DIY Voice-Over Booth (When you can't afford a whisperroom!)

When you can't afford a #whisperroom you build a Voice-over booth from scratch, and you OVERBUILD! material and tool list below! also no children where harmed in the making of this booth!
I'm a #audiobook #narrator and we just bought our first home. this means I needed a new booth and could finally get my dream booth... problem is, I, like many couldn't afford an 8-12 thousand dollar whisper room... so I set out with a budget of 600 dollars and spent around 800... You can too! Maybe?!?!?! I'm not saying do as I do, i'm no professional carpenter NOR am I a master booth builder... BUT MAN OH MAN! I do love my new booth!
Materials list:(what i used)
Home Depot / Lowes / Harbor Freight
25ea 2x4 studs
6 sheets 1/2" MDF
3 packs of fire/sound insulation
12'x24' outdoor/commercial carpet
5 ea. Sound/Moving Blankets
1 sheet Laminated pine (desk)
6 sheets 5/8 sheetrock
4 sheets 1" closed cell foam insulation panel
96 count 2" acoustic foam from foambymail.com
(base trap I had previously, it's a 12" wide by 12" deep corner base trap)
Minimum tools needed:
razor blade
staple gun / staples (I used an electric staple gun)
finishing nails and hammer (I used a brad nailer)
hand saw (I used table saw and circular saw)
cordless or corded drill
All music in this video is from the free youtube audio library.
Follow me on
Facebook @KCJohnstonCreates
Twiter @KCJohnstonReads
Insta KCJohnstonCreates
Check out my latest audiobook here: tinyurl.com/KCJAudible
#boothbuild #vobooth #voice-over #voiceover #booth #audible #audiobooks

[@JosephAlanMeador]

This is one of the best booth builds I've seen, great work! Thank you for documenting the process, it's inspiring.

[@MythiKCole]

Greatly appreciated!

[@1983electric]

Your wife is awesome for letting you do that.

[@MythiKCole]

1983electric she’s awesome for that and so many other reasons! 🤷‍♂️🤓

[@wiseonwords]

@1983electric - Well, seeing as it's likely that this is what brings home the bacon, it makes sense that she would "let him do that." LOL!

[@ChinchillaBONK]

Underrated comment

[@HarleyTaylorVO]

This is genuinely a nice set up! I just started, already spent around $600 going the "cheap" route with PVC pipes and moving blankets, then adding insulation foam boarding...still not happy although it's serviceable for now. Definitely saving this one to come back to after I start making some money! (Hopefully that will be this year!) Thanks for documenting your process and giving us some inspiration =)

[@MythiKCole]

yeh i spent 6-800 on this setup, but that was before the inflation of the past 5 years or so! happy reading!

[@xbakero4363]

Dude, not fair! You got 4 adorable helpers. 😄

[@MythiKCole]

xBakero hahaha! Yeh! Was a lot of fun doing it with them watching and helping where they could!

[@innercynic2784]

For someone who claims to not be a carpenter you did a very good job.

[@MythiKCole]

Inner Cynic thanks! I would say that I’m handy and do a good bit of woodworking but am not a master woodworker/craftsman... I believe in building things when you can! Really appreciate the kind words!

[@ravenshadevox]

Hands down the nicest DIY VO booth I have seen to date! Cheers!!!!!

[@MythiKCole]

greatly appreciate that! thanks!

[@billyjones337]

What a great video man. Awesome looking booth. Just as well you had some great assistance from your handy helper...Brilliant job dude!!!

[@everastwolf8259]

Friends never saaaaaay gooooodbye! U da god!

[@50FTY]

Cute Kids of your really helped you complete this,,,,, awesome work!!!!

[@spenbay]

KC, that was so much fun to watch (your girls are SO CUTE), and super helpful for a budding audiobook VO artist. Inspired!!!

[@stoneroofstudios4700]

wow... just wow what an incredible build. Thanks for making this video, I love the material you used on the outside of the booth. Really makes it not stick out like a sore thumb in your room.

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks so much! Really and genuinely appreciate that and glad you enjoyed it. Feel free to share with friends!

