Build a Recording Booth in Your Basement
- Intermediate
Creating a recording booth in your home is a great way to add some fun and function to normally unused space. It can be a little costly to add a recording booth if you don’t already own the equipment. If you’re experienced in other home improvement projects, you can pull this off in just a few days.
Think of Location
Basements are perfect for in-home recording booths because they are naturally more soundproof than other rooms. Since a recording booth is a 2-part room, a basement is a perfect location.
You need a small space for the booth and then a larger area into which to place the booth and the recording equipment. Some people choose to use walk-in closets, but they can become cramped. You’ll want a space with plenty of room to maneuver.
Carpet
Carpeting is an asset because it absorbs sound. If your basement is finished with carpet, keep it in place. If not, you may consider adding some. You don’t have to get really great carpet; carpet remnants will do nicely.
Wall Coverings
Install some kind of sound-proof material on the walls to deaden any sounds that may cause feedback. Even though you will be in a booth, the sounds can leak into the studio and can be heard in other areas. Many materials will work, including foam paneling, carpet remnants, and even blanketing to cover the walls. You don’t have to spend much to soundproof a recording studio.
Equipment Placement
When you are setting up the studio, ensure to place the equipment outside the booth. Having equipment in the booth can create feedback that will interfere with the quality of the sound. You can run any cords you need outside the booth and away from the space.
Create Booth Walls
If you don’t already have a closet or other area that you can use for the booth, you can create your own. Raise the booth 3-inches above the floor to allow for more soundproofing underneath of it.
Ventilation
A sound booth can become uncomfortable. Help the air circulation by finding a quiet fan to install in the wall or ceiling of the booth. Most hardware and home improvement stores carry quiet-function fans that operate with little to no noise.
