Sound Treatment for Your Studio - Do Foam Panels Really Work?

[@tombuck]

Time Markers- 0:00 - Sound Treatment & Proofing Options 0:37 - Mid Level Studio Sound Treatment 2:00 - Sound Treatment vs. Sound Proofing 3:05 - High End Studio Sound Treatment 5:18 - The Foam I Use at Home 6:14 - Reducing Echo on a Budget 8:12 - Real World Results 9:44 - The Importance of Sound

[@marioo_mmg]

Whaat. You wrote this comment two months ago??¯\(°_o)/¯

[@laurabrown7675]

One of the Best Ideas for Soundproofing is "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

[@Nathansomething]

2 months ago

[@patregan]

I am recording in my home office, and everything was terrible in here. I have two computers with lots of fan noise that I won't be getting rid of anytime soon, and there was a ton of echo. I switched from using my Zoom H1 on an arm to a tiny Deity D4 shotgun. That just about eliminated the fan noises, and that was awesome. Then a friend of mine came over one evening. He's an actual, legit sound engineer type. He brought over $50 worth of sound panels from Amazon. It was a dozen 16x16 foam squares much like the ones in your home studio, but we used spray adhesive to attach those to half inch thick hard felt squares. I have no idea if it makes any real difference, but my foam squares are the "mushroom" style. He explained all sorts of science sounding stuff about why the two materials together work better, and he put them in strategic spots around my office. He started listening to his clapping, and saying how much better it sounded, but I couldn't tell. Not until I recorded some test audio. As far as my limited ear can tell, my reverb is down to nearly zero. When I started this journey of improving my podcasting setup, I took my Zoom mic into the closet, stuck my head between a bunch of shirts, and recorded a couple of sentences. I won't say my office sounds like that now, but it has to be better than 80% of the way there. I wound up ordering another set of panels. Not because I needed it to sound better, but because I felt like I needed some order to the layout of the panels to make things look nicer. I don't think it sounds 24 panels than it did with 12, but it definitely looks nicer. You're doing a good job, Tom. Keep it up!

[@tombuck]

Thanks Pat! Glad you have a pro to help you out! I'm jealous. And closets are absolutely GREAT makeshift sound booths 😁

[@DanDanTheFireman]

Whenever I need help with my own studio, I always come back here. I always learn something new. Thank you for all the helpful information.

[@tombuck]

I'm so glad to hear that! And I'm honored to play a small part in your own studio setup.

[@PatrickRambles]

Sweet setup at work there Tom!

[@tombuck]

I'm quite fortunate for sure.

[@robbvaules]

Curtains! I have been putting up thick (blackout) curtains (light grey from Amazon, Home Depot) over large wall spaces and doors (and windows, too) and that helps a lot. It also acts as aa nice background lit up with a colored LED light. Curtain rods are cheap, and the holes can be hidden if you move.

[@tombuck]

Fantastic tip!

[@Gregavision]

I'm getting ready to setup a film and podcast studio at work and in my research I quickly learned that the square all panels aren't as important as bass traps in the corners of the room. Everywhere I looked, the pros said if you have to choose between parallel wall panels and corner bass traps, do bass traps.

[@tombuck]

Yes! Bass traps will make a world of difference. I've also ordered a couple of panels from acoustimac.com and they really help too.

[@abennett]

Great video as always Tom.

[@tombuck]

Glad you enjoyed it! Always appreciate the kind words.

[@Silverdraconicarcher]

Your classroom looks really cool. Your students are lucky to have you as a teacher and to have such a nice place to learn and produce.

[@tombuck]

We’re definitely very fortunate 👍

[@kevandram]

I've said this before, but the way you set up your classroom is amazing! Those students are fortunate to have a teacher like you. This was really helpful! Can't wait FOA MO videos 😂

[@tombuck]

Thanks Kevin! And I was embarrassingly proud of that pun.

[@DanCBearded]

I noticed a night and day difference with the collective sound treating i did from foam panels, to corner bass traps, and even things like displaying my hat collection on the wall

[@tombuck]

Corner bass traps are huge! Super important and often overlooked. I have them at work, but at home I just piled a bunch of crap in the corner👍

[@TommyCallaway]

Dude that classroom studio is incredible.

