Have you ever gotten excited during a late-night FPS session and shouted, only to have your family or neighbors get angry? Actually, it is possible to DIY a soundproof mask to prevent voice leakage using common materials found in Japan.
In this article, you will learn specific solutions to enjoy voice chat to the fullest even at midnight from today.
DIY a Soundproof Mask to Block Shouts During Midnight FPS Streams#
The “screams” that come out during exciting midnight gaming sessions leak through walls and echo in the surroundings. The easiest and most effective way to prevent this is a soundproof mask that physically covers your mouth.
Why a DIY Mask Instead of a Commercial Soundproof Room?#
Commercial soundproof rooms (like Danbotchi) cost tens to hundreds of thousands of yen and require significant installation space. On the other hand, a DIY soundproof mask can be implemented for a budget of several hundred to a few thousand yen (approx. $5-$20 USD) without changing your desk setup. It is highly efficient because it targets and silences the specific sound source: your voice.
The Physics of Blocking Voice with Absorption and Insulation#
The basics of soundproofing in Japan are the combination of “Insulation” and “Absorption.”
- Insulation: Hard materials (plastic bottles, etc.) bounce sound back and prevent it from leaking out.
- Absorption: Soft materials (urethane sponge, etc.) absorb sound energy and suppress reverberation. A DIY mask is a tool that realizes this two-layer structure in a minimum size.
Materials List for a 100-Yen DIY Soundproof Mask#
All materials can be found at 100-yen shops like Daiso or Seria, or home centers in Japan.
Choosing the Base Structure (Plastic Bottle or Megaphone)#
The following materials are suitable for the cup part that covers your mouth:
- 1.5L to 2L Plastic Bottle: Cut off the bottom. It’s easy to process and clear, so you can see the microphone position.
- Cheering Megaphone: Since it’s originally shaped to throw voices forward, it’s easy to install a mic at the tip and adjust the fit.
Optimal Placement of Sound-Absorbing Materials Around the Mic#
Key points for balancing sound quality and soundproofing performance:
- Lining the Inner Wall: Stick sponge pieces inside the cup without gaps.
- Sealing the Gap with Your Face: Apply weatherstripping tape to the edge to increase the seal with your face and minimize sound leakage.
Step-by-Step DIY Guide and Actual Noise Reduction Effects (Verification)#
Here is how to actually construct it.
Construction Steps and Cable Routing#
- Cut: Cut the plastic bottle to a size that covers your mouth area.
- Fix Absorption Material: Attach urethane sheets to the inside with double-sided tape.
- Create Mic Hole: Drill or cut a small hole in the cap and insert the mic (lapel or small condenser mic).
- Fix Cable: Fill the gaps in the hole with putty or audio tape to prevent cable rattling and sound leakage.
Sound Reduction Effects: Measuring Shouts in Decibels (dB)#
A shout that normally reaches about 80dB (equivalent to a subway train) can be reduced by 15-20dB when wearing a DIY mask. This corresponds to changing a “scream heard in the next room” to a “muttering sound barely audible in the next room.”
Weaknesses of DIY Soundproof Masks and Next Steps for Long Streams#
DIY masks are not perfect. Be aware of these risks before use:
Difficulty Breathing and Heat/Humidity (The Enemy of Condenser Mics)#
Because it seals the mouth, moisture from your breath will fill the mask. Precise condenser mics are vulnerable to moisture, so it is recommended to dry them after use or use a budget-friendly dynamic microphone. Also, to prevent oxygen deficiency, make sure to take the mask off and ventilate after every match.
For a More Serious Setup: Consider Portable Soundproof Booths#
If you find it difficult to talk or want higher audio quality, you should consider a portable soundproof booth as the next step. Lightweight booths like OTODASU are available in Japan, can be installed in rentals, and provide a much more comfortable environment than a DIY mask.
Noise trouble at night is difficult to fix once it starts. Secure your environment with a DIY mask first and grab your victory in silence.