GIK Acoustics is a good reference point for acoustic treatment, with a range of proven and modern design solutions. PIB 2 is a portable isolation booth, but that's not all...
We have already had the opportunity to appreciate the quality of GIK Acoustics products in the past, and today's opportunity arises from the introduction of the second version of PIB, which stands for Portable Isolation Booth. The idea is simple: PIB consists of two panels connected by a hinge. Each panel is divided into two: the longer side corresponds to the base (the lower panel) and is connected to the second upper panel with a hinge, while the shorter upper panel folds over the back of the first. Designed to record vocals and for use in studios and recording rooms, PIB 2 is more flexible than it appears.
One mounted PIB and the optional ceiling panel for use with two PIBs
Construction
When the panels are folded, PIB 2 has reduced dimensions, hence the concept of a portable unit. To keep the top panel in place, GIK Acoustics has inserted a hook between the two panels and a second hook on the top, allowing the two sides of the PIB 2 to be angled as desired. The construction is excellent: the panels have a reinforced frame and the fabric covers the fibreglass, which acts as insulation up to a frequency of 150 Hz.
A PIB 2 therefore offers two insulating panels, but by combining a second PIB, you can build a half vocal booth with a larger space. The angle of the panels is not limited: from zero to 180 degrees as desired. We measured a height of 114.5 cm for the lower panel and, when the second panel is also raised, the height reaches two metres. The two panels are approximately 6.7 cm thick and 54 cm wide (55 cm if we also include the hook on the side). The frame is approximately 1.8 cm thick. When a PIB 2 panel is closed, the dimensions are 27 cm x 55 cm by 114.5 cm. The materials used include fabric covering, available in a choice of colours, and a wooden finish applied to the back of the panels, which also transforms PIB 2 into a rear reflector, increasing its flexibility. In our case, we were provided with the Gatsby pattern. A single PIB weighs 20 kg.
PIB 2 does not end there: when you have two available, you can add a final panel that acts as a ceiling, locking the two PIBs at a 90-degree angle. This panel is thinner than the two vertical wall panels, measuring approximately 5.3 cm thick, 124.5 cm long and 61 cm wide. The thickness of the wooden core is identical to the other panels: this choice is clearly due to the greater lightness of this panel, which acts as a ceiling. The wood that frames this panel, which acts as a ceiling for the box, has a minimum thickness for the grain and appears to be rather sensitive to scratches and impacts, but this does not compromise its function.
The optional ceiling panel with two PIBs to create a cabin
Installation
The PIB with the two upper panels folded down
To assemble it, stand the two longer panels upright, holding them at an angle so that they do not fall due to the weight of the two shorter folded panels, and lift the two panels, securing them with the hook. It is better to proceed in this order than to place the panel on the ground, open the second one, lock it and lift the entire structure. If you lift it in the wrong direction, given the considerable weight, you risk damaging the hook that holds the two panels together or breaking the hinge on the top panel. The operation can be carried out by one person without any difficulty.
Once upright, lock the upper panel to the lower one using the hook, and then proceed with the upper hook, which acts as a fulcrum allowing you to angle the two panels as desired and ensuring greater stability. The two upper panels are not in direct contact at the sides, because you need to consider the lower hinge that connects the two panels at the base, which acts as a spacer. There is a slight gap between the two. When two PIBs are placed side by side, the hooks act as a spacer and it is not possible to achieve a perfect fit between the two PIBs. There are no carrying handles and no supports for the base of the lower panel, which therefore rests directly on the fabric.
On field
The first important feature of PIB 2 is its weight, which is indicative of good construction and compact materials, making the PIB 2 concept a little less portable, although it is still possible to move them on your own. It is better to do so with two people, for safety reasons. There could have been space for handles: we put them at the base of the upper panel, perhaps made of fabric anchored to the frame. Once PIB 2 is assembled, the same handle could be useful for passing cables or hanging objects.
The side hook that secures the upper PIB panel to the lower one
The second aspect is the lack of horizontal supports for the base: thinking of a classic gobo, a pair of supports would have ensured that PIB 2 could also be used as an insulating panel without angles. The concept of PIB 2 is based on the fact that there will always be an angle between the two panels, which allows the structure to remain upright. However, the supports can easily be made with a little DIY, attaching them to the frame at the base of the panel, which is more than wide enough to accommodate two wood screws or a pin to turn the support as desired. Could this be an accessory in the future? That said, we have no doubts about the build quality of PIB 2: every detail has been well thought out and the materials seem to be of excellent quality. The rear wooden covering is just the right thickness to avoid being fragile.
GIK Acoustics PIB with the two top panels folded down and ready for storage
And from an acoustic treatment point of view? The PIB concept is much more flexible than you might think. You need two to create a half-recording booth, but even with just one, by angling it correctly and evaluating the null points of the microphone you are using, you will undoubtedly achieve better results than with microphone acoustic screens mounted on a stand, which also tend to introduce too much resonance and impart a certain sound. Some of these products cost as much as € 300, and you will only use them for recording with a microphone.
The height of two metres ensures greater isolation. Using an obtuse angle, you get good quality voice recordings, certainly better than without PIB 2. There is plenty of room for experimentation, for example by choosing different distances between the microphone, PIB and voice or instrument. There is no rule, because every voice is different, and the same applies to recording an acoustic instrument or cabinet.
The upper hook that holds the two upper PIB panels in place
If you are working in an untreated room, PIB 2 becomes interesting to place behind the listening position: its distance from the rear wall and the listener's head can affect the quality of the midrange and rear reflections. With two PIBs, it's even better, as the surface area is increased. PIB 2 is capable of absorbing mid-high frequencies down to the lower limit of 150 Hz, but by playing with the distance between the rear wall and the PIB, you can experiment with useful results in the case of nodes. So we've moved from voice recording to minimal acoustic treatment in a room. You can do even more: we placed them to the side of the monitors, leaving a little distance from the wall, and we appreciated a more defined sound from the monitors. That's the beauty of acoustics and these PIBs.
The use of a PIB in a recording studio is much more obvious, as an angled gobo (or whole, if you put a support at the base to keep it upright) or as a reflector using the rear panel. The possibility of almost halving the height when the PIB 2 is folded is interesting for recording guitar cabinets. The height is sufficient to keep the cabinet off the floor and create a couple of insulating or reflective walls around it, depending on the sound you are looking for.
From here on, any sound engineer with recording studio experience will realise that a PIB 2 can be used as desired and is more flexible than a gobo, because it allows you to experiment with height, the angle of the two panels and the reflective rear panel. We already know that, given the price, there will be those who want to build them themselves, but it takes time, manual skills and the right materials. It is a feasible operation, but in a recording studio, time is money, and the aesthetic result with PIB 2 is guaranteed, thanks to the rear wood patterns or the ability to choose different colours.
Conclusions
GIK Acoustics PIB 2 is a smart purchase for any studio, from those who are dedicated to home recording and are evolving into project studios, to those who work in VoiceOver, to those who have a music room and want to improve the acoustics in general and create a corner dedicated to recording with microphones, and of course to professional studios, where time is money. Remember that you can get a 10% discount on your first order and, currently, there is an offer with a 15% discount.
PIB 2 is a portable system that is quick to install and highly flexible for studio or impromptu recording. For those who have not yet ventured into acoustic treatment in recording, PIB 2 is the most suitable entry point for acoustic treatment and experimentation, thanks to its flexibility.
