Cajonezzz builds a Voc/drum/amp booth.

[cajonezzz]

Well, the home mix room/ odub room has been performing nicely. My production partner Chris and I have seen the need demonstrated for a Vocal/ Iso in my one room studio ( two car garage that's been partitioned) as cutting vox, or quiet acoustic stuff has been problematic, even with an iso box for drives/comp.

I opted to just "build in" a corner, it's about 6.5x 4.5 feet internally and will fit a mini drm kit ( for quiet tracking of Perc, and "baby kit" when needed) and will also fit two vocalists, an upright bass, or ?

The big rub in this whole adventure has been ventilation- I'm checking into "Vocalbooth.com" as a source for aftermarket pre built vent system. http://www.vocalbooth.com/products/ventsystem.html

It's probably very easily built, but I'm not really equipped with the tools or the time to mess around, so I'm going to bite the bullet and buy it.

I'm a little concerned about screwing up my acoustics in a big way ( for mixing) but I think with a sh**load of trapping ( i've got 20 home built 4inch rockwool traps in there so far, and 6 mini traps going up) I might be ok... Most of my critical mixing will be done in the mothership studio, but I hope that i'll be able to make this work.

Here's a few pics from the original build out-, a couple months old_ Voc booth pics to come. The real oak hardwood floor was a trade for a couple drum tracks! barter is king in my household.

[cajonezzz]

sorry the small pics above... This is built into a 2 car garage btw, in a condo. The interior space measures 13.5 x16 ft. Its' basically just partition walls, with open studs on the inside, filled with figerglass, packed tight- and black speaker cloth over.

I framed up a "faux stud wall" on the existing wall ( my left from mix position) so I could have a mirror image acoustically.
For you acoustics nit pickers, you cant see the 4 inch traps that are behind the bookcases... and the corners ( burgandy ) are floor to ceiling 4inch 703.

old pics so you can't see that now there are 20 home built 4inch rockwool/703 panels hung in corners and on the ceiling, I'll be adding a diffusor and 6 more of Ethans traps.... 2 over head, and 4 at the early reflection points. and It actually sounds pretty good in here so far- at mix position. Sound like shit back in the room.
Amazing how much bass trapping it takes to even get in the ball park in a space like this.


The voc booth is going in the rear left corner. I'll get'er all prettied up and post pics when I *finally* get done building.

[cajonezzz]

a couple other pics from the original build-

This whole booth idea is all well and good, but I've got to get AC into the garage by the summer...so i got about 6 months to figure that out. I'd love any advice you guerilla studio guys might have.

The challenge: No way to add a window type AC unit to the garage, as homeowners are Pricks. ( I would'nt want to look at it either)
So, I'm looking into perhaps rigging up one of those portable units that are used in data centers... build a little shroud, and figure out how to vent it through the heater venting.

Or? ( you builder guys chime in here)
I don't mind the noise in the studio CR- now that we're building a booth, but the heat in the summer made the joint unusable except at night.

Weve got central air, but there is no way to divert down stairs ( living is all above the garage.

If I make a couple million this year, maybe I'll buy a house with a separate studio room. I should be able to get a nice 2k square footer here for a million or so

more pics:

[cajonezzz]

coming right along!

[Jam]

Great stuff, keep it coming.

Jam

[pan60]

more more more!

[Remoteness]

Sweet!

[True North]

Hey Craig,

Have you considered ductless air conditioning systems. Do a google search under that name. They are meant to be used in homes or situations where there is no duct work to draw in cool Air. They can also heat as well. Check it out


ALSO

With the Vocal Booth Ventilation system, have you enquired whether or not they sell them seperately? If they do let me know because I have ventilation challenges in my studio.

Good luck with the build

[Bounce]

Well, here's one way for me to finally see your joint!

[stevep]

Yumm Yumm , Fiberglass



Looks cool , Good work






steve

[dokushoka]

Looks great, Craig. What did you use for the flooring?