[@tombuck]

It’s a pretty fun space for sure. We just got some sweet new gear today- including a lot of lights (from that order I asked for suggestions about).

[@griffinmaree6605]

Very professional. I have just started recording guides and teaching classes so for me this is quite useful

[@tombuck]

I'm glad to hear that! Since this video I ordered two panels from acoustimac.com and they're awesome (I'm not affiliated with them in any way, just sharing the info). You cna get any size/color you want and the prices are reasonable.

[@sashacrystal6397]

I have been binge-watching your channel since Friday. So glad I found your channel. Wish other bigger KZbinrs could learn from you! Keep up the great work!

[@tombuck]

Wow thank you! I’m honored 🙏

[@sashacrystal6397]

@@tombuck in the next two weeks starting to film some online video courses and live streaming interviews with guests that will also turn into podcasts. Your videos have provided so much clarity. Is E Cam comparable to Restream and streamyard?

[@LeeAfterDark]

Your videos looks so good! It's so different. I love the vibe. Not to mention the content is on point! So great!

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@pablokbs]

Very informative video, thanks for sharing! 5:41: 6/10 5:51: 9/10 - good one Low pun count on this one, but the quality of them was higher.

[@tombuck]

Sometimes it’s important to focus on refining one’s craft. 😁

[@Liliinvests]

So helpful, thank you!

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome!

[@Liliinvests]

@@tombuck wow you responded! Thanks so much I know very little about the vast majority of topics you make videos on, but I like to watch just because your personality is so lovely and the topics are so cool! I'm setting up a new youtube studio though, so this sound proofing one was definitely spot on for me :)

[@MKlukowski]

Sweet! Binging on your already published videos for a week now and one goes live!

[@tombuck]

Haha, great timing!

[@matthewblainefilms]

Your classroom is goals! So dope.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! It's a fun space for sure.

[@heatherjustcreate]

Great video darling! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😘 how the heck did you put up those fiber glass blankets oy.

[@tombuck]

I don’t know and I’m surprised I didn’t get injured 🤕

[@boomdown9675]

I enjoy your work man! keep it up 🥇❤️

[@tombuck]

Thanks, will do!

[@unscrewedmind2919]

the quality of your content is top notch!

[@mikegrok]

One of the better sound absorbers available is rockwool. You can get it from your local lumber supply. The current Lowe’s price is $60 for 48 square feet. It is not pretty, so people often wrap it in fabric. And at that price it is possible to completely cover 3 walls for the price you already spent.

[@tombuck]

Yep, that's a great solution for anyone who's up for a DIY project.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Sound proof monitors! I smell a billion dollar idea! Kickstarter! The best investment I did for sound dampening is a dedicated Door sound blanket - Twice as think as a normal sound blanket, and very helpful with 3 kids playing right out side the door.

[@tombuck]

Oooh, I like that idea a lot. It's be great to hang something like that over my window.

[@TheChrisYeung]

I’ve been looking into sound treatment for my renovated office studio...and of course up pops this video in my feed. Now I’m subscribed and hooked on your vids Tom! Giving me lots of ideas to up my game...keep it going!

[@tombuck]

I'm so glad to hear it! If you're looking to build up your own studio, I've been watching a lot of sound panel DIY videos, and it seems like a pretty simple/affordable project that gives better results and more options for customization. I plan to do it myself soon. 👍

[@danquixote6072]

Well, I just bought some acoustic panels. Spent more time picking them picking them off the floor than filming. In the end I just gaffer tapped them to the wall. My house now looks terrible but I’m single so that’s a bonus.

[@tombuck]

Haha, hey as long as it works, right?

[@danquixote6072]

@@tombuck exactly👍

[@michaelrodnick7223]

FOMO. YES. Please keep these jokes coming! As a dad, you are giving me great content haha.

[@tombuck]

Haha, glad they’re helping 😁

[@voramai6286]

You're the coolest teacher. You have a KZbin channel

[@tomn.9610]

Great video Tom. If people could not afford sound panels, they could always talk into a open clothes closet to deaden the sound. This works great because it absorbs most of the echo

[@tombuck]

Absolutely. I did that in my first apartment back in college. 👍

[@jonathanfurtado6880]

I need to find out what that fiberglass material is. I need to get a bit to have those installed on my stage! My stage wasn't sound treated at all. And they installed the HVAC unit on TOP OF THE STAGE. It vibrates my lighting grid and creates a rattling sound through the whole structure of the room!

