2025 PRODUCT CATALOG

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Your Guide to Essential Recording Studio Equipment

WhisperRoom
May 2023
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Setting up a recording studio can be an exciting journey, whether you're a beginner looking to explore your passion for audio production or a seasoned professional seeking to elevate your craft. This guide covers everything you need to know about essential recording studio equipment, offering expert advice and insights to help you make informed decisions for your unique needs.

1. Choosing the Right Space for Your Studio

Before diving into equipment, choosing an appropriate space for your recording studio is crucial. Consider factors such as room size, shape, ambient noise, and natural light. Ideally, the space should be large enough to accommodate your equipment, and the room's shape should minimize sound reflections.

Avoid spaces with excessive ambient noise, and ensure enough natural light creates a comfortable working environment. The principles of setting up an effective studio not only cater to audio production but also create a versatile environment suitable for various content creation needs.

2. The Foundation: Computers and DAWs

A powerful computer and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software is the heart of any modern recording studio. Choose a computer with enough processing power, RAM, and storage to handle your audio projects. Mac and Windows-based systems are both suitable for audio production, so choose one that best fits your preferences and budget.

Popular DAWs include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and FL Studio. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so research and test different options before deciding on the one that suits your workflow and production style.

3. Capturing Your Sound: Microphones and Accessories

Microphones are essential for capturing vocals, instruments, and other sound sources. There are two primary types of microphones: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic microphones are more rugged and suitable for recording loud sources, while condenser microphones are more sensitive and ideal for capturing delicate nuances in vocals and acoustic instruments.

Invest in a variety of microphones to handle different recording situations. Essential accessories include microphone stands, pop filters, and shock mounts to ensure proper positioning and minimize unwanted noise.

An info graph that illustrates recording studio essentials like choosing the right room, computers and DAWs, and microphones.

4. Audio Interfaces: Connecting the Pieces

An audio interface is a bridge between your microphones, instruments, and computer. It converts analog signals to digital, allowing you to record and process audio within your DAW. When choosing an audio interface, consider factors such as the number of inputs and outputs, preamp quality, and compatibility with your computer's connections.

An info graph that illustrates recording studio essentials like an audio interface, studio monitors & headphones, and control surfaces.

Popular audio interface options include the Focusrite Scarlett, Universal Audio Apollo, and Audient iD. Make sure to choose an interface that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18x8 USB Audio/Midi Interface (3rd Generation).
Scarlett 18i8
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X interface.
Apollo Twin X
Image of the Audient iD Interface Range. Showing the iD4, iD14, iD24, and iD44.
Audient iD Interface Range

5. Monitoring Your Sound: Studio Monitors and Headphones

Accurate monitoring is essential for making informed decisions about your recordings and mixes. Invest in a pair of high-quality monitors to clearly represent your audio. Look for monitors with a flat frequency response, ensuring all frequencies are represented accurately.

Additionally, invest in a good pair of studio headphones for critical listening and tracking. Closed-back headphones are recommended for tracking, as they provide better isolation, while open-back headphones are suitable for mixing and offer a more natural soundstage.

6. Control Surfaces: Mastering Your Workflow

Control surfaces can enhance workflow by providing tactile control over your DAW's functions. These devices often feature faders, knobs, and buttons that allow you to adjust levels, pan, and other parameters without relying solely on your mouse and keyboard.

While not strictly necessary, control surfaces can significantly improve your efficiency and make your recording process more enjoyable. Popular options include the PreSonus FaderPort series, the Avid Artist series, and the Behringer X-Touch series.

Image of the Behringer X-Touch control surface for audio production.
Behringer X-Touch

Audio University shares tips on how to set up a home music production studio.

7. Outboard Gear: Enhancing Your Sound

Outboard gear, such as preamps, compressors, and equalizers, can further shape and enhance your audio. While many of these functions can be performed within your DAW using plugins, there's often a unique character and warmth imparted by hardware that's difficult to replicate with software alone.

When building your collection of outboard gear, start with essentials like a high-quality preamp for clean and transparent amplification of your microphones and a versatile compressor to control dynamics and add character to your recordings. As you expand your studio, add additional processors such as equalizers, reverb units, and other effects to broaden your sonic palette.

Some popular outboard gear options include the Universal Audio LA-610 MkII, the DBX 266xs, and the Warm Audio WA-2A.

