Are you planning to set up a home recording studio? Whether you want to record your own music, produce your own radio or podcast program or work as a voiceover artist, you can't ignore the way that the contours of the room may affect the sound you are producing. If you have ever worked in a room that has poor acoustic properties, then you may have experienced the problems of echo, reverberation or comb filtering. Some people deal with problems by creating a purpose-built studio on their property, but there is an easier way. Why not investigate what placing acoustic panelling on the walls or ceiling of your room can do to improve the sound quality of your room?
Selecting the right acoustic panelling
If you use your room in several different ways, then you could think about purchasing moveable baffles to partition an artist while they are performing. If you normally sit or stand in the same place, then wall-mounted acoustic panelling is probably a better option. When you view the available acoustic panelling, you will see that it can be purchased in several finishes. It might be flat, wedged or marked with pyramid shapes. While you may hear a variety of opinions on which type is best, it is often a matter of personal preference. The thickness of your acoustic panelling will vary depending on how much sound you need the panelling to absorb. The majority of home studios will be fine with shallower panelling, but if you have particular concerns, it always helps to bring in professional help to run some sound tests in advance of your purchase.
How much acoustic panelling do you need?
One mistake that a lot of people make is to assume that for acoustic panelling to be effective, it must cover the entire wall of your recording studio. If you take that approach, you will probably end up removing all of the high-frequency sound reflection and making your audio sound 'dead'. The amount of panelling you need will vary depending on how your studio is laid out, but it is always best to start with too little and then add to it as needed until you create the sound you need. It is important to remember that acoustic panelling will only absorb mid to high sound frequencies. If you also need to take out low frequencies, you must remember to include some bass traps to complement your acoustic panelling.