Acoustic Treatment for Video Studios

[@savethefails]

This is actually a really well done video. No misinformation which is typical with acoustics videos. And to all the purists touring oc703 and roxul, yes, technically it's better. BUT, it's not always the best solution for everybody based on their needs and constraints. There is 100% certainty that his studio sounds miles better than it did and it sounds better than 95% of KZbin and other video producers. His strategy for what he's doing is solid. It doesn't have to be perfect to be exceptional. Also, those talking about issues below 100hz, it's dialogue, if you're smart you're rolling off below 100 anyway. Get out of the weeds.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you for the encouragement! I hoped this video would clear some things up as many folks seemed confused by sound proofing and treatment.

[@BenjaminFreddie]

I agree. This video was exceptionally well-explained and organized. Thanks Caleb!

[@Vocalboothtogo]

Just to let everyone know, we have changed the filling of our blankets after this video was shot to 100% recycled cotton and the inside is now white. No issues when washing the blankets for colors to run through to the white side. Double the filling of normal moving blankets.

[@Ranger7Studios]

Funny, I just bought foam from Foam Factory to build a sound booth. Great company. I highly recommend them.

[@sonitjain4160]

Very nice and informative video. You can purchase High Quality Acoustic Foams from MMT Acoustix.

[@jarekstepniak]

Which the frequency can be suppression by these panels?

[@Dissolve]

NICE SHIRT!

[@vintrashbin]

wut

[@curtisjudd]

Great info, thanks for this Caleb.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

You bet Curtis!

[@EposVox]

Since I'm in an Apartment and can't do much to the walls/ceilings, I grabbed a green screen stand and attached a bunch of those foam tiles to a bedsheet and hung it from the stand. Works great, but I'm working out of a big living room - so even with 3 sections of foam tiles, that home-made foam wall, 2 big mattress liners, some other scattered foam tiles, and carpet floor, (and my shotgun mic is in one of those portable vocal booth enclosures to be extra safe) STILL having echo. lol

[@BaldevSinghRawat]

any soulutions?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Don't know how I missed this comment! Two c-stands with producers choice sound blankets might be the ticket. You could also drape a third blanket over the top of the two for a box with an open front and back. Unless you use a lot of those foam tiles with a thickness of atlas 2" you'll have a hard time hearing the difference. The sound blankets are becoming a favorite of mine. Not as sexy, but man do they work!

[@EposVox]

I've just moved into an apartment and setting up shooting space in a bedroom - a tad smaller than the living room I was in. Ordered a 6-pack of those blankets on sale/back-order, and then re-using my foam tiles. Hopefully I can make it work!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Nice man! I also ordered more. That sale is killer.

[@keiando]

I was waiting for this one fo a while... If you could show what you did in the playback room that would be nice too

[@IanBarnard]

Really helpful Caleb. Just building a new studio at the end of my garden and need to think about how to sort the acoustics.

[@BeliasLP]

you're a lifesaver. i'll try this foam and see if it fixes my problems. i have extreme reverb/echo in my streaming room because of 3 empty flat walls + an empty flat ceiling. atleast i laid down a carpet in advance.

[@TtheWriter]

What an excellent video. This helped me a lot. I've gathered a small following here on youtube and I'm getting ready to actually put some money into my studio and really up the value of what I'm doing... this really helped put a lot of sound quality stuff in perspective for me. As far as questions... given the set up that you've shown there, would you recommend having a green-screen in that environment? Or a seperate set-up all together?

[@christianjmedia]

Hi DSLR I watch your videos and I'm just looking for some critics on my own videos I do reviews also just looking for some advice on if I can improve on some areas.

[@MacherTV]

You're one of my go-to audio/video youtubers and there are not many on my list. Well done video sir 👍

[@BaconBearzz1]

I would like to treat the wall that i face in my vids but the lights and camera are close to it. I have a sony A6000 and sometimes i deal with overheating. Does this trap the heat in in any way? Id like to avoid this because when my camera overheats its the only one I have lol So waiting for it to cool down is a pain....

[@DREAD0GAMING]

This is exactly the video I needed I know that these won’t cancel noise exiting the room but it’s still adding a little mass to the inner walls that should muffle it somewhat if your room is covered in foam like you said.

[@arefeivani3636]

best video so far

[@LarsWagner]

great video to build my very first own studio, thanks a lot !

[@wescagle6154]

If you can’t afford sound blankets use moving blankets

[@lopezadventures9606]

Where I live which is in a apartment and the walls are so hollow or thin they just do not block neighbors voices or sounds , so thank you for the information on what I need to buy.