[@justscooters9821]

Best video I've seen thus far and he literally made the door! God Bless you and your family!

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks so much! And may he bless you and yours as well!

[@CinemaReviewBangla]

😂honestly to say, your job was fantastic but what made me bound to comment is, your children, omg, they are soooo cute 😘😘😘🥰😃😍😍😍 little angels 😘😘☺☺☺😚😚, my love for them😇😇

[@AshleyHauser]

This is beautiful, I'm so impressed! And your dogs are the cutest!

[@RensinkRamblings]

This is great. Thanks for sharing!!

[@dahsshad]

This is absolutely beautiful!! Great build and a beautiful family! ^_^ I'm on a super budget, so I'll use the base of this build and upgrade to the full thing in the future! Thanks!!

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks for the kind words and truly hope it helps! Good luck on your build!

[@jasper_north]

bought myself a $100 Gazebo / Pergola (200cm x 200cm) and placed it in my basement on a noise absorbing rug. I left the outside "walls" off and placed moving blankets on all five sides. Got myself a 10M led strip for the inside and some bass traps in the corners and foam on the inside off the blankets. Super easy set-up for recording with my D18 and singing at the same time straight into my iPhone using the Roland Go Pro mix. Call me cheap but I just love my little "tent" inside my basement. Nice and cozy. Love your channel man!!

[@chicano992]

Your video is great, I'm 17 and I'm going to try taking on this project

[@MythiKCole]

That's awesome! Good luck, take your time and learn from my mistakes.

[@suspect8515]

Chicano same but I’m 15 and converting a shed into a full studio 😂

[@ggbbigmike8520]

@@suspect8515 how'd it turn out?

[@suspect8515]

@@ggbbigmike8520 surprisingly, it turned out better than expected.

[@ggbbigmike8520]

@@suspect8515 ay thats whats up, I've been thinking about doing sumthin similar but haven't planned it out yet

[@grant1066]

Brilliant work my friend, look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

[@DarylOgalino]

Such craftsmanship! It kinda looks like it could be a upscale sauna room from the exterior! love it!

[@MythiKCole]

Daryl Ogalino thanks so much!

[@barrybjerke9353]

.... very much liked your dog introduction...they run the show...and I'm alright with that !

[@MythiKCole]

100% correct

[@franzitaduz]

Oh my heavens, not only did you inspire me, but I had the best laugh of the week with that ceiling plate. I am forever grateful. Tomorrow I am tarting a temporary booth with accoustic foam rubber, and carpet leftover like your accoustic panels. I now know that the staple gun will work, and how to set up and would probaby get the same reaction if i did a video as I am doing it myself. Bless you and your adorable family in your home.....

[@clydeworld3821]

shoutout to those kids being your biggest supporters.. wholesome video dude

[@MythiKCole]

They truly are! Thank you!

[@theeclecticreader5657]

Love the advisory committee at 9:58! Can't do a right job without supervisors.

[@jakestagg]

Dude sick!!

[@MelodyYoung]

That booth is super cool. Good job!

[@Hany_ElNaggar]

one of the best booth builds I've seen, great work

[@iceberg220]

Wow! Best video ever, on the subject; just for the fact that you made your own door, that’s talent! I have a challenge, exploring all the choices I have and your video came just in time; I have a large den I’ll be using as a home studio and I can do it all with the instruments, including electronic drums, without having to worry about soundproofing, but of course, along come the mics and I’ll have to accommodate an occasional acoustic drum set so mine will have to be much bigger; thanks for making this available!

[@MythiKCole]

awesome! Also remember to make it taller for vocals and normal height people! I cut my studs down, but i'm only 5'6" and i sit to narrate! Thanks for the compliments, glad you enjoyed it and hope you'll check out some of the other videos i have up. plenty more in 2020!

[@juliusway]

Beautiful! Amazing project well done. I will take inspiration soon I hope...

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GIDVOX]

Dude. Outstanding. Hats off!

[@MythiKCole]

GIDVOX greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[@tegaethan]

it's so beautiful and this video is great...

[@christianpolytechnique7404]

Wow! Really nice work there.I love it.

