A voiceover vocal booth in 10 minutes - for free?

Here is a rundown of the equipment I used for voiceover when I travel: kit.co/mikedelg...
I'm on vacation and needed to submit an audition. I created a high quality vocal booth -- for free -- using stuff I had on hand, in about 10 minutes. Watch how.

[@TheWorldOfHarmony]

Feeling inspired I simply put a bed blanket over my head and the voice quality was superb! It was a bit hot. Also my wife asked if I am having mental problems.

[@lasherrielocs]

This comment is hilarious! The last line really made my day!

[@artbluevibe6629]

@@lasherrielocs lol

[@RobinLizac]

Hahahahahah 🤣

[@KolawoleFalodun]

I thought about this tho. I've read about the Alctron PF8. Saves a lot time and hassle with acoustic treatment

[@jmajette2]

Most wives think we've got mental problems anyway!

[@GingerDrums]

Hey there. Im an audio engineer and have a tip for you. The most important place to put absorption is BEHIND the tallent, not behind the mic. Althrough this is slightly counter intuitive you must realize that this type of microphone has great off axis rejection. If you put a mattress on a wall and stand with your back to it with a super cardioid like you have here then you can even achieve the 2 min sound booth. I record broadcast voiceover for german TV every week with a booth, but have needed remote recordings and the most important parameter is broadband absorbtion behind the talent.

[@techpath7615]

Thank you for this. May you prosper always.

[@ukuleleangela6153]

is this also true of your mic isnt supercardiod and is just something like rode nt1A?

[@roykasika870]

@GingerDrums I was thinking exactly this. Well said.

[@GingerDrums]

@@ukuleleangela6153 yes any cardiod design

[@ultrastar23]

I was thinking the same thing, but he did make a good point, I thought, about how the absorption behind the mic will attenuate the the reflections going to the other side, where it will then bounce back off the wall and into the mic. Plus, a supercardioid mic picks up at the back of the mic. Not as much as the front, obviously.

[@ClearAdventure]

* *Easiest way* *. You need 2 chairs, one thick blanket, and a beach towel. Close windows, turn off AC, etc. Then just grab two chairs, face them towards each other a foot or two apart, and set them in the _middle_ of the room on _carpet._ Now grab a big towel and cover the complete front of one chair including the seat. Now grab the big thick blanket and/or comforter and you sit in the chair without the towel. Cover yourself and both chairs with the blanket. Now you have a little "Fort". You can put your mic stand on the chair with the towel on it that you are facing. Now you have the "Ceiling", "Walls", even the floor (carpet), and other chair all dead. Perfect quick booth that takes 2 minutes that can be done anywhere. Hope this helps somebody. ✌️ - Kevin

[@Uniquaization]

thank you

[@hidden4141]

This helped me more that the video did that k you

[@TrinidadCardonaOfficial]

Currently attempting to make a “booth” for completely free lol got a bunch of carpet from Craigslist

[@napzmeka9266]

How’s it going?

[@djentlover]

I don't even do voiceovers, but I'm hooked to your videos.

[@bimatvug]

We are sailing together for sure...i dont even know why i am here!

[@axel.lessio]

The guy that disliked is probably the owner of this apartment XD

[@VirtualRealityRaw]

XD

[@Giyvin]

LOL I thought the same thing!

[@PriyaSharma-cy6lu]

Barrie Hall lol

[@gregb7595]

lol

[@bimatvug]

For sure!

[@TonyChamberlist]

Recording engineer for nearly 4 decades. The pursuit of the best acoustics is always the best first choice, but thank heavens for modern technology! Izotope RX (now version 10) de-reverb plugin. A post production miracle!

[@basiclawprof]

DeWees talked about that. Checked out the website. Looks fantastic. Will it work with Logic Pro? I thought of recording engineers as "also rans" until I started recording some music. I'm absolutely convinced now that recording of ANYTHING is nothing until Engineers get a hold of it and turn it into gold. Engineers are the "secret sauce" of the sound world. I envy you guys your ears and brains....

[@PierreGASMR]

I've been watching your channel for one hour now and... wow, another great video! I think I know where I'll go from now on when I need tips on sounds in general. On top of that, your videos are funny. Love it. Thanks for making them!

[@DarkerSideOfDawn]

Agree :)

[@logan2669]

Blanket forts for adults

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

Alternative Title: Man makes blanket fort in closet in 10 minutes.

