Classic DIY recording booth

I am proud of this Heath Robinson contraption in my study. My unique and glorious video recording booth is the result of about ten months’ trial and error and ingenious problem solving. What problems, you ask? Multiple engineering problems associated with recording short video lectures for my new online courses, for example:

1. reduce echo to get a clear and friendly small room audio quality
2. put lights in ideal position
3. ditto for microphone
4. ditto for MacBook Pro & its iSight camera
5. enable impromptu instant recording any time without hanging drapes and duvets or moving stuff around
6. record against a simple unobtrusive background
7. and all this while keeping my study the serene space that it used to be.

They’re all one problem really and I hope they’re now all sorted. Except No. 6, which I’m working on.

How to make your own video recording booth for $64

So, you could make one too! Here’s what you need. Total cost $64 for the entire booth. (I’m not counting the hardware, namely microphone, computer and lights.)

1. a basic stand-up desk borrowed from your friend who may take it back at any time
2. 6 clamps (those orange sticky-out handles) ($54)
3. 2 yoga mats,and scissors to cut them with (experience in home dressmaking an advantage) ($10)
4. 11 bulldog clips (scrounge through office spaces and under couches)
5. 2 pieces of old padded sofa cover (you know where they are)
6. cheap plastic trolley with four trays (still usable for office stationery, ipad, Kindle etc))
7. one cushion subdivided, two pillow cases (sacrificed in the cause)
8. 8 large books (because trolley and standup desk are still too low).

In case you didn’t notice, I can’t stand sitting down for such tasks.

I’m just too clever for this world

So there you are! This is a classic blog post of the self-satisfied variety. I am just so proud (or maybe that’s relieved) I had to skite.

Now, about those courses…