[@thisislightproductions5710]

Hey Caleb. Great video!! Have you since changed your approach to treating acoustics in your video recording studio, or is this information up to date?

[@josephineflorencevlog7192]

thanks for the great info. i love it,new friend..

[@metcalfemedia7512]

Loved the video Caleb. Are you still using a Juicedlink for your audio? Or running that mic straight to an H4N? What's the scoop?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

+Eight Design I'll have a video on my audio setup soon. I just run a Rode NTG4 to my C100.

[@jrmiah6010]

Hello, I hope this comment gets to you, I was wondering if the foam from the foam factory is toxic in any way? I purchased 48 of the 2 inch ones and installed them and I've been having a headache the past 3 days, will start airing out the room now with my window open for a few days to see if it helps. I also used 3m super 77 but I can't find anything about headaches or migraines because of it around. Thank you!

[@gamagamathegamer5295]

any update on your headaches amigo?

[@ry92ukwj]

Nothing yet...

[@filthyweeaboos5962]

He ded lol

[@dant.6364]

I would venture to say that it is about as dangerous as the foam in your living room sofa.

[@DopamineOverload]

Love your videos man, but those foam panels aren't terribly effective in home studios. Acoustic panels (roxul, owens corning 703, etc) about 4' x 2', or 4' x 18" are way, way more effective, and usually pretty cheap to make. Nice vid, but definitely look into real acoustic panels. There's nothing better. The foam panels look nice, no doubt.. but if you're serious about sound quality.... they're the way to go.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

+chriscauldermusic Thanks Chris. I've been looking into that stuff and will probably use it in future builds.

[@Oneness100]

Just about anything will absorb between 500Hz and above. A thick blanket of comforter can do the same thing with regards to 500Hz and above. The most crucial part for voice and music is between 125Hz and 500Hz, that's where the different products will differ. Roxul, OC703 was not designed to be acoustic treatment, those are designed for insulation, so I really won't even bother with either of those. I personally hate compressed fiberglass because tiny fiberglass fibers can become airborne when using as acoustic treatment and I don't wish to inhale those fibers. Do you? The different acoustic foam products (Auralex, Sonex, Acoustic Fields, etc.) have their own acoustic foam, but they are different and the result is they have a different absorption curve between 125Hz and 500Hz. If you absorb too much or too little in that frequency range, you might not get as natural of a sound as you would with another product that has a different absorption curve. So, I would try a few different foam products first to see which one you like the sound of. But none of these address low frequency absorption of 100Hz and below. For that, you need either diaphragmatic, membrane or Helmholtz Resonators. The best is diaphragmatic, especially if it's designed well and has a good fill material. Some of them can manage the low frequencies much better than another product, so you have to look at the absorption curves and most importantly, you have to look at the room measurements to find out how bad of a low frequency problem you have and where it's located. But without measurements, you are blind as to the problems you have to address.. But the thing is, first you have to identify what the application of the room is. Then you have to take measurements to see where the problems are, and then treat accordingly. For those that don't do any measurements or get advice from someone that has done measurements, then you don't know how to treat the problem.. I would first seek out at least one or two different acoustic engineers that have measured a room that's similar to yours, which will save money and time. Why measure something when it's already been measured? There are a lot of measurements that need to be taken, and it takes someone that knows how to analyze the measurement results to figure out what is needed and where. Diffusion is also important because you can get "life" out of the room without annoying slapjack echo, etc. Slapping acoustic foam isn't the answer. You'll typically need a variety of acoustic foam, diffusion and low frequency absorption in a room to address all of the problems. The most frustrating thing is people are not talking to acoustic engineers that have done measurements and can discuss the different treatment that will address specific problems in your room. Every room is different and there are several types of applications. Tracking vocals, tracking instruments, control room for mixing and mastering, or a listening room for home or home theater. Those are the primary applications and they require a different approach to treating. Then there is the biggest problem, which is low frequencies. They can mask other frequencies if you don't have them managed well, so in the case of MOST small rooms, you are going to need low frequency absorption units. Also, in the case of a control room or listening room where you have a speaker system, it's also matching the system to the room. Some people THINK they need big huge speakers, when in some rooms, they simply won't work and they create more problems. So you have to taken into consideration the speakers that are being used, etc. Yes, the design of the room in regards to sound proofing is also a consideration, as most rooms are not designed to block out low frequencies that can be produced by outside sources or prevent noise within the room from leaking out of the room that might impact others.

