Do those Eyeball thingies work??

Alctron PF8 Filter (ebay affiliate link) - goo.gl/OTV6yN
Example Moving blankets: geni.us/kgQzHx (Amazon)
PVC Furniture fittings: geni.us/a5gch3h (Amazon)
(amazon affiliate links)
For more Home studio equipment options check out kit.co/mikedelgaudio
There you'll find options for home studio setups at a variety of different budgets.
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Links to amazon and kit.com may include affiliate codes in which I earn a small commission on products you purchase. . Thanks!

[@mkaythtscool]

You're like a mix between Zach Galfianakis and Mark Hamill. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@b3naqua]

omg I had the exact same thought lol

[@Hangs4Fun]

@@b3naqua same... lol....

[@Hangs4Fun]

"Use the force Zach... eh hmm, I mean, use the force Luke"... lmao

[@djwheels66]

That is the perfect example!! Yes!! He truly is!!

[@Writtenmirror]

I can't unsee this lol

[@Awesome4lec]

Dude I just wanna say that I've learned so much from you. Keep up the great videos!!

[@BoothJunkie]

Thank you!

[@andrewinman1687]

Name one context in every day life where echo doesn't exist. This guy is overthinking the need to get rid of echo. It just needs to be reduced. Not eliminated.

[@salahben2350]

When I watch your videos, feel like I'm hanging with a VO coach for free. Thank you very much sir! keep it up!

[@mageprostudios4334]

Thank you for covering this! You even included the Rode NT1-A. I put on together from an 8" thick foam ball with just enough clearance (about 1") in a rough, as opposed to smooth cut. It sounded very flat for the first month. after that, it started sounding boxy. This way inside my 5x5 WhisperRoom.

[@jasonstahl73]

That blanket wall helped my setup a lot. I had the PVC from building drone racing gates and draped a couple of blankets over the frame and some curtains on the walls behind my computer and it seemed to eliminate the echo. I use Adobe Audition to clear up the room noise with the adaptive noise removal effect.

[@utubewillyman]

Well, I didn't hear the plane than landed in your driveway at 6:29, so that's something.

[@BangaBandanaz]

😂😂

[@IndiSimpsonRomero]

7:09 passes by again

[@SuzanneDesign]

Now that you mention it, I see lots of planes. Crazy. 😂

[@basedbari6680]

Hahaha

[@swampdweller]

this was a great video. Very informative, Very rare to find someone who will take the time to really hash out the details of the product. Thanks for the solid review.

[@MasterGamingVR]

I was watching these to figure out how to build something to hang moving blankets on. PVC never crossed my mind. Thank you!

[@Kimcam2007]

Mike, LOVE!!! your videos...for weeks I've brainstorm on building a portable sound booth, but nothing really caught my eye....then all of the sudden you put together some PVC and I was floored. I'm getting started on it....like today...wish me luck. Thank you for your sincere reviews and ideas.

[@thedronedownunder3919]

Late to the party as a noob down in Australia, but I've learned more from your videos than the anyone else out there. Thank you for making the time for all of us!

[@jackspring7709]

Thank you. You have answered every single question I wanted to ask about this thing, even down to if it would fit on a mic and shock mount. Major kudos.

[@walterwilliams1323]

Before I bought my booth, I got an SM Pro Audio Mic Thing (reflector) and then I added the genuine Kaotica and it worked pretty well on my NT1-A and then added some acoustic treatment on the walls. Still thank goodness for my Sound Proof Booth. But at least it's a cheap alternative as you build your VO business. Great for a starter kit. Keep up the great work.

[@3ngi_n33r]

I have a kaotica. A client gave it to me years ago. It works great if your room isn’t treated. It might work pretty decent outside. I used to track in my voice over booth. Lately I’ve favored putting people in the live room and using one of those half moon sorta shaped gobos. Great video!

[@MrVGfanatic]

This is Awesome! I have been watching these make-shift vocal booth videos thinking, "there must be a cheap and easy way to put up some walls and hang some blankets/cushion over them." Great Idea!

[@Ramesh_Muthusamy]

I am a huge fan of your work Mike. Your generosity is inspiring.

[@howdy000]

I couldn't make one myself, so I bought one on ebay for $35 and just added another layer of foam to it. Except for the bottom...really helped! Would highly recommend it

[@rommie4770]

Thank you for doing this tutorial. You have educated me on the use of audio filters. Great job

[@volanskyeful]

Wow, I just learned about these a couple days ago and was about to write you an email! It looks like the "eyeball things" certainly are not a cure all but I could see how it could save some newbies (such as myself) some money when starting out. Thanks for the videos!!