Universal Audio LA-610 MkII Classic Tube Recording Channel
Universal Audio LA-610 MkII
DBX 266xs Compressor/Gate
DBX 266xs
Warm Audio WA-2A Style Optical Compressor
Warm Audio WA-2A

8. Acoustic Treatment: Perfecting Your Listening Environment

To ensure accurate monitoring and achieve professional-sounding recordings, it's crucial to acoustically treat your studio space. Acoustic treatment helps control reflections, standing waves, and resonances that can negatively impact your audio.

Start by treating early reflection points with absorption panels. These are typically placed on walls and ceilings where sound bounces directly between your monitors and your listening position. Bass traps are essential for controlling low-frequency build-up in corners, while diffusers can help to scatter and disperse sound energy, creating a more balanced listening environment.

DIY solutions can be effective and budget-friendly, or you can invest in professionally designed acoustic treatment products from companies like GIK Acoustics, Auralex, Primacoustic, and Audimute.  

9. Cables, Stands, and Other Accessories

Don't overlook the importance of quality cables, stands, and other accessories in your recording studio. Investing in high-quality cables can minimize signal loss and interference, ensuring the best possible audio quality.

Ensure you have a variety of cable types and lengths to accommodate different connections, such as XLR, TRS, and instrument cables. Cable management tools, like cable ties and organizers, can help keep your studio tidy and clutter-free.

Additionally, invest in sturdy and adjustable stands for your microphones, monitors, and instruments. A comfortable studio chair and ergonomic workstation setup will also create a more enjoyable and productive recording experience.

An info graph that illustrates recording studio essentials like outboard gear, acoustic treatment, and cables, stands, and more.

Putting It All Together

Equipping your recording studio with essential gear is important to realizing your creative vision and producing high-quality audio. By carefully selecting the right equipment and optimizing your workspace, you'll be well on your way to achieving professional results and making your mark in the world of audio production. Remember that your studio can always grow and evolve with you, so stay curious, keep learning, and continue to invest in your craft.

The WhisperRoom Experience

“As a result of the broadcast quality output I get from my vocal booth, I am now represented by four Talent Agents and I have produced three Audiobooks available on Audible. Lastly, and most exciting I was selected by Marvel's Audiobook Drama Director to be the voice of Nick Fury Jr.”

Art Dent - Voice Actor, arthurdentvoiceacting.com
Voice Actor
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“My WhisperRoom is a great solution for practicing both acoustic and amplified instruments in my home, without driving other occupants out of the house. The sound response inside is neutral and perfect for recording, and with my small reference monitors, is also great for mixing and editing.

The modular construction made it easy to set up and configure exactly how I wanted my space. The lighting kit, ventilation, and optional window make it very comfortable even in the 6x6 foot room.”

Chris L. - Multi-instrumentalist, NVHMusic
Multi-instrumentalist
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“I use my WhisperRoom for my private practice audiology clinic. It works perfectly and saved me thousands. Customer service was great!”

Dr. Joni Ruiz - Audiologist, Big Thicket Hearing Aids & Audiology
Audiologist
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“WhisperRoom makes the very best in sound isolation enclosures. We’ve purchased 3 in the past couple of years and will be buying more. Love this product!”

Steve Burrington - Owner & Operations Director, Texas Hearing Clinic
Owner & Operations Director
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“Great experience with WhisperRoom…I’ve been told by multiple people it’s the nicest hearing booth they have ever been in! Would highly recommend!”

Jaclyn Charie - Au. D., Owner & Audiologist, Hearing AuD
Au. D., Owner & Audiologist
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“I bought a WhisperRoom in November. I just opened my practice and wanted a good reliable room for audiologic testing. It came on a pallet and with a friend’s help, we moved it from the pallet to my clinic space. We then built it in about 4.5 hours. I love using this WhisperRoom, it suits my needs perfectly.”

Liz White - Au. D., Owner & Audiologist, Harbor City Hearing Solutions
Au. D., Owner & Audiologist
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“Awesome product. Our patients love the roominess and comfort they feel when using our WhisperRoom booths.”

David Brooks - RHIP,
RHIP
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“Everything is great! We received the WhisperRoom about a week after placing the order and I put it together myself. I’m loving it and use it almost daily as my home office/studio.”

