DIY Project: Diffuser Array/Absorber GOBO

By: James DeGrandis

Mobile DIY option for creating new spaces with GOBOs!

As studio spaces get smaller, and budgets get tighter, we like to find new ways to maximize our budgets and our spaces, without removing quality. One issue with small room recording is getting sufficient separation between instruments – and here’s one DIY project to help you master your space without compromise.

Stuff you need:

4’x 6’ sheet of 3/4” Plywood (This can be scaled up or down depending on need.)

32 sq/ft of 4” Cutting Wedge® Classic Acoustical Foam (Or similar absorber)

4 x Art Diffusors® – Model C (or Model F, Quadrapyramid™, or other comparable diffuser)

Construction adhesive

6-8 Hook and loop straps (To attach to Mic Stands – one option)

2x Mic Stands (unless building frame)

2”x4”x10’ wood for frame construction (optional)

3 x Low profile Casters for rolling frame (optional)

Assembly instructions

A simple “no-frame” construction method is first described to give you the quick and easy option of just attaching some straps to a couple mic stands.

Use Construction adhesive to attach the Cutting Wedge® Foam to the back of the panel in a checkerboard pattern (each panel 90° rotated from adjacent.) Then flip the panel and attach the 8 Cutting Wedge® panels to the bottom of the front. (the bottom of the gobo creates a corner with the floor, we want to put absorption there to limit the bass.)

Use Construction adhesive again to attach the 4 Diffusers to the top and front of the Plywood (Follow the installation instructions for adhesive placement)

If you with to attach to mic stands, just attach the hook and loop straps to the panel along the edge, roughly where the diagram to the right is indicating, and you are done…

If you would like to create a simple rolling frame, a design for one is shown in the bottom diagram on the right.  Other frame designs can be used; they can even be hung from the ceiling if you are going to keep reusing the same configuration, or if the configuration is going to be used long term.

One of the great benefits of building gobos is the flexibility you have in your use and placement of them.  They can allow for your space to seem much larger, by creating separation between instruments.  They are easily made, easy and quick to set up, they can be stored away, or just lean up against a wall or corner to provide more acoustic treatment when not in use.

Create a mini vocal booth.

Use as a giant corner bass trap.

Enclose your noisy drummer.

Gobos have hundreds of uses.

Make your own today!

This simple DIY project is provided as a way for our customers to learn better ways to use our products and get more value out of the products they buy.  If you are looking for more ways to use the products you have, look to Acoustics First for Ideas.  http://www.acousticsfirst.com

A little History…

If you embark on this little construction project, you will be constructing studio elements that have remained basically unchanged since at least the early 1970’s.  Handmade Gobos have been used in many of the top studios for effective noise control for over 40 years – These versions pay homage to those early pioneers who built what they needed, because it was the only way to get exactly what they needed.

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Acoustics First Corporation supplies acoustical panels and soundproofing materials to control sound and eliminate noise in commercial, residential, government, and institutional applications worldwide.  Products include the patented Art Diffusor®, sound absorbers, noise barriers, acoustical fabrics and accessories. Acoustics First® products are sold for O.E.M applications, direct, and through dealers.  For more information on acoustical materials and their application, please visit www.AcousticsFirst.com or call Toll Free 1-888-765-2900 (US & Canada).