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks so much, greatly appreciate it, feel free to share with your friends.

[@DeadAmore]

Great job. I wish I could make a soundproof box like that👍☕

[@imnotgonnasay3612]

Outstanding! I’m going to try to do this with a bunk bed frame (luckily, I’m short). It’s what I’m currently using but it needs more soundproofing! Thanks for sharing and giving me some great ideas!

[@veganvocalist4782]

ohhhhh ;D Love that idea

[@DCXProductions]

Great job man. Love the DIY approach!

[@MythiKCole]

DCX Productions thanks! Really appreciate it!

[@2chi2talk]

this is amazing

[@mwroberts]

Very nicely done. Thanks for the video.

[@MythiKCole]

thank you kindly!

[@greggyd321]

Outstanding work!

[@MythiKCole]

thanks so much! glad you enjoyed!

[@tcat9709]

Awesome and truly helpful, thank you!

[@MythiKCole]

Thank you for the feedback! glad you enjoyed!

[@preservationpluspina2784]

nice video thanks cute kids ...looks a lot of fun

[@MythiKCole]

Preservation Plus Pina thanks! More coming soon!

[@OfficialSameerSingh]

So sweet family 👌💖

[@HiMyNamesTrill]

Just came across your channel and honestly love the character and personality !!! keep it up very help full video thank you

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks so much! greatly appreciate it!

[@shironhun]

You did a great job, it looks fantastic!

[@MythiKCole]

sorry for the delayed reply! Thank you! greatly appreciate it!

[@TemetNosce1]

He really NAILED it

[@MythiKCole]

Sure glad i didnt SCREW it up! ;)

[@joeysherrett]

Nailed it, Looks amazing!

[@MythiKCole]

Joey Sherrett appreciated!

[@CharlieMayMusic]

Great build man! Nice to see you had a couple little helpers to lend a hand!

[@MythiKCole]

thanks!

[@officialWWM]

I showed this to my wife...her response "no friggen way"! How the hell you get away with building that in your lounge room? You would make those crazy doomsday preppers very proud, lol.

[@MythiKCole]

Music Islife lol! There where stipulations and as built doesn’t ruin the aesthetic of the room lol... going to do an update video soon to show how it looks and what I’ve changed a year later soon... and... it took a lot of convincing!!!

[@officialWWM]

KC Johnston Creates well, sounds like you have a keeper! I'm looking forward to the update :)

[@MitchellFxnesse]

When I get a house I definitely want to do this in my studio!!

[@MythiKCole]

D. Rob™ yes! Do it!!!

[@JamieRamageVO]

Great! Thanks for sharing that video! I may have to follow in your footsteps on this one...

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks Jamie! hope to see how it turns out! Good luck!

[@matthewharrisparker]

Beautiful

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks so much!

[@gremasaurusrex985]

that is really exceptional work! wow! great vid!

[@MythiKCole]

Thank so much! hope you'll consider subscribing and checking out my other videos! appreciate it!

[@gremasaurusrex985]

@@MythiKCole will do man! cheers!

[@mshl114]

Ma man's nailing everywhere, everything

[@rhema.ethompson3032]

I can tell your a awesome dad! Great video!

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks so much, truly means a lot! Dadding is one of my favorite things to do!

[@Theorigamian]

A+ for an awesome project. Bonus points for having The Road to Eldorado playing in the background :)

[@MythiKCole]

Sorry for the late reply! Thanks! and yes... Road to Eldorado is sorely underrated for sure! thanks for watching!

[@counterpointify]

Truly impressive.

[@MythiKCole]

Thank you!

[@montanareacts8835]

Good job....very educative

[@MythiKCole]

Tema Montana thank you! 🙏

[@jwanyc]

Awesome!

[@MythiKCole]

Jwanyc I thank you!

[@Guratza]

amazing work

[@MythiKCole]

Thank you!

[@cypresssoundz1223]

Great job. 💪🏼

[@MythiKCole]

Cypress Soundz thanks so much!

