I began this year focussed on video production. How might I improve my videos at the least expense? Perhaps audio quality might be a good place to start. 

A year or so back, I bought the reasonably priced Blue Yeti USB Mic. Previously, I’d been using my Røde Stereo Video Mic Pro (a camera mic) for voiceovers, until I bought a new, sleek iMac computer that Apple had thoughtfully designed without a 3.5 mm mic input.

The Yeti has a cardioid setting — directional, favouring sound from the front — better for voiceover work than a stereo mic, which picks up ambient sound from other areas. I also began using Audacity, the free open source audio software.

But I still felt that I could obtain better results (less post-processing) with the addition of acoustic treatment.

After watching a few YouTube tutorials, I was confident I could make my own acoustic absorption panels. I set to work building them the first week in January. I figured a few days work and I’d have my studio, or rather my voice, sounding like an FM DJ.

MATERIAL LIST

Frames

Frame

• 4′ x 8’ x ¾″ (or ⅝″) MDF ripped into 3″ x 8′ pieces.
• Roxul Insulation: 12 pieces per pack (16″ or 24″)
• Fibreglass screen
• Lepage Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive
• Gorilla Wood Glue
• T-50 3/8″ staples
• 6 x 1 ⅝″ deck screws
• Felt fabric 36″ W (I used 9 metres for 6 panels)
• Sandpaper 100 grit

TOOLS

• Chop Saw
• Drill
• Drill and Screwdriver Bits
• Countersink Bit
• Stapler
• Tack Hammer
• Set Square
• pencil

I chose the 24″ (actual size 23″) Roxul Safe & Sound insulation, so inside measurement of my frames were 23″x47″. Using ⅝″ MDF made outside measurements 24¼″x48¼″.

Frame Components

As I say in the video, I’m chuffed with the result (even if the project did take more than two weeks); the panels are smart looking and, most importantly, successfully minimize reverb in the spaces where I record.

Most tutorials are geared towards wall mounting. Aside from ceiling treatment, I turned my panels into gobos with stands made from scrap wood. Those can now be moved around the room as needed, and between my garage/studio and office, where my main computer is situated.

The embedded video follows my progress and showcases before-and-after audio tests. Don’t miss more construction details, a hyper-caffeinated assembly tutorial, and a disco dance routine.

Gobo Style