[@tombuck]

I’ve been watching DIY sound panel videos lately, and that seems like a good/affordable option using Rockwell (I think it’s called) insulation.

[@androyder666]

Si se escucha la diferencia y se escucha super bien gracias

[@TheTrippleTKA]

love the intro shots. felt like 3d modeling

[@tombuck]

It is very geometric and 3D-ish haha

[@jalabi99]

I'm still waiting for my Rodecaster Pro kit to arrive and have found that the best room for sound in my house isn't the den where I originally planned to set everything up, but in my walk-in closet. I suppose the carpet on the floor + the clothes hanging in there works great for deadening echoes.

[@tombuck]

Hopefully you get your kit soon! 🤞

[@mrbreezybright]

Beautiful Studio man! Thanks for sharing... I wish to have this kinda studio soon.. 🙌🏽

[@tombuck]

Good luck! 😎

[@davidollenbittle]

Great video! The blinds in your window at your home studio may be causing some echo. I had similar blinds and replaced then with fabric curtains and it reduced the echo quite a bit. The position of your curved monitor (in front of your blinds) may be why it helps with echo.

[@tombuck]

That's a great idea! My only reason for not doing that just yet is that the blinds are a great reflector for light.

[@mitchjoel]

Thanks for the great video, Tom... been thinking about my treatment in my studio as well!

[@tombuck]

Good luck in the process!

[@mannymakesmusic891]

Having a bit more pannels in the room, especially in the corners makes a difference for recording and music. Having just one panel isn't gonna do much but I'll suggest grouping them in fours close together would do good.

[@Oneness100]

Actually you need them at the reflection points and you simply need a fair amount of coverage. It also depends on the usage, room dimensions, etc. Also, the different types of foam or absorption products have different absorption coefficient curves and which one sounds the best, or most "natural" would be those that have absorption coefficient curves that closely match the Fletcher Munson hearing curve. From the brands of absorption products on the market, the brand that has a really good absorption coefficient curve is Acoustic Fields. I've tried Auralex, Sonnex and they don't have as good of an absorption coefficient curve. Building insulation like compressed fiberglass or Rockwool tend to over absorb in the 125hz to 500hz or 1000hz and then the music tends to sound lifeless, boxy. I've used compressed fiberglass too and wasn't happy.

[@TechButler]

Your visuals are spot on. I wouldn't change a thing there, but the discussions are a bit too long. The reviews are otherwise well done and super helpful.

[@tombuck]

I put chapter markers so people can skip to where they like. If I include something in my video it’s definitely because I think it’s important for one reason or another.

[@TheDMSCorp]

When I was a student in a woefully underfunded film program moving blankets from the hardware store were my sound treatment of choice. $25 buys you 4 of them, relatively easy to throw on a couple light stands, and the black and white sides could act as light treatment if you needed it in a pinch. They looked ugly af but it worked

[@tombuck]

Those do work really well and they’re super portable 👍

[@PrestonJensen]

Thanks for the video! I’m on the Amazon foam, carpet, and moving blankets level. It works OK. It would be fun to go overboard with sound proofing someday!

[@tombuck]

I've been binge-watching DIY tutorials for sound panels and it looks like a super fun project.

[@BertoBoushae]

Man this video came right on time lol I was jus looking at sound pads, keep up the content been following you since the pandemic!!!

[@tombuck]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@ProductReviewkk]

Thank you! Loved it as usual!!

[@tombuck]

So glad to hear it!

[@vardhanmahajan7135]

Let's go! I love audio videos!

[@michaelrodnick7223]

Excellent content sir!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Great work man!

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I feel like this is more your territory than mine though haha

[@joshscott363]

Hey tom I really like your blue wall and was wondering if you know what the name of the paint is

[@tombuck]

I do! It’s Behr “Living Stream” ultra flat from Home Depot 👍

[@JeroenHeremans]

I'm just here for the dad jokes. Fear of missing out. Kudos from a Belgian fan.