[cajonezzz]

the flooring is just the cement slab... no floated floor.

since it was an afterthought to build the booth, and the main intent is Vocals, I don't THINK there is going to be a problem with rumble... although, if the UPS Truck rolls up, all bets are off.

so it's hardwood, oak- that's glued down to the slab. A for now, i dig the look of it, so I hope it works! ( use throw rugs and stuff )

Btw guys, i just discovered, and I'm trying this place: http://www.soundproofing.org/sales/GreenGlue.htm I'm stoked that they are only 15 min away!

The "green glue" specs out at least, to be a wonder material- I'm trying it in lieu of RC channel. Way more money, but working with RC channel things have to be perfectly uncoupled... so I thought I'd give it a whirl. check out greenglue.org for the specifics and STC ratings.
Also, I'm considering this as an alternative to Rockwool or 703 ( they sell this and the numbers look good on it as well, and perhaps healthier. ) http://www.soundproofing.org/infopag...ural_fiber.htm

So yeah.. it's gonna be the kinda thing where if we're in the ball park, and I have to park some of Ethans mini traps in the booth to even out the low end build up on vox.. I'll do that. It's just the right size for my be bop/programming kit... and I'm kinda hopeful that we'll have a happy accident,and a booth that gets a unique drum sound ( low volume blastik stuff etc ) If it works for Vox and Acoustic Guitar, I'll feel like we succeded.

I'm SERIOUSLY considering trying to build the vent system myself--- can t be that hard- just sourcing the parts- super quiet fans etc, and building a air maze box... ( plennum?)

Air conditioning for the whole space is still a quandry, but I got about 5 months, with the exception of the odd Santa Ana... to figure it out.

todays progress:

[True North]

Originally Posted by cajonezzz

Air conditioning for the whole space is still a quandry, but I got about 5 months, with the exception of the odd Santa Ana... to figure it out.

todays progress:

Read my post above

[cajonezzz]

Originally Posted by True North

Hey Craig,

Have you considered ductless air conditioning systems. Do a google search under that name. They are meant to be used in homes or situations where there is no duct work to draw in cool Air. They can also heat as well. Check it out


ALSO

With the Vocal Booth Ventilation system, have you enquired whether or not they sell them seperately? If they do let me know because I have ventilation challenges in my studio.

Good luck with the build

hey TN_

yes, they sell separately, but man... it's like 750 for the units with the 'silencer" option. I know I could build it, if I had the time and a buddy with skills/tools. nothing difficult about it.

as far as Mini split air conditioning... that's the perfect solution, if I was in a house... I'm in a new condo, in an UBER uptight area with tight controls on mod's.
definitely no way to hang an air co unit in the garage unit. I'd attract the old lady patrol and then..... i shudder to think.
I don't know where I would put the condensor unit.

I know they kik ass , as i did some engineering at P. Erskines place in santa monica, and he had one in his detached studio. Used a remote control,and it chilled QUICK.

I thought about ghetoo rigging one on my balconey, but I think the noise would tip off the neighboors... I don't know man. it's a quandry.
I will gladly trade time for some air co expertise!


I'll look into it again though.

[Meriphew]

So did I understand that correctly Craig that you're building your studio in your condo? If you are, has the condo commitee been cool with what you're doing?

[cajonezzz]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

So did I understand that correctly Craig that you're building your studio in your condo? If you are, has the condo commitee been cool with what you're doing?

Hell no... but do they know?

HELL NO.

i'm keeping it on the DL, and am very respectful... no sign of anything happening int here.
it's private,and for my mixes/odubs only. i do the heavy lifting at commercial rooms.


YOU DONT' EVEN KNOW I'M HERE... JUST FORGET ABOUT ME.... in fact... I'm gonna delete this thread...

ARE YOU THE CONDO COPS? ARE YOU??????/


ARRRRRRRRRGGGHGHHHHHHH

[pan60]

Originally Posted by cajonezzz

Hell no... but do they know?

HELL NO.

i'm keeping it on the DL, and am very respectful... no sign of anything happening int here.
it's private,and for my mixes/odubs only. i do the heavy lifting at commercial rooms.