[@MrBlaze1boy]

So I figure this may help you know a bit more. PinkShield intumescent paint is currently being used by Pinkwood Ltd. of Calgary Alberta Canada to factory coat their wood i-joists and fire rated OSB panels. The benefits provided by PinkShield (not to mention the distinct colour) eventually caught the attention of Mike Holmes who is now an advocate of PinkShield. Calgary, AB - March 14, 2012 - PinkWood Ltd. is proud to announce The Holmes Group's support of PinkWood's family of products. Mike Holmes is lending his public appeal to endorse PinkWood's factory coated i-joist, lumber and OSB. PinkShield has also been specially formulated to resist mildew growth on the paint film. Mike Holmes stated: "It also helps reduce the spread of flames in case of fire. That's smart. As a builder, it makes sense to use PinkWood." Holmes Approved Home builders provide those purchasing a Holmes Approved Home with the option of upgrading to PinkWood for their home's construction. Mike Holmes is continually working to improve the industry by raising building standards. This includes incorporating premium products into home building and renovation practices. "When we use PinkWood we build safer homes. And that's something I can stand behind."- Mike Holmes "We are very pleased to have the endorsement of Mike Holmes," stated Blair Nutting, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PinkWood. "He is a well respected contractor with a great deal of experience in solving problems that plague wood frame construction. His support will help us reach homeowners who are unaware of the problems that moisture can cause on structural wood products, both during construction and after the home is built," added Nutting. Mike Holmes is continually working to improve the industry by raising building standards. This includes incorporating premium products into home building and renovation practices. I am wondering where I can find blue prints to build my own soundproof room with a window and a door. I think you did an excellent job on yours but without knowing measurements I need to figure it all out.....LOL

[@MythiKCole]

MrBlaze1boy lol thanks for the added info and yeh sorry I didn’t use blue prints and in this case I don’t think you need too... figure out the size of the booth you want and there are great sources online for framing dimensions using 2x4s and for the ceiling... from there you can make your own!

[@linkzxvvs8163]

K

[@happyhnc]

Oh wow, I wanted my son and his dad to build one for my son. I guess there's a lot more involved with it than I thought. Great job!

[@MythiKCole]

hap27527 thank you! I went all out! It can be done in a lot less complex a manor tweaking a few things for your individual needs I’m sure! Hope it helps them in the upcoming build!!!

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

*I wanted my son and his dad* Uhhh...

[@dylanj8676]

It doesn't have to be this complicated. But you run a very serious risk of passing out from heat exhaustion and lack of oxygen if you don't have a ventilation system. Now you could just not have a door and hang a moving blanket over the entrance to kill the echo that would come from there, but then you're really losing out on the isolation.

[@tehpeasant]

You look like a man who is living is best life... nice booth

[@1DaveDownunder]

Great video/editing and great workmanship!

[@MythiKCole]

Dave Fixsen thank you! Greatly appreciated!

[@richl3312]

loved it I'm about to start

[@MythiKCole]

Awesome! Happy building and recording!

[@tegaethan]

wonderful

[@DaveLuxmore]

Awesome work!

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks so much!

[@whatabouttheearth]

I was thinking you can buy several 'Whisker Biscuits' used on archery compound bows and glue them together for a place to put the mic cable through that retains alot of sound proofing, maybe enclose them in PVC or something. A fan? Oh he went all out! This cat ain't playing. It just dawned on me you can have a monitor in a vocal booth hooked to the main computer monitor (Do HDMI splitters exist?) and use a wireless keyboard linked to the external computer to control the DAW while in the booth if recording by yourself.

[@MythiKCole]

James Lee Whisker biscuits are a great idea, as a bow hunter myself I don’t know why didn’t think of it… I just back fill the hole with access insulation so pretty much the same thing as far as results… And yes I actually have two wired keyboard into wired mouse is and I have the monitors from work one is hooked up through HDMI and the other is hooked up through a display port that way I can work outside booth and inside the booth

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

Class act ..

[@pingwaybian]

Great job! Man.

[@MythiKCole]

Pingway Bian greatly appreciated!

[@thefarmall45]

Awesome build, but in your dining room! Your wife is a definite keeper!

