What to look for in a duvet? I don't think I can use fiberglass :(

[Joe T10]

I would like to set up a temporary recording space at home for vocals, it will only be for a few weeks and so I was looking towards hanging a couple of duvets in a v shape behind me, should this suffice?

I am not sure what to look for in terms of the best type of duvet to used for recording. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[SAC]

At the risk of sounding like a smart aleck...

...make sure the color/pattern is pleasing. As all it will accomplish is to augment the aesthetics of the space - and to tame frequencies above ~15kHz which you don't really care about...

The more serious point - a duvet or 5 won't make much difference where is it really needed. You would be much better off making a broadband absorber that can be taken with you and reused when you move. Additionally, you will need bass trapping.

[tINY]

You want a Duvet with filling that's about 5-6 pounds per cubic foot and 4 inches thick...

If you get a couple of plywood sheets and make the point of the V point at the mic, it may help some.



-tINY

[DanDan]

I would try to find one that comes with Halle Berry inside it.....

Sorry, had to....

Boom mic stands can be used to 'hang' fabrics temporarily. Duvets are a bit dodgy. The poly ones are virtually useless. The feather filled ones often have a dense fabric outer which will reflect HF. Simple woolen blankets will be at least harmless, you can judge the effectiveness for yourself by the drop in room tone on your recordings. Or not, no harm done though. Big thick towels are also worth a try.


You might consider some MicroTraps on mic stands. I suggest three or four, plus one across the top as a ceiling. This works incredibly well. GIK have a V shaped hinged trap for the same purpose. However, for a standing vocal in a typical small room, the ceiling reflection is the nearest strongest and worst.
So again a panel across the top.
You can bring these commercial products with you to the next location or sell them. DIY- FibreGlass panels, say FRK backed 703 can be very easily wrapped in fabric. Lots of DIY details at studiotips.com
These can be mic stand mounted or easy hung or whatever.
They are pretty cheap and very very effective. Pretty much as good as it gets.


DD

[Joe T10]

It turns out that the duvets are going to cost the same or more than the fiberglass so it looks like it's rockwool for me after all!

I am assuming that it is best to go with the V shape with a panel overhead rather than simply going to the narrow (corridor) part of my room and putting rockwool on the 3 walls and ceiling therefore creating a box like environment?

[DanDan]

The corridor/box could very easy to do and should work fine. Use 4 inch to be sure. A self standing tent may be a little better but it could be a right nuisance to construct and may always be in the way.
DD

[Joe T10]

Thanks Dan.