YOU DONT' EVEN KNOW I'M HERE... JUST FORGET ABOUT ME.... in fact... I'm gonna delete this thread...

ARE YOU THE CONDO COPS? ARE YOU??????/


ARRRRRRRRRGGGHGHHHHHHH

to funny

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by cajonezzz

YOU DONT' EVEN KNOW I'M HERE... JUST FORGET ABOUT ME.... in fact... I'm gonna delete this thread...

ARE YOU THE CONDO COPS? ARE YOU??????/

Reported!!!

I thought maybe you had been tracking full bands (drums and all) at your condo, and I was wondering how that was possible. There's alot of nice (REALLY nice) condos here in Seattle, but I never wanted to take the chance of getting stuck in one that I couldn't play music in. I wish you the best Craig!

[cajonezzz]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

Reported!!!

I thought maybe you had been tracking full bands (drums and all) at your condo, and I was wondering how that was possible. There's alot of nice (REALLY nice) condos here in Seattle, but I never wanted to take the chance of getting stuck in one that I couldn't play music in. I wish you the best Craig!

Heh...

yeah, last year this time we were in Portland looking at some SUPER cool loft spaces...
huge ceilings and all... you could easily put a nice mix/odub everything but drums live band recording space in one... take a bit more money for an upstairs, but totally doable.
I think that's the way were going in the biz eh? Just gotta keep the big rooms alive as best we can.

[djui5]

Looking good Craig

[cajonezzz]

So far so good, I picked up the Batting, it's a cotton based stuff called " ultra touch" that apparently specs as good as 703. I've got 3.5 and 5.5 inch. The 5.5 will go in the ceiling.

i decided to go for it and put another sheet of drywall, in side the booth on the existing corner of the home. I figure i'm in there and dirty already----

so, it's 1x2's that are standing another sheet of 5/8ths off of the existing wall. I'll calk that air tight, then hang three 4" rockwool traps I had built previously in a horizontal fashion for room treatment.
I'll span the corner with a "real trap" and also put a foam corner wedge behind the trap, ceiling to floor. The two walls that are in the room will be "soft". basically this 3.5" stuff with a cloth covering. I'll add traps on top of that as needed. It's gonna be dead, but I think the floor might keep some liveness happening if I gotta cut perc/ upright bass etc.

I'm stoked on the size of the booth, still plenty of room to move for 2-3 people. and enough room size to get a decent vocal/amp tone.
Fingers crossed on the tight room drum kit ( mini kit ) it may kik ass!

In the pics you can see i added a window. IT's quarter inch single pane, then a double pane . About 24 inch square. Its at a height that will allow me to turn and look at a seated or standing performer.
originally we weren't going to do a window...but I like to just wag my finger in the air ala : "one more time" to the artist.

BTW, anyone use one of those fancy "air purifiers" like the Orek, or the Sharper image? I need to get one into the studio I think....
They do the job they promise?
some more pics:

[brody]

For anyone who has money and is a rare guitar collector. if your interested in a rare one of a kind Eric Clapton guitar email me for info..

[chrisp2u]

Originally Posted by brody

For anyone who has money and is a rare guitar collector. if your interested in a rare one of a kind Eric Clapton guitar email me for info..

Uh... OK. And what does that have to do with this thread? Might want to try the classifieds, chief.
---
c

[chrisp2u]

Originally Posted by cajonezzz

BTW, anyone use one of those fancy "air purifiers" like the Orek, or the Sharper image? I need to get one into the studio I think....
They do the job they promise?
some more pics:

I don't think I would bother with those. It seems that since they have no *real* air flow intake (ie. a fan to suck in air), they don't really work as advertised. The Sharper Image models seem to releases a bit of ozone too, which probably wouldn't be so good for you in such a sealed and not well ventilated space.

http://www.aircleaners.com/oreck.phtml
http://www.aircleaners.com/sharperimage.phtml

...I'm sure these reports are completely unbiased , but there seems to be some semblence of believability there. I have read about the ionic breeze ozone issue a number of places.