[@jamesharvey4817]

So sweet family project.(lol)

[@MythiKCole]

James Harvey thanks! I got good helpers!

[@laxus1532]

This is NICEEE!

[@MythiKCole]

much appreciated!

[@harmoniousmonk469]

Awesome work man!! Looks sweet

[@MythiKCole]

jamie greatly appreciated!!!

[@2126beatz]

Well done👍🏿

[@MythiKCole]

Thank you!

[@nanayjoy]

I enjoyed watching this and I might going to have something like this soon. Thanks for the inspiration. New friend here.

[@MythiKCole]

Joy Ydia thanks so much! I’m glad you found it helpful and enjoyed it! Don’t be a stranger!

[@EdTheBearsFan]

Excellent job!

[@MythiKCole]

Thanks! hope you'll check out my other build videos and random things... another video coming tomorrow!

[@EdTheBearsFan]

@@MythiKCole Will do! I'm actually about to start building my own vocal booth because I'm wanting to do narration and voiceover work. I'm glad I came across your channel! I just watched your video from 23JAN20.

[@MythiKCole]

@@EdTheBearsFan i have some talks about that with more to come on my page... Check out the one on my home screen, it's my intro video, I think you'll find some value in it! Congrats on the upcoming booth! good luck!

[@maeijbnn]

Absolute legend mate!

[@MythiKCole]

BenJCV greatly appreciated!

[@MythiKCole]

BenJCV greatly appreciated!

[@GamRrLoGicTDM]

Amazing

[@MythiKCole]

Dat Wakandan Boi thank you!

[@mciiprod]

Second time watching, you have mad skills . Great Job I hope it turned out sonically the way you hoped .

[@MythiKCole]

MCII Prod thanks so much! It did and more! 2020 I’ve set KZbin channel goals including a video on how it currently looks, if I’d do anything different and what I may have added etc...

[@fogrecordsusa7169]

@@MythiKCole Does it keep the sound out? Any materials you would swap out and do differently? I am so impressed with your work. Do you have link to any demo reels that you recorded in there. Again - thanks so much for taking the time to share this with the world. You rock!

[@MythiKCole]

@@fogrecordsusa7169 tinyurl.com/kcjaudible is the best place to go for current work... every book but salvage title (my first) has been recorded in this booth... I generally tell people, my latest work should always be my best!... (my old booth wasnt a slouch either but not like this)... if i had an increased budget, i would have built my own panels out of owens corning 703 as well as filled the walls with it... Or rather... i would have at the time... The walls are so thick, it may have become a bit too dead? I'm not sure... what i would have done though is made the door a bit longer and sealed the window better... i have sense remedied that, but that was post video... Hope that helps!

[@redmase1]

great job

[@MythiKCole]

red mase greatly appreciated!

[@mrs.y]

"Don't do it! It's not safe!" (Does it anyway) Mrs Y lawls in the face of great slapstick with drywall.

[@prajwolmelodies]

nice

[@Koolmoedeesimpson]

This is awesome should have way more views

[@MythiKCole]

michael gutierrez thank you! Feel free to share it! Would love to grow my channel! Appreciate it!

[@FyeDatUpWill]

John Smith I was about to write the exact same thing. He’s helped me tremendously by making this video. I’m a head to Home Depot tonight. I love that he put a list of supplies in the details 🙏🏼 Great Video.

[@MythiKCole]

@@FyeDatUpWill Thank you as well for the kind words! feel free to share with people! definitely trying to grow the channel ... would love to see your finished product! happy building! and then, happy recording!

[@Yogeshbairaagi]

awsome sir

[@MythiKCole]

thanks Kindly!

[@icellmobile4968]

great video

[@MythiKCole]

I Cell Mobile thank you!

[@RobbWatkins]

What about the fans and ducting? Where did n you get the fans and are the quiet? Did you add a pipe chase for running cables from outside?

[@MythiKCole]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009COAEUG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 here is the 4" fan, i used 4" insulated duct work you can get at home depot, lowes or similar pretty easily... i think it comes in 20' sections? I used a 1" hole saw to drill holes for the cabling to the fans and to the exterior cables for the monitor, keyboard, etc... and then backfilled those holes with insulation and packed it as tight as I could...