Adam Mast - Audio & Video Services, Mast Productions
Audio & Video Services
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“An epic WhisperRoom has just been assembled at The Guitar Store at Quimper Sound Records!!! 🤘🔥🔥We still have some finishing touches to make this kickass sound booth perfect! It’s time to set up a demo at The Guitar Store.”

Quimper Sound Records and Guitars
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“Incredibly satisfied! My WhisperRoom vocal booth is revolutionizing my workflow and really impressing my recording clients. And delivery and assembly went very smooth. 10/10 would recommend.”

Zachary Manno - Producer - Engineer - Musician, zacharymanno.com
Producer - Engineer - Musician
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“I recently became a full-time voice actor and the WR is the ‘heart’ of my home studio. I’m in it every single weekday and I simply could not do my work as effectively without it. I have to tell you, the more I use my WR, the more I absolutely love it!”

Todd Stark - Voice Actor, starkvo.com
Voice Actor
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“I never thought a fuzzy big box could be sexy, but it is. It truly cuts out all of the ambient noise that is a must for clean, studio-quality vocals. This is truly the #GoldBar standard in audio recordings. Extremely well built (like a tank) and with the wheel package, I’m able to easily move it around…

A lot of engineering went into this system and I’m extremely proud to own such a coveted, iconic, and industry-standard product, that yells, “Professional” to which, no one can hear me outside of it because of the supreme sound isolation properties that the WhisperRoom has provided.”

Glen - Voice Actor, iglen.com
Voice Actor
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“I’m a musician that lived in a free-standing house for 25 years. When we moved into our current house, with shared walls, all of a sudden I could no longer play at any hour. My neighbors made that very clear!

Thank goodness for the WhisperRoom! Now I’m just getting started at midnight and no one minds a bit. I’m thrilled! The quality of this item is excellent.”

Jay Friedman - Trombonist & Conductor, jayfriedman.net
Trombonist & Conductor
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“Our WhisperRoom has been a great addition to our school! Offering private music lessons to all ages and levels.”

SoCal Jazz Academy
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“Have you ever heard of a recording studio in a library? Sounds like an oxymoron, right? It’s not though, thanks to our incredible WhisperRoom. It keeps all the good vibes inside so that lovely library atmosphere is preserved. Genius!”

New Orleans Public Library - Best Buy Teen Tech Center,
Best Buy Teen Tech Center
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“This WhisperRoom allows me to have the dedicated, professional home studio space of my dreams without interrupting the entire house.

Now I can work on client productions and my own music 24x7x365. With less than 30dB of room noise even with the AC and computers on, production quality has increased and so has creative output!”

Mattimus - Artist - Studio Engineer - Producer
Artist - Studio Engineer - Producer
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“The 4x6 double-wall WhisperRoom is my personal padded cell where I can experiment with tone day and night without disturbing anyone.”

Tom Nothnagle - aka ‘Guitar Tom’
aka ‘Guitar Tom’
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“There is no upgrade quite as substantial as a WhisperRoom. A great booth with high-quality Auralex treatment and I’m cooking with fire. Thanks. I love your products.”

Mark Hauswirth - Voice Actor
Voice Actor
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“I’m so excited to finally have my WhisperRoom…looking forward to hours of practice.”

Antonio Hart - Jazz Saxophonist, antoniohartmusic.com
Jazz Saxophonist
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“The WhisperRoom is used as a testing booth for neurophysiological recordings. Inside, participants complete computerized assessments while their brain physiology is passively recorded using an electroencephalogram (EEG)…It has turned out to be a great solution for us!”

James R Houston - Ph.D. Department of Psychology | MTSU
Ph.D.
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“Our WhisperRoom is part of what we call the PodLab. The PodLab is a state of art podcasting studio for the students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where we’re training the next generation of professional podcasters.”

Will Davis - Award-Winning Instructor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Award-Winning Instructor
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“With the help of this bad boy, I am finally feeling comfortable singing full-voice in my apartment. In other words, I’m finally practicing again 🖤🖤 It’s been exactly one week since I’ve had it and already my growl is feeling better than it’s ever been 😄😈🤘”

Michele Whitlow - Singer - Songwriter - Musician, michelewhitlow.net
Singer - Songwriter - Musician
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“My radio and digital production students have really enjoyed the WhisperRoom booth (and use it often)! Even in the middle of an active classroom, students are able to record in a nearly silent environment. As for the construction of the booth: under teacher supervision, we had the kids assemble it. Talk about great practical experience!”

