John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

I can't start construction on my new studio for a while so I'm going to make some gobo's to use in the meantime.
Originally I was thinking: 1/2" plywood or particle board for the back, 1x8 trim for the frame and stuffed with two layers of 4" batt insulation, trimmed in cloth.
I have been thinking though... Since I am only going to be using this to sound treat for singing, could I get away with using much lighter materials?? I work for a building company and we use ThermoPly for exterior shelthing and I though that might work well. Is very rigid and only like 1/4" think and very lightweight. Use that for the back, maybe use two or three layers of it cut down and glued for the frame and then stuff it with the same insulation. I could probably get away with a thick cloth hinge all the way down the sides.

any thoughts?

Ron

I see no reason besides structural integrity why a lighter weight material cannot be used. If the thermoply is pretty strong then go for it. Just don't want it to fall apart while you are moving it around.

You are building them for sound control purposes, not sound isolation or proofing so you'll be fine.

Bryan Giles

Ok cool. Yea, its just to make my vocals sound better for now. I am tracking in a small 10x10 room and the reflections are killing me.

The good thing is, I can get all the supplies to make the Thermoply gobos for free, leftovers from jobsites at work. So worse case scenario if they do fall apart <which is possible> no big loss, I'll just make some more!

Thanks Bryan

Ron

And just if anyone is curious here is the link to Thermo Ply

http://www.ludlowcp.com/pages/thermoply.html

We switched to this instead of Celotex on new home construction. It is much more dense and easier to repair and seal.

Ron

I made my vocal gobo out of 1/2" plywood ripped to six inch strips for the frame. 2x2's in each corner for something to screw into. Hardware cloth (like chicken wire) on each side stapled to the frame. R19 sandwiched in the middle. Burlap over the front and back with trim brad nailed for looks. Very Cheap. It absorbs on both sides. Three panels and 4 casters and foldable.

Best,

Dave