Most audio professionals seek a natural but controlled environment for recording vocals and instruments, which is usually achieved with a dedicated room or booth. But for those with project studios, there can be major limitations around space and budget. As a result, portable booths have become a very popular solution, but it does pose the question of just how effective an open vocal booth will perform when trying to get that all important vocal sound, especially in highly reflective environments.
To find the answer, UK based designers and manufacturers Imperative Audio put forward their Portable Vocal Booth and looked at several venues that would be able to provide a reflection time beyond that offered in most project or commercial studios, sound stages or even most home settings. And it was St. Albans Cathedral that provided the perfect sonic environment and who kindly closed off the nave for a few hours so the test could go ahead.