[@toadamine]

i used a futon matress, sofa cushions, a sleeping bag, and some blankets, leaned/stacked in the corner like a kids fort... and got a noise floor of about -65db... my goodness what an amazing difference it makes to record in a quiet space!!!! first time ive ever tried recording myself where its quiet and wow! i think my next step is to build a permanent nice version. thank you! im just geting into this, im amazed at how good i sound, certainly not the best ever but just removing all the noise is a massive world of difference. i always hated the sound of my recorded voice... till now.. haha

[@TheBeardedWit]

I have SO been that soldier with the comforter... I genuinely burst out loud with laughter watching you struggling with it. I had a job that needed recording on the fly a couple of years back and ended up, in midsummer, hunkered down under a freaking blanket, sweating buckets, in the search for the deadest sound... :D great stuff... a definite new subscriber here! 😃

[@TheMontageKing]

You're the best

[@BoothJunkie]

Awww. You're sweet.

[@bimatvug]

DJ Khalid bro, come see what MMA here is saying, hahhah!

[@jevvvNZ]

That was excellent improvisation, well done. The sound difference was significant! Thank you for demonstrating it

[@o0hazyblue0o]

I currently need to build a second vocal booth for my new voice over job since I'm not at home during the week and I currently don't have much money. This is the first video that actually helped me think of a good way to build an appropriate vocal booth on a low budget! Thank you so much!

[@susanphillips4955]

This is brilliant! I hope you got the part you were auditioning for!

[@angierosecrans8558]

This was such a good video! I am glad to know I am not the only one creating make-shift forts to record voiceovers while traveling. I currently have a similar set up in Bali :) With a comforter hanging behind me... haha. I really appreciate your video's, I have been learning a few things! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. And I hope you got that job :)

[@DovidoxVideos]

Remember... air conditioner units have two settings to look for - the switch that is Hot/Off/Cold and the Fan that is Auto/On. Switching the AC to off is the first step and making sure the fan is set to Auto is the second. Take it from someone that works in the film industry and shuts off sounds for a living. That one will drive you nuts if you're not aware.

[@ryanwilson5936]

I try telling this to my wife on a weekly basis to no avail.

[@ImTash]

i'm brand new to all this - trying to record an audio book at home with the cheapest, most basic setup imaginable and omg learning about deadening is going to make such a huge difference to the amount of crap i've been needing to learn to squash it all out in post! THANK YOU!!!! I'm going to spend this evening sat in my wardrobe with my own blanket fort. Thank god it's autumn, this would be a nightmare in summer!

[@robbiny.bigham9985]

Greetings I'm Tash, Just want to connect with you and let you know I am proud of you. How is everything going although you posted 2 yrs. ago? Much love to all that share their gift vocally.

[@soloshottie]

I have recorded nothing but plan to in the next couple days. this is years old but I found it incredibly helpful. thank you for this inspiration

[@Tigerblade2002]

To be honest, I haven't even figured out how to work the studio software yet! lol However, after listening to several of your videos on sound reduction for voice over work, I think I am off to a great start. Thank you ever so much for your experience with us, sir!

[@buddyojeda]

Mike, amazing instructive video, so thanks for the behind-the-scenes peak. ✌

[@jackedkerouac4414]

You just made me realize I better pack my acoustic blanket and clamps when I travel abroad in July. You rock dude.

[@TinyduPreez]

Pretty cool idea. I worked with a client that really had no budget left for audio post (like they normally do) and I suggested she try this way. The only difference was that I got her to sit with her back to a closet full of clothing and facing the comforter side. She used a 416 Senheizer, which is really directional, plugged into a zoom recorder and the result was pretty much the same as here. She recorded all the voice overs for her 13 part series this way and edited it into the show, which I then mixed some 900 kilometres away in another part of the country and sent back to her for approval. Win win situation because this way she could allocate the budget she had for studio rental for her voice overs to audio post. Great channel by the way. I love watching your clever work arounds. In a country where budgets for audio post barely exist, we often need to find very cheap alternatives....

[@fdort3971]

No wonder you are a vo artist! Once you had it set up...your voice is amazing!