[@iplayfhorn]

Great video! The Lowe's in my area has those 3-way elbows as well.

[@TechLineHD]

Thank you for another great video!

[@35milesoflead]

I bought a few of these "eyeball" things recently. Going to follow your idea of a portable booth though. I have a live end/ dead end setup in my studio. Thanks for the info/ideas.

[@stevenleonmusic]

I've been using some small travel pillows that I stuffed over and around my mic by putting the pop filter's goose neck in an arch shape over the mic to hold them down and then draping a blanket over it all (basically creating a hideous, bulky version of one of these things). It's better for sure but not great. Your video has convinced me that it would make even more sense to go buy some PVC and build a mini booth with blankets ... I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner!

[@Eric-Thomure]

I have been thinking about getting one in order to travel with. I will be staying with family on a road trip and thought that it might help in addition to sitting inside the closet in their spare room! I will be taking my mixer, mic stand, xlr, and AT2020 along with a few moving blankets. Anyway, the only way to really know for sure is to test one out in those conditions! Thanks for the video!

[@skwadboss]

i just threw a thick blanket over me when i was recording. 😅😅 "acoustic treatment" looked like a singing ghost

[@fabianvasquezjr8852]

It works better than these eyeball things and cheaper, till its 100°F and you want to record that long vocal session and you pass out from heat exhaustion, no beuno!

[@skwadboss]

@@fabianvasquezjr8852 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jwillwork3683]

i do that w a reflection filter a aston stealth dynamic and a pop filter lol overkill

[@jackedkerouac4414]

I'm trying this lol

[@newtothismu]

This deserves so much more than the one like that I get to give you for it! Thank-you Mike for all the value & the sharing! We feel like you really care for us watchers ;)!

[@EdBradyPastorEd]

THANKS for the help for people on a budget. Well done. Ed

[@andrewinman1687]

What people forget is that reflections are not always bad. If you have seen professional vocal studios you know there are a series of wood panels between the sound absorbing panels. It's not about getting rid of the echo. It's about controlling it.

[@Cameron_Vaughn]

For those in a bed room would you recommend one of these “eye balls” because I 1000% agree with your statement but those without that environment would you recommend these?

[@andrewinman1687]

@@Cameron_Vaughn I would not because it only compresses your voice. If you are in an enclosed room, put your microphone next to a place that the sound can escape in but not return. For instance, next to a door thats slightly opened. Or a panel above your head that has space between it and the wall. This keeps sound from bouncing back down.

[@andrewinman1687]

@@Cameron_Vaughn the problem with the kaotica eyeball is that it only kills the high ends of your voice and increases the bass. Plus, it's overpriced

[@Cameron_Vaughn]

@@andrewinman1687 I figured that was the case thank you very much for the input.

[@BradyA1124]

Ironclad principles: 1) the tone is in the cone (nice speakers) 2) the magic's in the middle (EQ'd well) 3) floor reflections are mandatory

[@shan5445]

I like the Icocubes as they protect your microphone, therefore, prolonging its life also I think it makes your voice sound fuller rounder and better to manage in a mix. So I'm all good with it.

[@Hassy]

Thank you Booth Junkie, great attitude. One love. Hassy

[@thepituk]

I made my own reflection filter out of the foam that came with the mic, works well for a quick and simple reflection filter and cuts a lot of the noise from cars passing outside me apartment. Costs nothing, the top foam from the box that the mic came in, packing string (which I had laying around from a delivery) and a pair of scissors to cut the string to length. Looks ugly but works! No one sees it as I’m internet radio only lol. I have a old winter quilt under my green screen behind me as a reflection filter works well too for me. Just some ideas for a low budget studio! I forgot to say buying some cheap foam off cuts from a foam shop and cutting it with angles as to look like the real sound proofing and sticking it to the ceiling is another cheap way of sound proofing the studio area. I live in England and can get square pieces of foam for about 50p (69cents) from my local foam store and it’s about 3-5cm thick and 30-50cm squares,

[@danboud8135]

Mike, this needs to be a theme; for every vid that you don't bump a mic, Luca needs to make an appearance. Love your content

[@Writtenmirror]

Bass traps in the corners and you're good to go my guy! Amazing make shift booth

[@idontwantachannelimjustcom7745]

When you do things like this, can you put the noise floor in the lower corner or something? It's a numerical measurement vs the subjectivity of reverb, etc. As a thought. You could clap, then measure the length of time of the sound and compare it to your booth...

