At PRONK!, we understand the unique challenges that come with setting up a home studio. When actor Lola approached us, she was facing significant issues with her recordings. Despite having some decent equipment, her home setup was not delivering the quality expected by engineers, and she needed a quick, effective solution without having to dive into the technical details herself. This is where our Home Studio Consultation Service stepped in to help.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Our journey with Lola began with a brief phone call where we discussed her work, the specific problems she was encountering, and the requirements for her setup. It was clear that a site visit was necessary to fully understand the situation and provide a tailored solution.

Upon arriving at Lola’s home, we discovered that she had set up her recording space in a cupboard. Our first concern was its proximity to the house’s main electricity supply, which could potentially introduce noise into the recordings. Additionally, while her equipment—a lovely condenser mic and a Focusrite Scarlett interface—was generally fine, there were some issues with the setup. The mic stand was flimsy, causing vibrations to be picked up, and her audio settings were at 44.1kHz and 16-bit, which, due to her old laptop, was causing distortion.

Diagnosing and Solving the Issues

We first tackled the audio settings in Audacity, adjusting the sample rate which immediately resolved the distortion problem. The electric supply, fortunately, did not seem to interfere with the mic signal, so we moved on to the more pressing issues of acoustics and mic vibrations.

The main acoustic problem was the echo from the hallway outside the cupboard. To measure up the space, we took note of dimensions and began brainstorming portable solutions. Given that Lola wasn’t planning to stay in this location long-term, our solution needed to be easily transportable.

Implementing the Solution

After careful consideration, we proposed the T-Acoustics Vocal Booth, which fit perfectly in Lola’s available space. This booth provided a controlled environment that significantly reduced the echo from the hallway. We also suggested a laptop stand to keep her equipment organized and off the floor. Upgrading the mic stand to a sturdier, speaker-mounted stand with an elastic cradle eliminated the vibrations from the mic stand, further improving sound quality.

Final Outcome

The results were remarkable. The T-Acoustics Vocal Booth not only provided an acoustically sound environment but also allowed for easy relocation should Lola move in the future. The setup was neat, efficient, and most importantly, it dramatically improved the audio quality of her recordings. While true soundproofing in a domestic setting is often difficult and expensive, our solution offered the perfect balance of performance and portability.

Lola was delighted with the overall improvement and the service provided. At PRONK!, we take pride in our ability to solve unique challenges and deliver customized solutions that exceed our clients’ expectations. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, our Home Studio Consultation Service is here to help you achieve the best possible results from your recording space.