[@tombuck]

Glad you’re hear 👂

[@JeroenHeremans]

@@tombuck I’ve actually bought a ton of gear that you’ve recommended... big Røde fan too... still one thing I’m struggling with (coming from audio only and building video content for my new freelancer job) is audio delay... for example... when using my Sony a6400 and the Rodecaster Pro, I run them through OBS and manually set the delay, but maybe you have easier solutions? In a video already?

[@penelopetech]

What teleprompter are those in the big studio room with the big sound treatment?

[@tombuck]

They’re from a company called “PrompterPeople.” They’re not cheap, but they’re super heavy duty and the monitor is built in.

[@MSladekPhoto]

I had foam-o for awhile, but then decided to stick with my Rode Lav and Wireless Go. I add some eq, compression and noise reduction in Premiere Pro, and seems to work for me. Thanks for the the thoughts on paying attention to sound (someone said that audio is more than half of video) and nice job with the panels being on brand for color :)

[@tombuck]

I’m a sucker for blue things. 😬

[@MSladekPhoto]

@@tombuck Me tooooooo! Just got a surf blue band for my apple watch :)

[@MichaelWashingtonAE]

Add some bass traps in the corners, move the foam you have to points that angle from your sitting head height, then find the 45 degree angle from that on the ceiling, then behind, etc. Also make those clouds over your head a few to more than a few inches away from the ceiling, probably better with some legit sound panels shaped and sized to fit just for the clouds and you will notice a big difference

[@tombuck]

Thanks! I'm looking to build some of my own in the future. 👍

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

Thank you for this! I've got our sound down for the podcast, but I've been wondering if I should add treatments for our videos or just music listening in general

[@tombuck]

It’s a never ending journey 😁

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

@@tombuck that's my exact fear haha

[@StephenOrion]

Music producer here. If you're serious, foam is the worst return for your money and the worst performing sound absorber among the budget options. Yes, they sound like they work cuz you hear less reverb. But what they do is, they absorb all the highs and top end and does not work for the low mid and bass so your voice sounds too bassy and boxy and boomy. They work as well as old towels stitched and layered together. Maybe even the towels are better performing in the low frequencies. I get it that you got something that's quick and easy. But if you want the best bang for your buck truly, and especially for the voiceover recording booth, you should definitely install proper acoustic panels with rockwool inside. They absorb from about 400hz up to 5000hz with a roll off on the bottom and top end. In comparison, the foams will probably only work from about 1000hz to maybe 3000hz depends on the exact product. Rockwool is not even expensive at all. It'll be less ugly, take up less wall space, and will give you a better performance in sound. You can spend 26$ per 4 feet panel including all costs and 4 of them will do better in your "sound booth" :P. I recommend, to watch a few youtube videos on "DIY acoustic panel" you will notice musicians don't use anything other than Rockwool or Owen cornings. I'm currently building my second set of acoustic panels and rockwool is the best to go. Tip : Thicker is better performance than denser.

[@tombuck]

Thanks for the insight- Rockwool does seem super affordable. I'd love to build some DIY panels that are more effective.

[@markexploringnewstuff]

Tom, great info as always!

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much!!

[@KaiAndrew]

Dude, I wish we had a class like this when I was in high school! Great video, Tom :)

[@tombuck]

Thanks man! My video production class had a vcr and a broken tripod, so I get it.

[@sonicacoustics9176]

Wow! Nice setup though. Sound treatment really do work. Awesome content! :)

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@PeterGreggLive]

Saying HI to you TOM - we are all watching your show right this second - looking good !!!! PeterGreggLive 👍

[@hotlineoperator]

How about block echo just near to mic, example 50 cm behind the mic? Hmm.. need to test that.

[@joe_fabricator]

Nicely done....off to look foamo videos on yo channel...