Mike Hatch - Radio/Digital Technology I & II, Prosper High School
Radio/Digital Technology I & II
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“The WhisperRoom has transformed our tiny studio into such a functional space. It is such a versatile feature and is used for tracking drums, vocals, guitars, and has even been used for strings, brass, and woodwind instruments. We also recently started using the space to record podcasts too! The WhisperRoom has forever evolved the way that we create content at RPRC!”

Kyle Therrien - President - Producer - Engineer, RPRC, Railroad Park Recording Co.
President - Producer - Engineer
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“I’m starting to fall in love. With this setup I can now let out every song idea I’ve been holding onto for years - uninterrupted...”

Muyinza - Artist & Producer
Artist & Producer
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“My WhisperRoom is one of the best investments I’ve made that launched my voiceover career and recording studio business to a higher level!”

Jorge Infante - Voice Actor, jorgeinfante.com
Voice Actor
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“I've had a WhisperRoom (7x7) up and running for about a year now. It easily contains my drums and a mixing rack (single bass, double pedal, 7-piece). It reduces the sound enough to prevent disturbing everyone in the house and at my neighbor's house (only a few feet away). The experience with the company was wonderful. It's nice to go into a dedicated, professional space and practice or record almost any time of the day or night.”

Kevin Thomason - Drummer
Drummer
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“The booth has been used for a variety of different projects, including: songwriting and composition, audio mixing, audio recording, podcast editing, lecture recording, and mastering.”

Jeff Berlin, KISS 108 Radio
Boston, MA
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"The booth has been used for a variety of different projects, including: songwriting and composition, audio mixing, audio recording, podcast editing, lecture recording, and mastering."

Alex Thomen, University of Miami
Sr. Audio / Visual Technician
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"Set up a WhisperRoom as a hearing booth! They were so great with communication and the whole process was easy and affordable. Having this as an option was a life saver!"

Deven Martin, Texas Hearing Center
Audiologist and Owner
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"Love working with this company and Travis! This is our 3rd purchase now as our business grows. Shipping is smooth, delivery and set up are easy! The WhisperRoom product is well built, and works beautifully!"

Heather Castellano, Hearing Centers of Nevada
Owner & Hearing Instrument Specialist
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“I have been extremely satisfied with my product, and I am so grateful for your company’s communication and help to make the booth fit perfect! Mine is a mobile unit :) and is a walk through booth.”

Brandi Murphy, West Texas Mobile Audiology
Audiologist/Founder
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“As a vocalist, I realized how important it was for me to get that extra privacy to get my creative flow going. There’s no doubt in my mind this WhisperRoom will carry me through my music career. It’s safe to say it saved my creativity.”

Westley Flores, Artist/Producer
Artist/Producer
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"We are excited to have our recording studio setup and ready for recording!”

Devon Music Studios
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“I love the convenience of having a home studio. It was well worth the investment. With that being said, I got a long night of work ahead of me!”

RidahForGod, Rap Artist & Producer
Rapper & Producer
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"Absolutely love our WhisperRoom!"

Crime Salad Podcast
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"This is the first ever and only WhisperRoom in Fiji and it looks so Professional with the mood LED lights installed with settings has set the tone and feelings for those talents."

Lote Qoroya, Broadcasting
Multi Language Supervisor
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"Our station recently moved and until two more production rooms are built out and soundproofed, the WhisperRooms do the trick. They are great training stations and we plan to use them when the build out is complete as well!."

Peggy Brooks, KEOM Radio Station
Station Manager
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"We use our WhisperRoom in LA for in house and external talent joining remote and East Coast based podcast studio recordings. We also use the booth for recording voice overs for our Vox Media Studios productions, that span across Netflix, Hulu and other platforms. The booth can be completely controlled remotely so it is a very comfortable and flexible solution for one of our smaller LA based offices!"

Miles Ewell, Vox Media
Head of Media & Production Technology
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"Our WhisperRoom is a crucial piece to our workflow for audio fiction shows, podcasts and animated series, allowing us the perfect sound for our actors to deliver top notch content."

Jason De La Torre
Host & Producer
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"Just got my WhisperRoom set up in my apartment and I LOVE IT! Sarah was absolutely wonderful guiding me through the process and understanding what I needed. It has been a great investment so far to reduce the issues I face recording vocals living in an apartment in the city. I highly recommend!"