[@carlosmaranhao5637]

ótimo Review e essa dica dos canos é perfeita, vou utilizar essa forma...

[@AdamSalaah]

Thinking about the DIY option for the kaotica. Great video!

[@laudaaren6293]

Hello. Thanks fot this video. I bought this Alctron and it works... now you give me a great idea... making a cabine for vocal record with PVC... :)

[@Architectureguy]

This is great information! I watched a video recently by Redd Pepper and he said he doesn't use foam or p stoppers because they cut some of the high frequency, and I believe I noticed that when you put the "eyeball" on.

[@ernststravoblofeld]

It looks like the ceiling is going to be more reflective than the walls. If that frame went overhead, I bet it would be pretty good.

[@monkeysuncle2816]

Yes, and you could also make the frames taller, measuring just a couple inches shorter than the ceiling height.

[@emilianovaldemarca1662]

Hi your vids are awesome. Seen dozen of them and help me out a lot, thanks! Cheers from Italy

[@BunkerAudioPanama]

I feel the first review had more room Verb but up close it clearly makes a significant difference and gives us enough info to evaluate. The acoustic treatment didn't make that much if a difference because your first reflections will come from your roof but putting a roof blanket probably would have made a significant difference. This toy is actually pretty decent. Great review and thanks for sharing!!!!

[@SupernovaSun77]

The eyeball works really well you just have to eq the lows de-ess and comp your done with that vocal.

[@jbeatrizzz9088]

I have a booth in my room and with this added it will be amazing

[@producedbykhireyakeem4340]

I just bought one, is it worth it?

[@jbeatrizzz9088]

Produced By Khirey Akeem it totally works perfect for me. I have a recording booth and when I added this it makes it even better.

[@ElyseMillerMusicOfficial]

Appreciating your videos. Thank you!

[@igrvasil]

Thanks a million, man! Well done!

[@GregAtlas]

I'd have the foam half that size and wrap the back and the sides with fiberglass since fiberglass makes a nice sound shield.

[@billyrocca9029]

It kinda works, but muffles the sound and as you come really close it boosts the low end freq like crazy!

[@impasta899]

I just received my Alctron reflection filter foam last week. For Vocals, the Alctron works like magic. This is the real great essential for a home studio setup. Rather than using the large reflection filters etc. Great value for money product and the results are so evident in final mix than in Raw track. For anyone complaining about the dullness, maybe it's due to Pop filter. Since the vocals gets recorded so clean, the total result can be adjusted by slight EQ and compressor.

[@ItsSyer]

Where should I start equing with this on the microphone.

[@Writtenmirror]

Great video, great voice, great advice.

[@merwynmathew]

That Blanket Cube Thingi you made with those pvc pipes were just INGENIUS ... Gosh I couldnt stop Laughing about the months I wasted working about a hack like that ... Totally enjoyed your Video ... Wow .. Amazing ... !!

[@nigawaraiotoko2]

分かりやすくて、とても参考になりました‼️(from Japan)

[@ladgrove]

I sing and do some VO. Room reflections are not really a problem for me with VO as my voice is in a lower register and I'm usually closer for proximity effect. When I sing and really belt, I get louder and higher in register and room reflections come into play more far, far more. So, I guess what I'm saying is, this probably won't make a huge difference for VO, but MIGHT make a more pronounced difference when singing. Cheers.

[@RobCmusic]

I bet that PF8 would work well around a mic on an electric guitar cab where you have to record at a low volume and you don't want the mic to pick up the strumming of the strings acoustically.

[@MagivaIT]

a proper explanation, many thanks

[@bigbanksvisuals9071]

Great idea with the pvc 💯👊🏿

[@narratives568]

My microphone is attached to the scissor arm on a table and I use my mic stand for blankets, I angle stand arm horizontally so I can put blanket over it, I am even considering buying one more mic stand so I can put some more blankets. Also just got this thing, at least it wont make my sound worse I hope

[@jjunior76]

Very informative video! Thank you!

[@adammalekos3788]

dope, honest review

[@JiovanniCintron]

Great title. Literally what I was thinking

[@Nathankaye]

You're right. I can definitely hear the reflections with that eyeball, even after the makeshift treatments. You'd probably need to put something more firm directly around the eyeball foam, like perhaps a soccer ball, to make it attenuate reflections better, but still, some form of decent acoustic treatment is needed. Thanks for the video...