[@MikeMena]

Check this out: I bought "sound treatment" curtains for my windows. I single curtain per window did NOT work, so I bought multiple pairs for each single window. Like for example, with your big window in your room, put like 3 PAIRS (six total curtains) on a basic curtain rod. It will be a tight fit, but that's the point, it gets very THICK and HEAVY when bundled together. PLUS, they are decorative so you don't have to put them away or set them up!! That's the best part! lol and I just use them like regular curtains (because they are, just very thick.) Ultimately, did it work? I got the same reaction as you... which is... I think so??? A trained ear can hear the difference, will regular people hear the difference. uhhhh... probably? I think curtains are just one more thing to add to foam stuff and maybe buying a thick carpet for room. None of these are solutions that work alone, you gotta combine them all together.

[@tombuck]

Haha, it’s quite the journey for sure. But I like your idea!

[@xaviertx89]

Another great video by TOM 🙌🏽🙌🏽😬

[@tombuck]

Thanks as always 😁

[@Mickey.BluEyes]

How did you attach the sound panels to the walls in your house?

[@tombuck]

I used 3M picture mounting tape (won’t damage the paint)

[@MrCameraJunkie]

FOMO LOL Snuck that one in! Great stuff. All caught up on the podcast 😉👍

[@tombuck]

Fantastic! Hope you enjoyed it!

[@magopoker]

Great video, thanks!

[@AaronAbernethy]

Back when I worked at the BBC for a while they had an anechoic chamber that I would often wander into. It had a U-Shaped corridor that you could go around, where there was a seat and a microphone. The room was completely dead, so you could be just around the corner and not hear someone SCREAMING at the mic position. Existentially terrifying, honestly. Anyway, that’s not really relevant - nice video, and giving me food for thought for how I’m going to sound treat my office/studio when I move house soon. FOMO indeed…

[@tombuck]

I think I would just have a panic attack if I stepped into a room like that. 😬

[@PostColorGear]

The corny dad jokes are probably my most favorite part of your vids haha thanks for making this video. Sound treating is always a challenge.

[@tombuck]

I had someone tell me to stop embarrassing myself with the jokes. Little do they know the videos are simply vehicles for the jokes!

[@PostColorGear]

@@tombuck joke's on them! 😏😉

[@WayneRobertsonPhotography]

Good video Tom it was interesting seeing/hearing the different setups, and some great jokes thrown in too 🤣 Out of the various lights that you have (for lighting you when recording), which would you recommend?

[@tombuck]

For key lights, I really like my FalconEyes RX18. It’s super bright but fits in a compact space. For accent lights, I am absolutely in love with the Nanlite PavoTube 30c. They’re unbelievably versatile!

[@WayneRobertsonPhotography]

@@tombuck Thanks, I'll take a look 👍🏻

[@jakebuhler2346]

What did you use to keep the foam on the walls and ceiling in your home studio?

[@tombuck]

The little 3M picture mounting squares.

[@sergeyzalozny9329]

Thank You, Tom! Love your videos. Really interesting information, - not sure it'll be very useful for me - but who knows:) Some sound panels have interesting geometry... I always found recording studios really interesting in turms of interior design - i know that most of them built for it's main function - but it still looks nice. BTW Just ordered MV7 - You should make a another video about those mic- user experience, review, like You did with Podmic.

[@tombuck]

I’m shure you’ll love the MV7, it’s a pretty great mic. And yeah- I always like the visual appeal of recording spaces too!

[@DanCBearded]

That Broll though!

[@AidasBaSurgamj]

thank you

[@tombuck]

You're welcome

[@oakleyg97]

What did you use to stick the foam to the wall?

[@tombuck]

I use the 3M Velcro strips for mounting pictures and frames and stuff. They’re really sturdy but don’t damage the wall when you take them off 👍

[@bluearisto8249]

blue and gray panels also matched ur shirt

[@tombuck]

It’s all part of the brand 🤓

[@muyiwaadebiyi5100]

How many dad jokes, do you drop in a video warrior hahahaha!

[@tombuck]

However many, it's never enough. 😉

[@robbiemorrow9152]

I love how the school just casually has three $400 microphones

[@TheREAPERBlog]

you'd probably have to treat the entire ceiling in two layers of foam before hearing a significant echo reduction. Rockwool and fiberglass makes more sense at that scale. Stop buying new mics for a while and spend the same amount on real acoustic treatment and all the mics you already own will sound better!

[@illuminate1234567]

Thank you for this (y)

[@tombuck]

You’re welcome!

