually no room ambience. It was well worth the price, and the effort I went to locate. I was definitely a satisfied customer. |