[@Allious131]

u must suck in ur perfection then because i had no foam and sold songs all out u dont need allot to make ur songs sound good dude grow up u dont need any of that but some foam and u know it

[@jcnash02]

You are clearly ignorant of the science involved, but congrats on selling those 10 CDs. I think I'll stick with the science used by the dozens of multi platinum studios all over the world.

[@dant.6364]

@@Oneness100 Just a small correction: Roxsul (recently rebranded to "Rockwool") is not fiberglass. Also, here is a list of sound absorption coefficients for various acoustic products. The Roxsul Rockboard and flexible batts are a fine choice for various applications. www.atsacoustics.com/page--Selecting-the-Right-Acoustic-Material--ac.html

[@bloodyduckGaming]

Could you let me know how satisfied that you are with this product now that it's been about a year?

[@WeMotivateTV]

One of the best and most straightforward videos I've seen on the subject.

[@TGVG_]

Awesome! You make awesome videos as always! Keep it up! :D

[@dslrvideoshooter]

+TheGoldenVoiceGamer Means a lot Golden Voice! Thank you for the encouragement.

[@hippy3000]

Damn that foam is cheap! Here in Europe I pay 3 times as much.

[@ry92ukwj]

YESSSSSSS! I just bought some foam and needed a good video on how to set it up! My room is super echoey!

[@HeresMo]

I can’t unhear the furnace after you mentioned it

[@tm4tare]

I have been waiting for this.Thanks for the great video

[@Monoperty]

Thank you, this is just what I was looking for. Did you not have to place any foam on the opposite wall (the wall you are facing)?

[@DigitalAshTCG]

I saw some acoustic treatment that was made out of fiberglass, like an attic, the foam panels don't contain any fiberglass do they? and good video

[@DigitalAshTCG]

also, do you do anything to acoustically treat your floor?

[@madnessbydesign1415]

The Auralex foam panels he used don't have any fiberglass in them, they're just acoustic foam. I believe Auralex does (or did) have some fiberglass tiles, but they were for drop-tile ceilings...

[@Oneness100]

No, open cell foam do NOT contain any toxic chemicals/materials. there are three brands that are to be considered. Auralex, quite common because it's easily available and cheap. But it doesn't have the best absorption coefficient curve. The others are Sonnex, expensive and still doesn't have the best absorption coefficient curve, and then there's Acoustic Fields. They probably have the best absorption coefficient curve for the smoothest and most natural quality. The most critical for mid-high range, the range between 125hz and 500hz. Most acoustic absorption materials absorb the same when it comes to 500hz and above. For diffusion, Quadratic is the best and truest form of diffusion. You can have vertical, horizontal or both. Depending on the size of the room and more importantly the APPLICATION, will dictate what type of diffusion, and placement. Then there is low frequency absorption. 3 types are applicable, but one is the most EFFECTIVE. Low Frequency absorption is for 100hz and below. They MUST be pressure activated since limp mass, Acoustic Foam, Fiberglass, etc. simply will NOT do well with low frequencies which tend to be large waves that are also omnidirectional. Mid and high frequencies act like rays that are more directional and much easier to absorb. Diaphramatic - Best, more effective, but expensive. Membrane - Not as effective and not as expensive, but it's much harder to go after 50hz and below compared to Diaphramatic. Helmholtz- Really not that effective, hard to build, takes up enormous amounts of space and are frequency specific so you'll need a LOT. Again, I would suggest checking out Acoustic Fields. they have the best I've seen and heard and I've compared the absorption coefficient curves of all of the major products on the market. They know what they are doing and can certainly be a good source of figuring out what you need, how much, and where to place it. But it isn't cheap. If you want cheap, chances are it's not as good. But more critical is figuring out what your application is and figuring out what you actually need as the usage, size room, etc. will dictate the final treatment needs. don't blindly put up treatment. It wastes time. Find someone that will help you figure that out.

[@blake2697]

I'll just stick with towels and pillows

[@yosoyballito]

Can you do a video on how to fix audio if it’s recorded on a room without sound proof of acoustics you know removing noise or hum, I have seen other videos but after watching your videos I think your explanation would be exceptional. Thanks for all your videos sharing the knowledge

[@Debtfreehomesteaders]

Caleb, Thank you so much for sharing. This is exactly what I needed to place me in the right direction for sound treatment for my DIY Studio. Awesome! Thanks. -Will

[@Lattrodon]

would it be a good idea to mount a sound blanket across a ceiling with foam along 3 walls and then hang a sound blanket as a 4th wall to sound proof my studio? it's about 12'×12' and has a desk along one wall with a small window opposite.

