THE STUDIO JOURNAL / Applications
Acoustic curtains for podcast rooms: plan a useful treatment
Plan curtain coverage around recording positions, interpret published frequency data and compare the room before and after.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Treat the recording problem you can hear, and keep microphone setup consistent when comparing changes.
The data, explained.
Swipe the diagram or table sideways to see all the detail ↔
| Check | Documented example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lower band | Acoustic Molton αp 0.25 at 125 Hz | Do not assume equal absorption at all frequencies |
| Mid band | Acoustic Molton αp 0.85 at 500 Hz | Use the correct band in an estimate |
| Installation | 50% fullness / 350 mm cavity / one layer | Keep the test arrangement with the coefficient |
Selected values from the Acoustic Molton report, Data Sheet 8 / Test 9. These are material-test results, not podcast-room measurements. View the sources ↓
01 / THE DETAIL
Listen from the recording positions
Start with a short recording of the actual conversation setup. Keep the microphone, gain, distance and speaker positions the same while comparing changes. Listen for obvious reflections, background noise and inconsistencies between seats. Each can need a different response.
Curtains can form part of a room-treatment design, but they do not solve every cause of poor recording. If the dominant problem is sound entering through a door or a noisy ventilation system, identify that path before choosing cloth.
02 / THE DETAIL
Plan the covered area and the open position
Draw a simple room plan with microphones, speakers, glazing and available curtain runs. Mark where the curtains will sit during recording, then where they stack when open. The podcast and broadcast room guide helps turn that sketch into a brief.
Keep doors, circulation and required ventilation clear. A proposed wall cavity also takes space away from the working area, so establish the practical track position before basing a design on a test configuration.
03 / THE DETAIL
Use data to ask better questions
The selected band values show why a single label such as “acoustic” cannot describe every recording problem. If the room sounds boomy, ask for an assessment of the relevant low-frequency behaviour rather than assuming the high-frequency result solves it. If you add a lining for appearance or light control, review the resulting assembly.
Our frequency-response article explains the coefficients, and absorption versus soundproofing keeps room treatment separate from isolation.
04 / THE DETAIL
Compare the room in a repeatable way
After installation, repeat the same recording setup with the curtains in their intended positions. Document what changed and what remains. An informal listening comparison can guide operation, but it is not a substitute for measured verification when the project has a stated target.
Choose physical fabric samples with the camera and lighting setup in mind. Then send the measurements, intended heading, proposed wall spacing and operational plan with your project enquiry.
Sources & further reading
Technical figures come from the linked manufacturer documents. Worked examples are Studio Curtains calculations with their assumptions shown. Product data and availability should be checked again when specifying.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Turn the detail into a specification.
Share your dimensions and intended use. Stock availability and the final order are confirmed by email.