Portable voice booths are great to use on the go, when recording voice overs outside of a traditional studio. Continue reading to understand the portable voice recording production process and a few suggested products to purchase to elevate your content.
Sketch Drawing Process
This step is as process as grabbing a piece of white paper and a pencil. Sketch the different dimensions for each panel based on how big you want them to be. This way, you won’t make mistakes when cutting the wood panels. See the following dimensions as an example:
- Top and bottom panels: 17-½” x 20”
- Left and right panels: 20” x 17-½”
- Back panel: 17-½” x 16-¾”
Cutting Process
Using a measuring tape, pencil, and ruler, draw a straight line on each panel to mark exactly where to cut each board with the saw. Repeat this process for each of your panels.
Before you start cutting, place the boards on a stable table. For this step, Ryobi would be the best saw to use because it has a laser that will help you see exactly where the line to cut is. Follow the instructions and you will have a clean cut.
Putting It All Together
Join each panel by using any regular wood glue. Then, nail the panels in the proper position to assemble the booth. It is essential to keep the boards as straight as possible. In order to keep the boards straight, use 90-degree corner clamps that can hold them together when you begin to use the nails.
Sanding Process
Smooth the surface by sanding the outside of the booth. This can be done by using either a sanding tool or sanding paper.
Installing The Inside Holder
The tablet holder is an important feature since this is the display the speaker will be reading the script from. You can fit any small or large tablet up to 7” screen size horizontally. Before you start cutting the wood, measure your tablet and mark your tablet and mark your back panel accordingly.
Sand the pieces before they are joined together. Glue them together, then secure them in place with nails. Finally, paint the wood using wood stain or paint. Now the voice booth is ready to be installed.
Microphone Opening Process
Drill a hole in the back of the voice booth to introduce the connecting cable for the microphone. This will connect the microphone and the portable recorder. Use a drill bit to make a hole about 3.5 millimeters to size to fit a stereo audio extension cable to connect a RODE VideoMic.
Spicing It Up
Now it is time to give the voice booth some color. Paint the booth on the outside by using a wood stain or colored paint. Don’t worry about the inside since it’ll be covered with acoustic foam. Make it as simple or as pretty as you please.
Tablet Holder Installation
Drill three holes in the back of the booth to insert three screws that will hold the tablet holder inside the booth. Make sure the holder is well-balanced so the tablet can sit straight.
Acoustic Foam Installation Process
Now it is time to fill the inside area with acoustic foam. To adhere foam inside the booth, you must use a strong adhesive. Cut every wedge accordingly to make them fit the voice booth.
Outside Border Process
To make sure the foam does not stick out from the main aperture, I framed the borders of the booth’s aperture. This will give the booth a cleaner, finished look.
Now you have finished conducting your own audio booth. Check out the accompanying YouTube video for a visual demonstration of these steps.