[@ChrisSpil]

Sounds good, but also beware that a small closet space can color a little (to somewhat) the sound of the voice. Yes, It will be dry if insulated well, but the short reverb times and the faster absorption rate of the higher frequencies may make the voice unnaturally 'boomy'

[@rwegtwerrg3398]

It just really got boomy

[@Miizzz_hoopz]

and still 7 years going and this video is informative for those who are in to audio and sound. Thank you! I hope that you ended up getting that part, or the audition I should say. :)

[@MrTrevor132323]

I really love the video. I am new to voiceover and I do not have a booth. I am still learning. Thank you for making these videos. I appreciate them very much.

[@TechLineHD]

this is really awesome! why would I need to spend hundreds for acoustic treatment in my room if I can do this?

[@michaelcraig745]

So-did you book the gig? Great video and sound was much better after your set-up. pretty darn impressive! I am just starting out myself and bought some thick comforters from the local thrift store and will be using a pvc pipe frame to hang them on. It should be fun to try this out. Thanks for bringing us on your "necessity is the mother of invention" tour!

[@SATX_]

Is it mike or mic 🤷‍♂️ just wanted to say I’ve been binge watching all your videos and you are by far The Godfather of voice recording, thank you so much for sharing the knowledge , you have helped me learn everything 😎

[@chloehazle2726]

Wow! so ingenious! And what a difference it made. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂👍

[@SeraphimYHWH]

That right there was some pretty quick and smart thinking.. Great job👍 I hope your audition went grr8

[@vmtz2001]

When I did more VO work I always travelled with audio blankets and clips to hang them. The smaller the space, the less you need to be absorbent.

[@robbiny.bigham9985]

Where can I purchase audio blankets?

[@whatznext28]

The ingenuity is awe inspiring! Thanks for giving us a look behind the curtain (or should I say comforter 😉)

[@carlospdiaz]

This was great and fun. I hope you booked the gig, thanks for all the tips, i'll be sharing this with anyone who asks!

[@15nanoseconds]

My jaw dropped as soon as you pointed to the sofa cushions. I KNEW I was in for a wild ride! LOL GENIUS!

[@dragon-id5uj]

home music recording guy here with the tangential anecdote; your mannerisms bring to mind the great Mark Hamill in the best way!!!

[@ababb_TX]

Great video! and the proof is in the pudding. That little clip you made in the closet was so nice. Smooth, very nice. Thanks for taking the time to do this video for the rest of us.

[@AncientInsights1]

While still watching this video, I remember I have this king of small space in my home. If it works I will see how to explore that place.

[@AncientInsights1]

I will try this in my home laundry room/space. Thank you

[@billlord4203]

I have a nonprofit that is setting up to record in living and work spaces such as this apartment and am always on the hunt for ways to sound treat spaces with common household materials. I really like how you used the laundry closet and sofa cushions here. Nice idea. I have seen folks use quilts for front and rear reflections, and have seen a video of a podcaster who records in her clothing closet surrounded by sound-absorbing coats with great results. As someone has already noted, sometimes room reflection is a good thing. But, when dealing with common living and work spaces, often there is a need to keep ambient sound out of the recording. If anyone out there has other examples of youtube videos that show how other people have sound-treated non-recording studio environments, I would appreciate you sending the links along. Also, I read somewhere there was a university who tested using a bunch of household materials for sound treatment. If any of you viewers happen to know a university that has conducted such a study, please pass this info along. With thanks!

[@topcat5233]

lol! that is pretty much how i set up my makeshift booth as well! i use a closet and i have a poncho liner(those military cloth ones that come with the army issue poncho, at least in my country) at the back draped over the open closet doors, and bought some foam and stuck it on the inside of my closet. works pretty okay i'd say

[@drutgat2]

That was really good. Thanks. I probably would also have draped some towels or blankets over the closet doors so that they were covering the inside of the doors.

[@Andrey.Balandin]

I don't do a lot of voice over, but your make-shift set up is pretty much my permanent set up! ))) I put my table by the bed, and I make the bed mattress stand on its side propped up. And just like you I also use couch cushions and a blanket around the table. It works well enough.

[@ThinBlueLaneRVLife]

Amazing group of videos. I can't stop watching... lol

[@EvilPiggy101]

I learned so much form your chanel in past few weeks. You do grate job at what you do. I shows as well ok good EQIP. helps, but the efforts matter ..and time spend on setting up boot, settin gains...and how righ enivroment is more important then mic it self. Sorry for bad english as it is not my 1st language, but I find your stuff amazing and you just gained another sub :) I wish you well good sir!

