Christmas Tree Absorbing Sound?

[jimh76]

Hi,

This is a serious question, but cheeky/funny answers will be allowed....

I recorded vox in my home studio yesterday, using a rode NT1 with an SE Reflexion Filter behind the mic. As it's Christmas, it's been decided that my studio (the front room) is the place to put the (Fake) Christmas tree. Due to space issues, I had to have the vocalist stand with their back to the tree, and I must say I feel the tree absorbed a lot of the rogue reflections from behind the singer (not quite as good as the ubiquitous duvet though).

Am I imagining this? Is there a reason why this shouldn't work?

I'm not suggesting that in June I'll get the tree from the loft, decorate it and then place behind a singer when doing a future session, but the vocals seemed to be slightly less coloured than I usually get, unless the duvet makes an appearance.

Again, am I imagining it?

Does the colour of the lights make a difference? (alright, this part of the question wasn't serious.......;o)

Jim.

[Sam Spoons]

It's bound to defuse the sound somewhat and probably absorb too. Not sure it would be remotely linear though.

Obviously you need the correct colour lights if you plan recording the Blues

[ManFromGlass]

Makes me wonder how thin your singer was if the tree was right behind them and diffusion was the result.

[Bob Bickerton]

On a related matter Santa makes a great bass trap..........

Bob

[Martin Walker]

On a related matter Santa makes a great bass trap..........

...the only problem being that he finds it difficult to get down the chimney, so you might end up with a resonant tube trap if he gets stuck at one end.

[Dynamic Mike]

Does the colour of the lights make a difference? (alright, this part of the question wasn't serious.......;o)

I'm not sure the colour of the lights will make much difference, but I think you'll find you can get a more natural, warmer result by using an analogue tree. You will however have to keep a close eye on the needles.

[jimh76]

[Drew Stephenson]

I'm sure there's a product line in Arboreal Absorption for the first person to get it to market...

[garrettendi]

You could definitely get better absorption by putting presents under the tree.

I recommend a new guitar or synth for maximum acoustic-ness

[Peevy]

I'm sure there's a product line in Arboreal Absorption for the first person to get it to market...

Someone who's looking to branch out?

[jimjazzdad]

Of course the really well treated rooms use Christmas trees as acoustic clouds as well...

[Dynamic Mike]

Is that a Decca Tree?

[Hugh Robjohns]

[Drew Stephenson]

Is that a Decca Tree?

[Folderol]

Is that a Decca Tree?

from me too

Actually, I've only just recovered from the embarrassment of covering my walls with cardboard egg boxes, so I'm not going to fall for filling the room with Christmas trees!

[Sam Spoons]

Actually, I've only just recovered from the embarrassment of covering my walls with cardboard egg boxes, so I'm not going to fall for filling the room with Christmas trees!

I tried that too, caused a hell of a mess when all the eggs fell out

[CS70]

Just think what happens when the all these christmas trees on the wall fall down!

[Rich Hanson]

Am I the only one hearing the thread title to the tune of Camptown Races?

Doo-da doo-da

[Wonks]

You were. You're not now.

[Sam Spoons]

I'm still trying to work out what sound will absorb Christmas trees

Maybe it's "Doo-da doo-da"?

[bunker]

Maybe be it’s the Norwegian Wood effect?

I’ll get my coat...

[Philbo King]

Trees in general are excellent diffusers, though it's hard to get very many into a studio.

I also love the reverberant field caused by sound bouncing off the edge of a forest, the diffusion in the sound is incredibly organic sounding (whatever that means..).

I was out on a fireworks day and recorded quite a few impulses of explosions followed by the reverb from the tree leaves in a forest 100m away. It made a lovely impulse for a convolver reverb.

[zenguitar]

And since 12th night has now passed, your acoustic treatment has to be removed.



Andy

[Wonks]

*Treetment.

[Sam Spoons]