Recording in a dead room

[thattubachick]

I'm trying to do some DIY recordings for some auditions coming up, and the only space I really have available to me is my living room. (Granted, I've looking into other spaces, but that is not the point of this thread). Anyway, I'm finding the room to be really dead. I think my recording set up is getting a pretty accurate sound, but I'd like things to just be a little more 'live'. Anyone have suggestions on how to liven up the space a little bit?

Keep in mind this is a living room I share with two other people so nailing plywood to the walls isn't exactly an option. Though I'm thinking of taking out the area rug. Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks

[NCSUSousa]

First - Get rid of any thick upholstery, rugs or curtains. Also figure out if you can remove any furniture with a cushion that isn't covered in leather. Those things absorb sound. Also, if there are miniblinds (or other window coverings) pull them up so that you're looking at unobstructed glass. That should fix some of the resonance.

Assuming the room has a ceiling of 8'-9' (8' is the old standard for home construction), you're going to need to play with your tuba on an angle to take advantage of the room. Otherwise, your sound is going to be reflected in an odd way off of the ceiling and will not resonate in the room.

Who knows, you may want to put a few things back after you do all of these things - too much room reverb makes it hard to get a good recording.

[swillafew]

If you use the recording to polish your playing, the dry room is working in your favor.
or:
If you want the reverb for effect, start out by seeing how far from the horn you can put the microphone. If you have the means to add a little electronic delay, the sound will mimic a large reverberant space. Doing so will diminish some of the benefits to using the recording for practice purposes.

[thattubachick]

Hmmm. Thanks, I'll definitely try moving the furniture and playing on an angle. I also have that plastic stuff covering the window (it's been really cold here!), so I might try taking that off.

As for adding reverb.... It's for an audition and I"m not allowed to edit in any way. In my mind, any manipulation of the audio is editing... but I'm not sure if that's the standard opinion. Thoughts?

[swillafew]

Don't mess with the rules, don't alter electronically. Try bathrooms or kitchens, anything with some hard surfaces. Way back when people recorded in stairwells for the echo.