[@KeltonOConnell]

Second! (After tom’s pinned) Love your work so much by the way, Tom. Such an inspiration. I wish you could be my teacher at school! :)

[@tombuck]

Thank you! We can count it as first too. 😉

[@cuze7120]

wish i could be in his class

[@wm.jamainenichols5251]

Great video for not being a expert. What do you teach? or What is the name of your subjects you teach? I would say your living the dream teaching and getting paid for what you do as your hobby. AWESOME!!!

[@tombuck]

I teach Digital Media Production courses to grades 9-12, along with a Broadcasting course. 👍

[@marioo_mmg]

What age are your students?? I would like to have that class on my high school :(

[@tombuck]

Grades 9-12 👍

[@marioo_mmg]

@@tombuck Whaaat!!! Mum, I'm moving to there😂

[@MurphyKargesBass]

I don’t think that a totally deadened sound for voice is better. The natural sound of a voice in a room with a little natural reverb to me is often better, because we are more used to hearing that in real life.. unless it’s super heavy and annoying however.

[@tombuck]

I agree, a little “space” is natural.

[@BeersAndBeatsPDX]

Great setup but we all know the real stars are the Aquabats posters

[@tombuck]

I agree 100%

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

My family is not a fan of sticking things on walls so I got an isolation shield instead until I can create a space that is purely meant to be a studio

[@tombuck]

Great solution!

[@mannymakesmusic891]

weird thing, A violin sounds really harsh in a treated room, natural reverb brings out the best in some instruments.

[@tombuck]

Wow, interesting 🤔

[@TetraEzio]

Awesome

[@Leonidas909]

I would refrain from advising people on foams and their utility given the kind of foam you used and how you place them, room acoustics (and acoustics in general) is a very hard subject and it's easy to do nothing at all while you think you're doing something, and cheap foams are terrible. For instance, the biggest cuplrits often are windows and ceilings when it comes to room reverb, and none of it is treated here altho they're the main and closest first reflection spot, also the reason the echo is lesser in your recording booth is mainly because the room is smaller the foams aren't doing that much when an entire wall in front of the mic is made of windows. Also concave shapes (and smooth surfaces) are the worst when it comes to sound treatment, so youre screen is probably reflecting everything and concentrating it somewhere near your mic, the echo might not be as noticeables because it's nearer than the wall, but I can assure you its affecting your sound in a negative way

[@MarcusHutsell]

REVERB..........not echo ;). I by no means mean to be mean......(I think I just used some word play accidentally like you do......we have similar humor). But as someone who's also been doing audio for over 20 years, and educating students myself in live and recorded sound, I'm always ensuring students know the difference between echo and reverb. Call me OCD, but I feel the wrong term "echo," is becoming the accepted term for what is actually reverb. Echo......a distinct duplication of a sound....with a time difference between the source and the bounced sound........and reverb, which, granted, even though it's hundreds of tiny bounces and if you slowed down time one *might* hear each individual bounce as an individual echo.......but in real-time, those bounces all blend together creating reverberation :). Ok......I'll get off my soap box now, but I cringe at "echo!" Seriously great channel though..... your students are lucky to have such an energetic teacher!

[@tombuck]

You're 100% right, reverb is more accurate for what I'm talking about. Thank you for adding this!

[@_._shinonome_._]

Am using a wide monitor anyway so :)

[@JonBoyy234]

That room looks like a million bucks

[@tombuck]

It’s really only got one buck in it.

[@Mani-aX]

has anyone ever told you, you look like James Madio?

[@tombuck]

I...don’t know who that is but I’ll take it as a compliment 👍

[@Mani-aX]

@@tombuck go look him up, he starred in "Band of Brother's "

[@bluearisto8249]

u know tom u look like your using a green screen background in first 2 mins of video.

[@tombuck]

Just that sweet shallow depth of field that I love so much 👏

[@blakepace]

Work has open space sound. Home sound is much easier to listen to.

[@Nathansomething]

That was like 10 sm7bs Bruh

[@tombuck]

😬

[@SoCS]

Foam mo!!! 😂 🤦‍♂️

[@torresedgardo9]

First comment

[@dominickcicero]

Sound Proofing... No one will hear you scream! AHHHHH!