Soundproofing your home is one thing. Soundproofing a professional music studio is an entirely different beast altogether. While you may be able to deal with a little bit of sound emiting from a regular project, it is especially important to create a soundproof bubble when working to soundproof a music studio. The slightest bit of sound entering the room or echoing improperly can destroy a project.
While we still believe in using Green Glue to build the intial room, you may find you need something extra to complete the job. The installation of Sonex acoustical panels will put the finishing touches on your project. The foam within the panels will help to stop the reverberation of sound, making it easier for you to control the sound coming from your microphones and speakers during the recording process.
Sonex panels are incredibly easy to install, too. All you have to do is apply a small amount of adhesive to the back. Some people even use acoustical caulk to ensure the panel stays up while remaining sealed against the wall. The panels are very light, weighing just under a pound each, so installation won’t require much.
Preparing to put the finishing touches on your sound studio? Consider soundproofing with acoustical panels and you won’t be disappointed.
We’ve spoken before about using windows as part of your soundproofing efforts, but the subject deserves another go-around.
To clarify, while sound proof windows do exist, they are not necessarily going to solve your sound problems.
Most people find that their problems are around the windows - because they’re not properly sealed. Others simply have old windows with poor glass. In that case, you can simply add a second layer of glass over the first, creating a gap of about 1 inch in between. In most cases, that works better than replacing the windows altogether!
Last week we started looking at some of the soundproofing materials available for use today.
One of the materials we’ve discovered is lead lined sheetrock. Lead lined sheetrock is actually very effective at absorbing sound. There’s just one problem.
It’s crazy expensive - averaging close to $200 per sheet, depending on where you make your purchase.
Truth be told, you’re better off using some Green Glue and buying some new drywall. It’ll cost less and be incredibly effective as well.
Today we’re going to continue our brief exploration of the different types of soundproofing materials on the market by talking about insulation.
Insulation materials are usually packed into walls and cavities to keep sound from leaking out. Most soundproofing experts agree that pink insulation material doesn’t do much to block sound, and they recommend pumping cellulose into your walls instead.
Cellulose does reduce noise, but not enough to make us happy. We’d much rather use Green Glue and some extra drywall to get the job done. It costs less and is more effective.
Soundproofing materials can be confusing, so we’re going to take some time over the next couple of days to take a closer look at several of the most popular and talk about why they work (or not).
Vinyl materials, also formally known as mass loaded vinyl of MLV, are often used to block noise. Mass loaded vinyl works by adding density (or mass, or weight) to an area, making it hard for sound to pass through.
The problem with using MLV in soundproofing is that it really doesn’t weigh a lot at all - maybe 1-2 lbs per square foot. That means MLV will work well if you have a small sound problem, but not if you’re fighting a very loud noise, or one with a strong frequency.