[@ErikNaso]

Excellent job Caleb! Best DIY i've seen in a long time. I'm in need to do this for a space at work with no budget. Learned a ton from you. HUGE thank you!!!

[@ZEUStheDJ]

Just ordered some 2" wedge foam from the foamfactory, thanks for the recommendation, pretty good price and can't wait to receive and install them!

[@Doubleodude]

Thanks man this was very helpful. I'm getting ready to move into a new work space and your timing was great. Thanks.

[@AnchorCaddie]

So...with having the foam on the back wall, then you roll out your paper background, does that make the foam on the back wall useless and now the sound bounces off the paper background? I'm very interested as I don't want the foam panels to be in my videos.

[@PeterVanKeer]

Hi Caleb, I recently got into my new office, from which I want to create some sort of co-working space. Thing is: the style is rather industrial, so placing soundblockerson the walls doesn't look nice.. Would it work as well if I'd put panels on the ceilings alone?

[@MaxxMcGeeImpactStudios]

I just did some treatment with Basotect foam in my Home Studio today, nice timing! What about fire protection? This foam usually is very easily inflammable. That could literally blow up a studio. ;)

[@markshirley01]

thanks great information - but what if you want to shoot the a white background.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

+mark shirley You could use the same materials or even better, use Owens Corning 703 fiberglass insulation and build your background. You can then stretch white fabric over the panel/panels and bam, white background.

[@arthurprsl]

want some of this ! 👊🙃

[@Rerry1000]

I'm trying to isolate a party room, in my house that's we still partying till 3hrs A.M., I'm also using the acoustic foam from arrowzoom, and is verygood, but need more, because people laughter to loud haha, is a good choice complement with this blanket? do you recommend? is effective? use them on windows and etc?

[@MikeyBizzle4Shizzle]

With a couple of your most basic tools along with some Pine-wood, Rockwool, carpet pads, fabric, and some brackets is all you need to make sound absorption pads in order to sound-proof A lot cheaper then but egg-crates of 12 for $20 a pop JS

[@sibat777]

Hi Caleb I have a question maybe an idea for a video segment for you Hopefully I haven't missed the answer on any of your previous videos I need to put a shot gun mic on my DSLR to capture sounds from the subject being filmed and to minimise other sounds in the surrounding area but I would also like to catch commentary from myself as I operate the camera Let's assume a fairly windy environment for this use case I have seen lots of very complicated solutions involving additional hardware but wondered if there was a simple and portable solution to this requirement Thanks in advance Garry

[@karan111987]

Does someone need acoustic treament in his/her youtube studio though he/she uses lavalier microphone or case is almost similar be it lavalier, shotgun, dynamic or any other microphone? Or simply...does lavalier microphone grab less echo compare to any other microphone? Thanks

[@memphisreines]

Is this stuff works both ways? Preventing sound from coming in and out? Please advise us me and my girl about to buy a whole bunch of this stuff because of a noisy loud very loud annoying neighbor. If we put this stuff on the wall from the side of the noise will this foam make it a lot quiet to the point that will become whispers of them, please we are tired of late nights sleeps. Will this work if I cover the whole wall.?

[@arntruneflekstad5164]

Quick (and perhaps strange) question: do these foam squares come in packages that are compact so they compressed together shippingwise? And are the blankets heavy? Reason im asking is that i concidering ordering and having these shipped abroad, and need to know if they are either heavy or take up alot of space.

[@lloyd76oswald]

I always use headphones for playback when I edit my audio, but they made a huge difference for recording.

[@solomonyap9085]

hi Caleb thank you for all your videos I always watch you videos almost every night. I have learned a lot from you thank you so much please let me know how to keep in touch with you thanks again

[@codyhelgeson3481]

What do you think about thick moving blankets instead of the sound blankets?

[@pocketorigin]

In the older video that you showed, skin tone is also different from your current setup. Do you do color grading on newer videos? Sorry if this question is not audio related.

[@kykypenn]

I’m confused on what I need because I don’t think my room echos it just picks up a lot of noise bc I have a condenser mic. Will this reduce some of that or stop it

[@ashleesayles2032]

Super helpful video. Thanks!

[@jorgelechugaamelco]

Very good information! What kind of camera did you use to make this video?

[@dennisg69]

Thought I read somewhere that shotgun mics are no good for in-doors... Cardioid or omni is better, iirc. Edit: confirmed - hyper- or supercardioid preferred for indoor boom mic. Reason is the way the rear lobe of the shotgun pattern handles reflections, so with your acoustic treatment, it may be a non-issue.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

+Dennis I'm sure that is true, but I like how focus the pickup pattern is.