Miranda Siegersma
Singer / Songwriter / Producer / Voice Actor
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"The people at WhisperRoom were incredibly friendly and answered all my questions making my purchase easy. If you're a VoiceOver Actor, Actor, Actress or musician considering making an investment in a recording booth, getting a WhisperRoom is without question the way to go!!!"

Bill Gaines
Voice Over Actor
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"I absolutely love my WhisperRoom. It has been a life saver for me."

Natalie Moore
Voice Over Actress
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"Each and every concern I had about buying, receiving, installing, and using my 'WhisperRoom' may have fertilized valid pre-buy questions but all of them are now rooted in excellent “SourceConnect” sessions with all my Voice Over clients. I am proud to break my silence - The WhisperRoom Works Perfectly!"

Norm Woodel
Actor
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“Kryptonite for leaf blowers and yappy dogs."

Josh Robert Thompson
Actor / Voice Actor / Comedian
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"I live in a condo which is attached to other units. I purchased the 4x4 single-wall WhisperRoom to practice the saxophone without disturbing my neighbors."

David Ferrara
Musician / Saxophonist
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"So liberating to play with all his drones uncorked. Andddddd my headaches are finally gone, as I'm learning to engage my diaphragm versus just blowing my lungs out. Maybe by the end of the year I'll be confident enough to play a tune for y'all."

Rachel Fikes
Writer & Piper
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“Shipping was on time and professional. Assembly was a workout but with a little help, everything fell in place. I set up in a spare bedroom playing an acoustic with a Fishman loudbox amp and no one can hear me jamming away. Great product and service.”

JD
Musician / Guitarist
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"We use our booth regularly for podcast recording and voiceover recording, but also as a quiet space for taking calls when people can’t find an office to use."

Noah Gelb
Executive Producer
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"Now that we have the WhisperRoom, we can record and dub vocals or acoustic instruments without disturbing the rest of the class — and vice versa. Because it’s reasonably portable, we can reconfigure or move it if needed. It’s a great solution, and the students love it."

Michael Roberto
Music Production & Recording Arts
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"This room has proven itself quite popular since we made it available to our patrons. Most people use it to record their academic podcasts or video voice-overs. The booth is usually booked 3-4 times a week."

Wendy Cheng
BSc, MCSE, MCNE, CCNA
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"It installed easily, delivered excellent sound isolation, and proved essential to the project’s success. Even during the pandemic, the team recorded over 550 mini-lectures and completed 10 hybrid courses thanks to the WhisperRoom’s reliability and quality."

Dale Suffridge
Associate Director of Instructional Design
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"We purchased this booth to run audio tests on our Gaming Headset products.  Our office is a bit loud so, we needed a sound isolated station for running headphone and microphone tests.  It has been working great for our needs."

Roy S.
Product Testing / R&D
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"We are using WhisperRoom MDL 102186 E in our manufacturing facility in Mexico to do reliability tests on speakers and transducers. Fully satisfied!"

Lorenzo Carmeni
Mexican Operations Management
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“I am over the moon. Like, I’m not exaggerating — it’s the best investment I’ve ever made as a voice actor.”

Joe Gaudet
Voice Actor
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“With three kids at home doing virtual school, this booth has been a lifesaver. When I need to step away from the chaos, I just step inside our WhisperRoom — it eliminates distractions and gives me a quiet space for calls, recordings, and podcast interviews.”

Chip Wade
TV Host & DIY Expert
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"We received the WhisperRoom about a week after placing the order and I put it together myself. I’m loving it and use it almost daily as my home office/studio.”

Adam M.
Home Office
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“The corporate office of KaTom Restaurant Supply loves their ‘WhisperRoom’ sound booth. It is exactly what we hoped it would be - functional and attractive."

Linda Gray-Slovis (LGS Design)
Principle Interior Designer
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“Playing drums inside my house was not working out for me or my family — but after setting up the WhisperRoom, it’s been a game changer. It’s very effective, and I’m really pleased with the results.”

Jeff Randall
Drummer and Teacher
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"We get some of the best sounds recording in here and we have a giant studio at our disposal lol"

Jonathan Ulman
Session Drummer and Percussionist
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"Always dreamt to own a @whisperroom and now I HAVE IT and It lives next to my kitchen 😀 I can literally practice/record drums or any other instrument at ALL TIMES !!"

Juan Pablo Pastor
Live, Touring & Recording Drummer
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