In a previous post, we covered ways of soundproofing your\nstudio to protect it from external noises. But what about noise being generated\ninside your recording space?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After I had successfully set up my own home recording studio\nand began practicing with my equipment, I was surprised to find that there was\na persistent hum in the background of all my vocal tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unwanted background sound has no place in voicework. Not\nonly is it distracting to the listener, but it is also highly unprofessional\nand may even cost you a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I did everything I could to isolate the source of this\nunwanted noise. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was coming from\nthe fan inside the computer I was using to record my audio tracks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to avoid this problem you have four options: the\nfirst is to upgrade the fan in your computer. There are several quiet options\non the market, but you may lack the expertise to perform such an installation.\nThe second is to purchase a brand new computer with a quiet fan. This is the\nmost expensive option, and should only be used as a last resort. If your home\nrecording studio is inside your house or apartment, you can simply drill a hole\nin the wall and place the computer tower outside of the recording environment.\nbut because I opted for a stand-alone structure, this was not an option for me.\nThe 4th auction, and the one which I chose was to build what my friends\naffectionately refer to as a “whisper box.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A whisper box is basically a tiny soundproof room for your\ncomputer. This post will focus on how to make one. I’ll include links to all\nthe materials we discuss at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first thing you’ll need to do is choose the box. I opted\nfor the greenmade storage tote (see fig 1). In addition to being 100%\nrecyclable, at $12 each it certainly won’t break the bank. And at 30 inches\nlong by 20 inches wide and 14inches of deep, it should provide ample room for\nmost home computers. You will, of course, want to measure your computer before\npurchasing a box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you’ve got your box, the first step will be to cut a\nsquare hole in one of the shorter side walls. (See figure 2). I recommend\nmaking it square, because it will be easier to cut than a round hole, and also\neasier to cover with duct tape. The tape will protect your fingers and your\ncords from any rough edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next you’ll need to choose a method of insulation for the\nbox. I recommend Owens Corning’s “Foamular” rigid foam insulation. A\n2 inch thick board sells for about $30. The boards are 48 in wide and 8 ft\nlong, which should be more than enough to cover the inside of your box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foamular is very easy to cut using a standard utility knife.\nJust draw a line with a ruler and pencil, cut, and snap. But make sure before\ncutting the board that you measure the length of each side at both the\nbottom and the top! These boxes tend to be slightly smaller at the bottom\nthan they are at the top in order to allow you to stack them inside of each\nother when not in use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
once you have the dimensions necessary for each of the long\nside walls and short side walls, cut the pieces and slide them into the box.\n(See figure 3) Protip: measure twice before you cut & always make the\npieces a little larger instead of smaller. You can always trim some off, but\nit’s impossible to put some back on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once all four pieces fit securely inside the box, use your\nutility knife to cut a matching hole for your cords in the foam board (see\nfigure 4). I did this by leaving the board in place and simply cutting through\nthe pre-existing hole in the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add more duct tape to secure the board to the sidewall, and\nadd an additional strip of tape all the way around the bottom of the board\nsecuring it to the base of the box as well. This will protect it from leakage\nduring the next step (see figure 5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will have noticed in figure 4 that there are some\nremaining gaps between the outer wall of the box, and the inner wall of the\nfoam board. In order to truly soundproof the box we are going to fill the gaps\nwith spray foam insulation. I used Loctite Tite Foam. Make sure you buy the can\nfor small gaps and cracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protip: spray foam expands dramatically. So when applying\nit, less is more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another reason why I chose the greenmade storage tote, is\nthat it’s unique lid has a rectangular depression which just so happens to be\nthe same sickness as the Owens Corning foamular board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We don’t just once to insulate for walls and let the sound\nleak out through the roof, so cut your last piece of foam board, inserted into\nthe depression in the lid, and secure it with duct tape. (See figure 7). You\nwon’t need to insuklate the bottom of the box, because the ground will absorb\nany vibrations strong enough to make their way through the plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Congratulations! You are ready to use your whisper box. Put\nit in place, and run all of the relevant cables through the hole. I recommend\nplugging the hole with a small hand towel. (see figure 8)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember: computers have fans because they are designed to\nwork at cooler temperatures. A computer that overheats will shut itself down.\nSo do not leave your computer running in the whisper box with the lid on\nunless you are recording. (see figure 9)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greenmade Storage Tote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.officedepot.com\/a\/products\/792989\/Greenmade-Storage-Tote-27-Gallons-30\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Owens Corning Foamular Board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n