[@MaxxMcGeeImpactStudios]

+DSLR Video Shooter Yes, the interference tube of the mic picks up the echo from the walls and that is bad. Outdoors, in very big rooms and in your place there are no such reflections.

[@mekzema1]

what do u suggest for studio room? i bought acoustics foam my window is near the street how can i cover that from noise coming inside ? also my monitors are facing that same window

[@MichaelVettas]

awesome Caleb, I just started treatment to a spare room in my house, the room looks so damn cool now hahaha

[@המכונהשבאופנוע]

great video thanks

[@Nobody95008]

i have a 10" by 11" bedroom do i need to treat my room from top 2 bottom

[@b0tnia]

bad you have no idea how panels work

[@stoneddj420]

very informative video. nice job.

[@TheBency]

Thanks for the video. I learned some useful info.

[@jarekstepniak]

What frequencies do these panels operate on?

[@thursdayvi4591]

Thank you so much! This helped me find some cheap foam for my room!

[@Tech4YourNeeds]

Great video!

[@ApertureApex]

Who else read: Autistic treament ?

[@flashcardpro3394]

What are liquid nails

[@dslrvideoshooter]

+FlashCardProductions It is glue used with a caulk gun. Here is a link: amzn.to/1XnRxVf you can also find it at big box home improvement stores. Bonds almost anything to anything.

[@prithvisingh4479]

will it work for recording songs?

[@banamalik4080]

What is the thickness of these panels?

[@PhilippeHeller]

Thank you! Great info.

[@DougGrinbergs]

1:30 good example of after/before/after

[@en5001]

Pls do one of your editing studio

[@ksullivangti]

Finally!! someone has explained this to me so i can actually understand! thank you thank you!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

+The Bearded Vapor Show Happy to help!

[@Daberkstudios]

Great vid! :)

[@mekzema1]

great explanation

[@hengxiaoluan8327]

So do Acoustic foam have soundproof effect?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

No they do not. Unfortunately most companies market them as "sound proof panels" which is just not true. The won't stop sound from entering, but they will alter the sound in a space.

[@hengxiaoluan8327]

+DSLR Video Shooter So the panels makes sound more audible rather than soundproofing,Thanks

[@dslrvideoshooter]

The panels stop sound from bouncing around the room. If you have a lot of echo or reverb in a space, acoustic absorbers are what you want.

[@NathanMooreIBN]

I am totally doing this. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Nathan! Totally worth it. Best thing I've done for my sound since I started making videos.

[@thatsaloadofcrap]

very cool , this is the next project on my list. I'd be converting what used to be a very nice room that wood floor comma so I like your idea about the foam board to keep it temporary. do you have any advice about what to use on a wood floor ? I'm assuming just a rug would do wonders to help things

[@dslrvideoshooter]

You can't go wrong with a run. I just bought a shop rolled up rug from Lowes. Very thin and does a nice job keeping reflections down. Not to mention protecting that wood floor from stands!

[@mad0214]

Awesome tips. My brother and I built out a room in our garage because he has a music academy and he wants to use it to record, and I figured I'd get some use out of it too. He built these boxes based on something he read on a site, and with some foam material from Lowes, but I'm thinking we may need to order some wedges as well. Loved seeing it in practice.

[@MaxxMcGeeImpactStudios]

+Michael De Leon Pay attention to the amount of absorption based on the frequencies! I think those boxes may be bass traps, that's good. Especially for music purposes it's not easy to do the treatment and with thin foam you get rid of too much high frequencies. You can overdo that quickly.

[@orestesdd]

How about having an acoustic treatment in a small square room with a closet and, of course a door for a home theater room? Question, is it necessary to add acoustic treatment to the ceiling of the room for just a home theater room? Thank you kindly for your video.

[@jcnash02]

Yes, but not that much material. There's a trick called the mirror trick. It will show you where the reflections are. Google it.

[@metalhead7220]

somehow i want soundproof foam but i don't know brand i want. does anyone know any good ones?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Acoustic wedge foam is not what you want. The best way to soundproof is to open up walls and insulate well, then use double dry wall with something call "green glue" and use resilient channel between drywall layers. BUT if you don't want to do that (understandable) the Producers Choice Sound Blankets are your best bet. Try to double them up for a better effect: www.vocalboothtogo.com/product-category/acoustic-sound-blankets-for-sound-absorption-producers-choice/

[@memphisreines]

Is anyone going to answer my questions? Or is this one of those channels that don't give a shit about people asking for helpful answers?