[@music_cult7165]

I'm not going to lie to you it made a difference I use it with the MXL 770 In my bedroom that's not treated don't get me wrong I use a behringer uv1 channel strip audio interface and I'm using compression and gate and Desser so that contributes to the sound being clean but as far as room reverb I get less I plan on getting one of those foam wind screens for the 770 then I'm gonna put that fake eye ball on it lol 😅 👍 might get one of those shield portable booths to help

[@MrWricks01]

Major congrats on the 10K subs. I would suggest 1.25 inch PVC pipe. A little more expensive but makes my "cage" a lot more stable.

[@BoothJunkie]

Great to know!

[@sidrat2000]

Excellent added comment! (But yes, the more you can spend for heavy duty or higher quality material is (usually) always better.)

[@RadicalCapitol]

I literally can't go a day without listening to you and thinking you sound like Andy Field

[@AANasseh]

Hi Mike. Love your videos! Can you settle if moving blankets are the exact same sound proofing as the more expensive sound blankets, that look almost identical but the manufacturers claim have different stitching and are therefor significantly more superior?!!! Would love to hear your take and hopefully save some money instead of the more expensive blankets! Thanks! :)

[@RenoirLeMiersGreatBeginnings]

This is amazing thanks

[@con2rito]

Thanks bro👍👍 great demo

[@arisaragih5396]

I love your idea

[@FilmmakerJ]

I tried making a box out of sound foam that sat around my table-top mix stand, and it did absolutely nothing. There wasn't even an iota of discernible difference. But, I will be taking up that example you showed in another video of placing your mix in front of a closet, because I was actually thinking about that possibility already. It's the one thing in my room that can absorb sound. And with a blanket across the back of me hanging on a room divider, that should highly reduce any reflections.

[@robertmedina3982]

I got a halo and now because of your comment. I’m going to make a floating box around the halo! Thanks for your comment.

[@asdfzxcvqwerasdf]

This looks perfect for a mic on a computer. I computer game with friends and my problem is the Mic picking up mechanical keyboard sounds directly behind even the cardioid pattern. could you perhaps do some tests with this and loud typing behind it? Even if you don't make a video of it and could reply with what you find in noise reduction that would be awesome.

[@SassySilverSisters]

Thanks for the info!

[@kjmusic2541]

The Aston Halo is meant to be pretty good, but is expensive. I think when you were on axis, the room was not that evident. The pop filter was probably altering tone, as all but a few are transparent. I use the Rycote one that is meant to be totally transparent.

[@AUPackmule]

Thanks Mike. I just got my E100s from Massdrop. Im doing an unboxing video and will give you a shoot out.

[@BoothJunkie]

Looking forward to seeing that!

[@OddHenry]

Hey Mike. I also just got my E100s from Massdrop (Thank you for great tip!). However, I think my mic has the same issue with self noise as yours did, prior to being fixed a second time. I am about to send it back to CAD (from Norway, mind you) in hopes of getting it fixed. I am using your videos as reference, so that they dont send back to me like they did you, a "repaired" microphone. Anyway, I can hear from the mic (albeit the noise) that my voice sounds great, and I am sooooo looking forward to using this in the future. Also, I love you videos. PS: Anyone else with the same issue as me from this Massdrop?

[@AzrallDRG]

I found that the "eyeballs" dull the sound a little. Having build my own booth has made an incredible difference. But like you've said, great for portability though. But nothing beats a shiny booth! ;) Thanks for the awesome videos.

[@brennendehexe7934]

Only one solution: poke out the "eyeballs" 😂

[@fiveslashfortyeight]

Great voice for voice-over!

[@conflictortiz8906]

It's worth it trust me it makes a big difference when I mixed and master my music my quality is way better a Lil difference always makes a big difference

[@robertmedina3982]

Booth Junkie takes what little what we got to make it work. So I’ll start recording any day now. Thank you.

[@TaylorHudson]

Love the channel! My buddy bought the expensive Kaotica version, and let me borrow it for some testing. While I find it gives some focus to the sound, it doesn't do much for reflections. I built a DIY, very ghetto looking knockoff with about $5 of scrap foam, and some spray adhesive.

[@AdrianoBortoleto]

Hi man!!! I really like you point of view to "do it yourself". I record at home and I have no dedicated room to do it. My Living room is big and tall, so I have a lot of reverb and refractions. When I have to record more "professionally" I have to record in front of my wardrobe, almost inside it :) I found a similar filter, from Germany and it has a good price here (around 55 dollars) the name is: NOWSONIC Isolator. I am thinking to buy this, but I am pretty sure this won't help too much. I am just tired because I have no extra room to do it, and I don't want to set up a huge thing in front and behind me. Keep doing this amazing job. Thanks

[@albertgrindstein9754]

For the price of the original one, you could likely just build a small booth.

