One of the challenges of starting any new project is figuring out the tools you’ll need to do the job.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, ‘Work-space Upgrade, I had to buy equipment to do Voice Over work. I bought a mic and downloaded the software… but that’s only the beginning. I also needed sound panels, to cut extraneous sound. So, back online I went … after viewing what was available (I don’t have the space to build a sound studio) … my partner suggested that I look at the DIY on Youtube – How to make High Performance Sound Absorption Panels for $5. 

With a few revisions, I built my own. The 1 ½” finished product was a trifle expensive so I went with the 2” common.

The guy at local building supply were really helpful – he found me 4 boards – approximately 8’ long and agreed to cut it for me and even wrapped the ends up. Easier to carry and cut my work load way back.

Since the wood was stored outside I wanted to ensure that the wood was good and dry… taking advantage of the 26 to 30 degree heatwave.

Gathering my tools

using 3.5 inch wood screws … the 2″ common wood became 4 frames

I bought the towels at a local thrift store laid them out on the floor

stapling the outside towel, then,  cutting the inside pieces from additional towels – a large bath towel, gave me 2 pieces per

My frames are free standing, rather than wall mounted and I wanted to attach them together in pairs

I tried sewing the inside pieces to the back panel as suggested but the inside pieces didn’t remain taut.  I pulled the stitches and stapled instead …

Stapled on the back, attach the brackets to the 2^nd frame and…

My cost was a bit higher than the $5 per but I did add 3 sets of hinges per pair and increased the inside towel pieces to 7. Cost was approximately $8. Still a lot less expensive then buying portable sound panels that would be 2/3 the size.