[@christophercrawford2736]

KC Johnston Creates did you get the single 80 or 120? From what I understand they’re 80mm and 120mm so I’d guess larger would be better for a room like that. Also, turn that into an amazon affiliate link so you can get a little kickback from anyone who purchases it. I definitely will use that link when I eventually try to build a room like this if I use those same fans.

[@RJWool]

This inspired me to finally make a small studio in my basement. Thank you

[@MythiKCole]

Awesome! Good luck!

[@AntowanNothling]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing. :D

[@MythiKCole]

Antowan Nothling thanks! I appreciate it!

[@RoyThe4th]

Very nice, I'm about to start my own very similar to yours however I don't expect it to look as nice as your does well done cheers.

[@MythiKCole]

Roy The 4th nice! Good luck!

[@RoyThe4th]

I am designing almost studless panels that utilize r19 insulation 2 5/8" sheets of drywall, one of the same shipping blankets you used and a sheet of osb on the exterior wrapped in carpet. My question is are you happy with the double drywall and insulation? and am I over thinking it? I do plan on using the blankets and acoustic tiles on the inside for the acoustic dampening I'm mainly asking about the framed walls.

[@MythiKCole]

Very happy... I actually did drywall exterior then mdf interior and put carpet on the walls and ceilings then blankets then tiles

[@obibadeemusic9966]

when you started, i thought you didnt know what you were doing lol but im glad i watched till the end....that was awesome

[@MythiKCole]

Obiba Dee Music lol... know what your doing is a weird term... I know and understand woodworking really well... but for my own projects I generally have no plan just an end goal and general things in my head so I see how that comes across lol😂... glad you stuck around hope you’ll check out some of the other stuff on my Chanel!

[@Semprimiliano]

Amazing video man!! Nice work

[@MythiKCole]

Semprimiliano TV thanks so much!

[@Semprimiliano]

I really enjoyed watching ! I wish I had your talent to build my own lol. Many blessings to you and your fam bro!

[@MythiKCole]

@@Semprimiliano you're too kind, thank you and blessings to you and yours as well!

[@s2apples207]

Great work, make me wish I have more hard ware skills, I would probably have cut my fingers in the first saw you use :).

[@gasuppolo5430]

The Best One I’ve Seen Yet💯💯💯

[@MythiKCole]

Greatly appreciated! thank you.

[@skyblue2121]

Very nice. would this be a good option for not only recording (sound absorption), but also sound isolation for when I do loud vocal exercises?

[@stephennorman3070]

love it omg thank u

[@MythiKCole]

Appreciate yuh!

[@OLuvin]

Awesome! From start to finish (pre-planning to the last foam put up), how long did it take you? Or from the moment you took off that first floor moulding to that last foam?

[@MythiKCole]

Worked on it a few hours after work and weekends for about 3 weeks... i had about 17 hours of footage (i think) so maybe 18-20ish hours of work... +/- ... and thanks! :D i didnt really pre-plan... design etc... i just kinda went ok... i want a 4x6 interior booth, need this much lumber for walls, this much drywall and mdf etc... made a small sketch of the stud placement so i'd remember and then got after it!

[@comercialdubar3151]

KC Excellent work and parce that you did it very easy but it takes time, and everything seems excellent! I congratulate you! If you could upload videos with instruments it would be excellent! Thank you! Greetings from Mexico!

[@MythiKCole]

Comercial Dubar greatly appreciate it!

[@roadsstudio]

nice 👏😁

[@MythiKCole]

I appreciate it greatly!

[@oddjobkia]

I have a similar clamping system. Problem is when you get the larger ones that can clamp higher up they seem to stop working

[@rajahcardio7489]

In the middle of the living room in just purchased home. Yeah your wife love you bro lol.

[@MythiKCole]

It was not the actual living room... was a den area and was my ex-wife’s idea... not the reason it’s ex-wife instead of wife now though... story for a different time ;)... thanks for watching and enjoying.