Build a Gorilla Sound Booth

I know we have built and demonstrated several DIY sound booths on VO Mic Tests, (DIY Sound absorbing Panels) but you never know when one person's solution is perfect for someone else's problem. 
I have done the moving blankets and PVC package before and it does knock down some noise. For me, the 703 panels did the trick best. But here's another idea:
Videomaker Gorilla Sound Booth
Let me know if you try it.

Portable VO Box Revisited

I love the site. I was wondering if it is possible to get the blueprints for the Portable Voice-over Mic Box? 
Thanks 
Carter


Carter,

Thanks for your note. No blueprints. Just an accumulation of various low cost ingredients and a little testing to make it work for you.

Here is a link to the story and a list of links to get you started:

http://vomictest.blogspot.com/2007/12/its-in-bag.html

We have two mobile video trucks (Fish Wagon I and Fish wagon II) and the "Sound Box" is always with at least one. Don't leave home without it.

Thanks again,

Willie

SomeAudioGuy reviews New AKG C414LXS

Good job. We would love to hear a comparison..

Can You Read Those Mic Specs?

I know we keep telling you the best way to pick the perfect mic is to try as many as you can. Of course, that's not possible in all cases. So what do you do? Look at the "specifications."


Yeah--right. Pro sound web has an article on the basics of understanding what all the graphs and numbers mean:
How to read those mic specs.

ATH-M10 Professional Monitor Headphones

Audio-Technica's ATH-M10 dynamic stereo headphones deliver exceptional clarity, comfortable lightweight design and a natural frequency response ideal for professional mixing and monitoring. The headphones’ closed-back padded circumaural (around-the-ear) ear cups provide acoustic isolation and long-wearing comfort. Features include: 40 mm drivers; lightweight, adjustable headband; dual-sided straight 3.0 m (10’) cable; stereo 3.5 mm (1/8") connector with snap-on 6.3 mm (1/4") adapter.

Closed-back circumaural cushioned ear cup design provides maximum isolation

Clear, accurate response for mixing and monitoring

40 mm drivers for a natural, balanced frequency response

Dual-sided straight cable terminates to mini-plug with snap-on 1/4” adapter

Adjustable headband for long-wearing comfort

SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE	Closed-back dynamic
DRIVER DIAMETER	40 mm
FREQUENCY RESPONSE	30 - 20,000 Hz
MAXIMUM INPUT POWER	500 mW at 1 kHz
SENSITIVITY	100 dB
IMPEDANCE	40 ohms
WEIGHT	210 g (7.4 oz), without cable
CABLE	3.0 m (10')
CONNECTOR	3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug
ACCESSORY INCLUDED	Snap-on 6.3 mm (1/4") adapter

I have been looking for a good set of "Field Phones" for decent monitoring on location. B&H has these listed for around $35. Let me know if you try them.

How's Your Headphones?

You may treat your headphones like a favorite pair of old sneakers. They look bad but feel (sound) good. For me, my headphones and sneakers both also smell bad.


There are several new updates to studio headphone choices out and several good articles about tests and reviews. So far, I haven't seen one that relates to exactly what I look for--clean, clear and true sound that doesn't give me a false read on what I am doing.


I am old enough to have experienced "Clevite" or "brush" headphones. Talk about clear signal. They were the best and sometimes the only way to pick up the distorted signals of general radio communications. Broadcast Jockeys realized they were the cleanest way to sort through the narrow frequencies of AM Rock & Roll.


But they were painful to wear! I lost chunks of hair every time I pulled them off. And I am still not sure those piercing high frequencies didn't cause brain damage (although the AM R&R format did the most damage).


Next time, let's talk about KOSS PRO4AAs and how they were responsible for fusing my 5th & 6th vertebrae.  (Have you ever done a break, turned off the mic and felt something warm and wet dripping off your ear?)


Anyway--here's a link to one of the articles:
http://www.proaudioreview.com/article/27920

And another that implies that we need to try headphones before we buy:
http://www.proaudioreview.com/article/29120

Let me hear your experiences.

Shure Introduces New KSM42, KSM44A Studio Microphones

Shure Incorporated in Niles, Ill., announces the latest additions to its line of KSM microphones: the KSM42 ($999 MSRP) and KSM44A ($1,249 MSRP) .

Shure KSM42The KSM42 is a side-address, cardioid condenser microphone designed for vocal recording. With a tailored frequency response and extensive internal and external pop filtering, the single-pattern, dual-diaphragm design of the KSM42 is said to exhibit an ultra-wide dynamic range and exceptionally smooth proximity control for studio applications.

It promises a consistent cardioid polar pattern that creates a broad “sweet spot” and natural off-axis response. It has a dual-diaphragm design with an active front, ultra thin, 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold, low mass, one-inch Mylar diaphragm. Its integrated three-stage mesh grille is designed to guard against wind and breath noise. the KSM42 also has an open cage ShureLock rubber suspension shock-mount with a low-profile magnetic pop filter, and is manufactured from premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors. An internal shock-mount promises to reduce unwanted handling and stand noise.

The KSM44A is a large-diaphragm, side-address condenser microphone designed for a variety of live and studio applications. Shure has redefined the mic's dynamic range to capture every nuance with a minimum of self-noise. “We’ve lowered the self-noise while simultaneously increasing the max sound pressure level (SPL)," says Chad Wiggins, Shure’s Category Manager for Wired Products. "The result is 7 additional decibels of pure dynamic range.”

Shure KSM44A

The KSM44A offers multiple polar patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional—for maximum flexibility in a variety of recording applications. Its dual one-inch, externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold-layered, low mass diaphragms are designed to offer superior frequency response. The KSM44A is likewise comprised of premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors. It has a subsonic filter to eliminate rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz (cycles per second). A three-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted stand vibration noise or counteract proximity effect, and an integrated three-stage “pop” protection grille reduces breath noise.

Shure states that the KSM42 and KSM44A microphones will be available in July, carry a two-year limited warranty, and can be purchased at select retail partners. For a complete list of authorized dealers, visit www.shure.com.