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Home Studio Tour:
Compact, Inexpensive, Efficient:
Walk-In Closet Is Perfect VO Studio
By Robin Rowan
Voice Actor
 I have LOVED seeing everyone's studio setups on VoiceOverXtra! Most are pretty fancy; mine is not, but it gets the job done. I have a 4' x 8' walk-in closet off my master bedroom that I use as my studio.
Since one wall is an outside wall, I've left all of the clothes hanging on that side - a great sound buffer!
For the rest of the walls and ceiling, I purchased six 2' x 4' acoustic panels from GIK Acoustics that are hung like pictures on the walls. Hooks and eyes fasten the ceiling panels.
EQUIPMENT TABLE
I found a 4' second-hand table for my equipment that I covered with felt.
A friend gave me his old adjustable mic arm, which I attached by drilling a hole through the table.
THE SET-UP
I purchased a flat-screen monitor to save space, but the rest of the equipment is pretty standard:
My computer tower sits just outside the closet, so I had to purchase a few cable extensions, but it is well worth it to not have the fan noise.
The door is a pull-from-the-middle louvered closet door, and I've attached pieces of foam core on the inside of the louvers to block any noise coming through.
Compact, efficient, inexpensive.
ABOUT ROBIN ...
 Robin Rowan is a 30-year voice over veteran based in Florida, and represented by Benz Model & Talent Agency, Tampa, FL. A member of the Society of Accredited Voice Over Artists, she has has a long client list including audiobook narrations for Harper Audio and Audible, and projects for CitiMortgage, the National Museum of Naval Aviation IMAX Theatre, the Tourist Network and more. Her voice is described as "smooth, warm and sophisticated - the perfect 'mom', documentary narrator and audiobook storyteller."Email: rrowan55@cox.net
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One problem we had was finding really comfortable chairs that are noiseless. We finally found them at Target. Their backs and seats are made out of acrylic bands and they're great. We also installed rods around the perimeter so that we can hang velvet drapes - they merely cover up all the clothing but make it more impressive when clients want to do their own recording.
Anyway, thanks for bringing this idea "out of the closet," as I don't think we would have otherwise admitted it.
Mur Brown www.kckproductions.com
Best Wishes,
Carl Bobb / Strasburg, CO
Like you (and Barry), my studio is also designed in a walk-in. Sounds like we have a very similar setup - except my acoustic treatment includes the clothes still hanging in the closet! It's amazing that we can have such rudimentary studios (at least that's what I consider mine ... bare bones) and still do amazing work. Keep it up!
BTW, I LOVE your logo! Great design!
--Jay
www.voiceofjaywebb.com
You have designed your booth, almost to the tee as mine - or vice versa. Whatever the case, it must be that great minds think alike. Really cool article! Thanks!