[@-corradoraeli7980]

I agree way too expensive for a round peice of foam.

[@Writtenmirror]

Right!

[@punkyagogo]

I got the Alctron PF8 for $18 and I got it around the same time he did. It usually goes for around $20; Mike got a bit unlucky. As for the Kaotica, I can’t imagine spending $200 for a piece of foam lol

[@LetsFightCrohns]

I believe the kaotica is the final peice to your studio to make it the most cruel vocals

[@campar1043]

@@punkyagogo do u like it?

[@GarrettXPrime]

ive learend alot from your videos thankyou

[@markmatzell]

I've learned a lot from you and have purchased a Zoom. Using an upstairs walk in closet with hanging clothes and egg crate matress toppers to fill in the gaps. Who nees a whisper room??

[@wbuttry1]

heck with all that I'm going to build a whisper room either 4x4 or 4x5 not decided yet I need it big enough to put my mic stand and copy holder or a monitor I could bolt to the wall and I need a stool in there to set I read better and clearer setting down.

[@lostheartmega5388]

Awesome video you rock man!

[@Bravogastrobar]

Great Dear Friend , thanks for the great videos , they helps a lot !

[@CynDaVaz]

In the beginning/initial listen, it definitely doesn't seem to help too much with reverb. Glad I never spent the money on something like the original.

[@michaelnichols9946]

Hey Mike, this video really helped illustrate a concept. In the future, could you maybe show how to acoustic treat a medium sized room for a two person podcast? I know your channel is home studio voice over, but some of the concepts I find to be very similar to podcasting. It would be much appreciated, and I can also supply more information if you need it.

[@CzornyLisek]

Podcast/radio rooms are much closer to "normal" studio recording rooms. they don't seem to be death, rather each have own characteristic and there is shitload of compression and EQ of(on) sound. s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/23/1d/48/231d48fac564b1eae8fc8d381af6085f.jpg

[@occupynow99]

It DEFINITELY works when you are very close to it like you're supposed to be.

[@tiaci6492]

hi, does it fit for lewitt lct240 ?

[@mageprostudios4334]

There WAS some attenuation! I took an 8" foam (not sealed on the outside like a kids ball), gouged out an area (not smooth at all!) and a hole in the bottom for the Rode NT1-A. It actually worked well for about a month. Then, the properties of the foam began to change (temp and humidity remained constant). Recordings began to sound more boxed in. So, maybe there is something about the quality or treatment of the foam. Maybe it is something to do with the way the foam is cut. Is it worth $200? I might pay $60 at the most.

[@michaelrobinett6128]

Would making the moving blankets go higher cut down on some of the reverb? I wonder how much is coming off the ceiling behind you.

[@TruthDefender]

this foam is to reduce the noise from the back (fan in laptop/led lights) and not echo from the front!

[@MagicCyclops]

I would like to note if the mic was pointed away from the vent instead of at it would help as well.

[@flobot5]

Hey, it's magic cyclops! Whadup dood it's Jonny 5 from Flobots.

[@omentol]

Hi, in your opinion, between these type of Eyeball and PORTABLE ISOLATION BOOTHS / REFLECTION FILTERS, which one performs best? Thanks

[@Amanet13]

I guess it works pretty good

[@nachocabrera]

Sounds better but not absolutely professional. Great video! Thanx Mike :)

[@MrAtsyhere]

You just saved me the price of a MISTAKE. Next time your in Canada the Coffee is on me.

[@BiscuitTime420]

With the blankets and when u move back it’s rly a big difference

[@TheDevilwolf78]

Would the alktron and blanket walls be ideal used as part of a set up on front of a small closet lined with acoustic foam?

[@buschdogg]

I could listen to your voice talk about anything and it would sound good.

[@thestubbingfamily9399]

I get a decent sound by keeping gain low and getting as close to the mic as I can without clipping

[@tdoto]

then you lose tonal balance by introducing an overly bassy proximity effect

[@JBoy340a]

As always, great video. I am setting a new office and need to set up a recoding space for training videos. The structural PVC and blankets looks like a good way to get started. Do movable panels work better?

[@bigpapadrew]

i'm buying two cheap single-rail clothes racks - stronger and the convenience of wheels :D

[@glenhagerman3114]

I ordered one