Mattress Vocal Booth

Mattresses provide substantial acoustic absorption that rivals purpose-built acoustic panels. Using mattresses as improvised treatment creates effective vocal recording environments without purchasing specialized acoustic products.

Why Mattresses Work

Mattress construction includes foam, fiber, and fabric that absorb sound effectively. The thickness of a typical mattress addresses frequencies that thin acoustic foam cannot.

The density and mass of mattresses absorb low-mid frequencies better than many acoustic panels. This broadband absorption provides more complete acoustic control.

The size of mattresses covers significant surface area. A single mattress provides treatment equivalent to multiple acoustic panels.

Basic Setup Configurations

Standing a mattress on edge behind the singer creates a significant absorption surface. This addresses the primary reflection path from walls behind the performer.

Two mattresses arranged at an angle create a corner-like enclosure. The V-shape surrounds the singer with absorption while leaving the front open for microphone positioning.

Multiple mattresses forming a three-sided enclosure create improvised booth conditions. The absorption on three sides significantly reduces room contribution to recordings.

Support and Safety

Mattresses standing upright require secure support to prevent falling. Leaning mattresses against walls or securing them to stands prevents accidents.

Heavy mattresses present falling hazards if improperly supported. Ensuring stable positioning before recording protects equipment and people.

Floor-level recording with mattresses lying flat and surrounding the position provides stability at the cost of less intuitive positioning.

Acoustic Effectiveness

Mattress absorption compares favorably to commercial broadband absorbers. The thickness and density address a wide frequency range.

The primary limitation involves low-frequency absorption. While better than thin foam, mattresses don’t match dedicated bass traps.

Testing with actual recordings reveals effectiveness in specific rooms. Comparing mattress-treated recordings to untreated versions shows the improvement.

Practical Considerations

Mattresses used for recording may develop wear from handling. Using spare or dedicated mattresses rather than actively used beds prevents sleep surface degradation.

Storage of mattresses not in use requires space. The bulk of mattresses makes them less convenient than compact acoustic panels.

Setup time exceeds purpose-built solutions. Moving mattresses into position takes more effort than adjusting mounted panels.

Combining with Other Treatment

Mattresses work well combined with blankets, foam, and other improvised treatment. Addressing different frequency ranges with different materials provides comprehensive control.

Using mattresses for primary absorption while addressing remaining reflections with lighter materials optimizes material usage.

Positioning mattresses to address the most problematic reflection paths focuses their benefit where it matters most.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Using existing mattresses costs nothing. Even purchasing inexpensive mattresses often costs less than equivalent acoustic panel coverage.

The trade-off involves convenience, appearance, and space. Purpose-built treatment is easier to use and looks more professional.

For budget-constrained situations where results matter more than appearance, mattress treatment provides exceptional value.

Recording Environment Design

Arranging mattresses to create a recording space requires planning. The desired microphone position, singer position, and isolation requirements guide arrangement.

Leaving appropriate clearance for the microphone stand, performer movement, and headphone cables ensures practical functionality.

Adequate lighting within the mattress enclosure maintains comfortable recording conditions. Dark, cramped spaces inhibit performance.