[@leightoncooke]

When I’m traveling I go inside my sleeping bag with a Petzl headlamp on. That manages to improve the sound quite a lot.

[@robertadamo3455]

You’re like the MacGyver of audio ! Great job. Love your videos.

[@Archaic1Eye]

Awesome stuff! I was going to try blanket on a green screen frame behind me but if I add two light stands behind my mic and drape the blanket over it all, instant booth! Thanks for the inspiration☺️

[@andivax]

with this brilliant voice any mic is great

[@IAmNeomic]

Pretty much my every day booth. haha It's in a closet with clothes and blankets, and I do the same thing with hanging a thick blanket behind me to reduce room noise.

[@polish.english.voiceover]

I've got my own booth constructed a bit different way but your movie helps a lot! Thanks man!!

[@glynnetolar4423]

You're working? On vacation? New definition of vacation. And what? No link to purchase the couch and comforter? yes, I'm a wise guy.

[@Aldrnarii]

Eeeh, wise might be a bit generous.

[@wefamilymediagroup7687]

MAKE SHIFT BOOTHS!!! ...STORY OF MY BEGINNINGS IN PRODUCTION!!! STILL HAVE TO PULL OUT THOSE CREATIVE TECHNIQUES FROM TIME TO TIME!!!! LOVE IT!!!! GREAT JOB!!! :-)

[@BoothJunkie]

Thanks Tyrone! You gotta do what you gotta do!

[@robbiny.bigham9985]

Thank you sharing this information, it is very helpful for me as a newbie vo artist.

[@robpruden4172]

This is awesome! What are some tricks to defeat outside noise in a setting like a garage? I’m thinking of building an actual booth and just need some tips on deadening the outside sounds

[@robjontay5052]

Had to do this. I put a large beach towell over my head! My small space studio is going through re construction. And of course, I get asked to do Imaging for a radio show! Any port in a storm!

[@gerelyn]

Thank you for this video, Mr. Mike. Just what I needed to hear :)

[@JohannBauermeister]

Brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge...

[@gabrieljuarez2471]

buddy this was so entertaining to watch! I mean that in a good way, too. I remember I had to audition for a VO and I put my mic stand in the closet with clothes absorbing most of the sound and I felt so ridiculous.....but amazingly.....the recording came out really clean! I couldn't stop laughing bc I thought I was the only one that used a blanket for sound proof! lol Hey I had to do what I had to do at the time....l I'm sure you have a sweet studio at home! Great video dude!

[@AlaaChan]

I did the same thing and was rejected for sounding "boxy"

[@AlanMorton153]

I used this while recording the voiceovers for my documentary. It would have been better to do that in a studio but my nonexistent budget wouldn't stretch to that. I got the Zoom H5 too. Great piece of kit. Love your work dude.

[@russkendrickmartin7257]

Thanks for the info. I use to the H5 to record guitar/vocal arrangements of my songs when I travel. Sometimes I wind up recording in hotel rooms or campground cabins--room noise is always an issue. This info will make my life easier!

[@rose84media56]

This is why traveling with a small Grip kit is always a must. You never know when you might need to build something or put something like this impromptu vocal boothe up and need a few C47s.

[@IAmRickGreen]

great video. thanks for sharing your wisdom with us

[@MrSmoovekat]

Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and ingenuity to accomplish the goal. I really enjoy your video's and insight!

[@MrThevenom2011]

Great vidoe, Mike! Whats the thing you used to wrap your microphone with? I wanna get one but I don't know what to search for. Thanks in advance

[@TheAngelOfDeath01]

You're simply amazing, Mike. Thanks for sharing!

[@joshuaharrover3205]

Question, you've made videos before that talk about the Shure SM58, and how you'ved used it in the past. I actually own one, and I really love it, do you think that this kind of closet setup would work well with a dynamic mic? Considering dynamic mics are less sensitive compared to condenser mics, it should be fine, right?

