DIY Collapsible Sound Booth

So, my office echoes like you wouldn’t believe. Actually, just listen to the first 10 episodes of Hired and you’ll be a believer. Laminate flooring and sparse furniture doth not a recording studio make.

Hence, I needed a system for eliminating the echo, but without permanence as we record only once every one to two weeks. The solution? A collapsible sound booth, inspired by Josh Long (listen to this episode).

Here’s the finished product:

And here’s the finished product disassembled for storage:

Assembly and disassembly takes just 5 minutes each. Two panels are hinged together, while the third attaches with two brackets.

I fashioned the booth out of 1/4" plywood with reinforcements on the top and bottom of each panel. The soundproofing material is comprised of the Auralex Roominators kit and a three 2’x4’ Auralex panels, all purchased from our local Guitar Center.

I recommend you not use the glue that comes with the kit. Instead, use 3M spray adhesive or something like it, as it’s much faster. Just be sure to use an adhesive that’s safe with foam. The ‘90’ product from 3M didn’t have any warnings on the label that concerned me, and so far it seems to be adhering well.

As for recording quality? It’s not where I want it just yet. With an office as barren and ceilings as high as mine, I really need to lay down a large rug or somehow sound proof larger portions of the room. But it’s a significant improvement, and I have plans to sound proof additional areas around and inside the booth even further.

Total cost: ~$300. Construction time: ~4 hours.