There are a bunch of purifiers available from that site (and no, I'm not affiliated in any way... just doing some homework on these things recently and their prices are pretty good) that would likely do a far better job. I'm actually considering this one...
http://www.aircleaners.com/products....t+Air+Purifier
...not quite as compact as those you mentioned, but it really works. Pretty slutty for an air purifier. Probably overkill for your small space. I'd take a look at some of the other stuff they offer there though.

Nice looking space, btw.
---
c

[cajonezzz]

Yikes... i had no idea there were these ozone problems to deal with. I just want something to pull the grime out of the air... it dosen't have to be fancy.

This looks to be the unit I'm going to run with to cool the space http://www.compactappliance.com/xq/J...duct/AP510.htm

I'll still be putting a active air xchanger in the vocal booth... not sure If I'm going to build or just by off the shelf from the vocalbooth.com folks. Seems really pricey for what it is- but I'd really just like to get to using it. I'm over being in construction mode.


cz

[cajonezzz]

I got'er done! I'll post pics when i can borrow a digicam ( mine died)

I'm really happy with how it sounds, not to mention the Studio! I got a total of 24 traps up in the room ( 6 new mini traps, wow what a diff.) and the low end is SO much better....

Question: I'd like to put a basic light fixture or two in the new booth, but I'd like them to be as LITTLE heat producing as possible, hence I'm thinking LED lighting might be the way to go.

Anyone have a line on where to start to look for something that would fit the bill? I've googled and mostly found commercial LEd lighting and rope lights...

Any other suggestions would be great.

I'll be either fabricating or purchasing an air exchange system right after Xmas! Really excited to get this done- First full length project ( vox and guitars/perc programming ) will take place here Jan!

thanks for any help!
cz

[Bounce]

Hey, Craig, congrats on the completion!! I saw some LED lighting at Lowe's that might work for ya. The rope lights get pretty freakin' hot (I have some). My suggestion would be to use white fabric for the acoustic covering on the ceiling and point your light up toward the ceiling which would give the most reflection and candlepower bang for your buck. That's the only suggestion I have really :-) That's all I'm worth at this point.

[cajonezzz]

Thanks McKay... hey btw, the booth is just the right size to crash in.. like a double bed!

if I can't make things work, i'm gonna put a hot plate in there and rent it out for about 1k a month!


cz Pics to follow.

[stevep]

Originally Posted by cajonezzz

Thanks McKay... hey btw, the booth is just the right size to crash in.. like a double bed!

if I can't make things work, i'm gonna put a hot plate in there and rent it out for about 1k a month!


cz Pics to follow.

Nice ,.. 1K is about right for a bed room sized room here in OC

Glad to hear your room is sounding good



Pics Pics Pics



Peace,



steve

[cajonezzz]

I still have to install the air exchange- and I'm going to add another inner wall to the booth... It's sounds great, but with another couple 5/8ths sheets on the outside corner of the garage side, and the house, i should be able to cut baby drums!

Sounds great so far on guitar and vox. All broadband absorbtion ( 6 traps in the booth) and the ceiling is 5" rockwool, in openstudds covered by material ( same as wall with the window) The wood floor is working out- definitely giving some options.
I'll be cutting some baby kit and cajon stuff for a bud next week , and if it's cool with the m I'll post it.

My buddy ( and client) Gene Kim is working on a record here, and has been kind enough to help me do some of the finish work, and hang panels. There are now THIRTY 4 " panels in the control room ( basically ceilings, all corners etc) and it sounds killer.

The gigantic step up sonically was adding 3 gik traps in front of mix position, and 5 of ethans mini traps overhead at mix position.

I'm really excited to get the 5.1 set up going.

i figure I've got about 3 months to get buy without dealing with the air co. That's good cause the PT rig desperately needs upgrading for all these 96k sessions.

btw- Gene parked his Great River mp2nv pre here.... very very nice with the Cm7!

pics from various angles, lighting still shitty.