[@83kaszas]

As some ppl stated,i also dont make voice overs,i just was into shoping a good budget condenser microfon,for skype/battle.net/discord conferenses,so my pals wont get theyr ears broken by my crappy microfons background noice and faulty cables scracthes..and as they say i also got a bit hooked to your videos,its cool how u explain things,and teach us,i even put something at my back in my room,that wont reflect sound,since my room is a bit big,and it got just amazing,what can do a little noice reduction and good microfon.Amazing sound,they mantioned,that i sound like a stay right besindes theme,no radio like static sounds and stuff,just clear voice,thumbs up man,greetings from Romania.By the way i buyed the superlux E205u microfon,cheap and perfect for my aplication:)

[@bunnymad5049]

We've been using couch cushions for our amateur recordings at home. lol. No cupboard to stuff them in, but we've started trying things at least. lol

[@ringoffire1282]

I have a problem. I have a wooden (ikea like) closet, which I think is great, because it absorbs most of the sound, but behind it is the window to the road, where the entire time I can hear loud and clear the cars passing by including the sirens that sound as if they're right in my room. by the way, I live with roommates, so, it makes it more complicated to find another solution that doesn't involve trying another room or space in the apartment.

[@CarrieRowanMusic]

Hey, great video! Your ideas for portable recording are excellent. What is the mic you are using? Thanks!

[@sdaeley17]

Thanks, Mike! I had a good chuckle watching you figure out how to secure that comforter! I had the same issue recording some pickups at my girlfriend's house! (Luckily their closet wasn't as wide as the one you were using!)

[@Quita615]

Your videos are incredibly helpful and pleasant to watch. Thank you so, so much for taking the time to share these tips with newbies like me! You're fantastic!

[@nourhanmagdi_vo]

This is really amazing! Nicely done, thank you :)

[@joshuaharrover3205]

Mr. Delgaudio, you just saved a lot of people a lot of money.

[@poalotesta7743]

I think you were using the Sennheiser 416? Great mic, but reflective interiors, do it in. I find you really have to work hard to soundproof, especially in a square, boxy room. Once its there though, its great.

[@TheNinjawizardman]

Turn Off AC, Audibly and Thermally insulate a 3x5x7 foot space with blankets and pillows, supply one body generating average temp of 98.6 degrees, stand in insulated space for upwards of one hour. I can't see how it would get hot in there. :P This is an awesome idea, by the way, I'm making plans to set up a studio area for cheaper than cheap and this makes it feel that much more attainable.

[@fedecarzoglio]

You rock Mike. One question: what headphones are those? It seems to be Audio Technica ATH-M50x or so. Thanks.

[@auburnmedicalgroup]

I love it. Thanks.

[@Stasisofseasons]

hahahaha wow, so I actually recording vocals for a song years ago in a closet like that, it was winter luckily when I was doing that but it still gets warm with all that type of stuff!

[@obliviontoobsession6359]

Excellent! Mike, you are too much! Thanks!

[@rzeka]

Dude this is great. gonna go binge watch your entire channel

[@whitneybeauford7365]

Great video! I'm at the the research stage of exploring this as a side gig so this was very helpful! Btw,Did you get the gig?

[@CybaTronikk]

Question: did he connect the mic directly to the portable recorder? Is that the source of energy to use the mic? Sorry im really nez to this stuff and im finding it very hard to comprehend at times

[@inatingting9193]

Yes, because the recorder also functions as an interface and provides phantom power to the mic. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[@KookingK]

that is so cool, i should do something with my tiny room

[@gregb7595]

actually, the reverb in the room adds authenticity to this video.

[@beautyneytiri]

wow the full beard looks even so much better on you ! x

[@unholydanger]

very good idea there !!!! i never thought of this LOL. Thanks for the tip

[@blake2697]

My rule is that the mic should be 4 inches from your face at all times. That way you can play with the volume without the mic peaking.

[@basiclawprof]

Great primer!

[@JorgeMartinez-bruy]

Amazing! What microphone is that you're using? The sound is very good! Greetings from Brazil!

[@jtoconnor1137]

I loved this, king.

[@iqcq2063]

thanks this will be helpful im trying to start doing voice over stuff and im shure ill need this

[@SentientAnomaly]

What microphone is that? SM7B?

[@henryssurfshowcase]

Yes it did make a difference, good job!..

[@cristiaanamariesaint4458]

This was fantastic, thankyou!

[@jrodriguez315]

That was pretty damned great! I love how you explained the concepts of reflection reduction. That was a big help. Thanks!

[@DarkerSideOfDawn]

I don’t have a closet.. but you are giving me ideas. I’m thinking of flipping the kids mattresses lol and I’ve got plenty of comforters :)