lamradio Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 So my wife and I (and fellow bandmate) are going to construct a rehearsal building/guest room/office in our back yard. The building will be similar to this one, with the rehearsal space on the first level, and the office on the second. Here's my biggest concern. We we'll definitely have to insulate it for temperature control, but what about sound proofing?? I would hate to build the building, move the band to my house, and then we can't play there because of neighbor complaints.... Should we buy the soundproof material to go on the walls, or have something installed inside the walls, and then install sheet rock or paneling over that? Also, that sound proofing material is obnoxiously expensive... Does anyone know where to get it cheap, or know of an effective alternative? Thank you friends. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
In a little rowboat Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 First place id start asking is here--> Tape Op Building Space forum Im by no means a pro, but ive done a few projects...two main things to remember are that 1) Dead air space soundproofs, and 2) Bass frequencies travel longer and stronger Id insulate the walls with thin fiberglass sheets or eggcrate foam and leave at least two inches of air separation between the exterior walls and the new...particle board is better than sheet rock because it absorbs sound waves better...many folks use green glue to attach the insulation,, as it has some absorbing qualities...youll want to carpet the walls and ceiling (home deport regularly has clearance rugs, and more flooring and carpet companies sell remanent cheap) and need to put up a few bass traps...youll want to double pane the windows, or put blankets over them...make sure the doors are doubled and well sealed when closed and the floor is insulated somehow (carpet)... Depending on your power needs, come as close to code as possible...ive seen one bandspace burn down because the owner didnt do his homework on electricity... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lamradio Posted August 24, 2009 Author Share Posted August 24, 2009 First place id start asking is here--> Tape Op Building Space forum Im by no means a pro, but ive done a few projects...two main things to remember are that 1) Dead air space soundproofs, and 2) Bass frequencies travel longer and stronger Id insulate the walls with thin fiberglass sheets or eggcrate foam and leave at least two inches of air separation between the exterior walls and the new...particle board is better than sheet rock because it absorbs sound waves better...many folks use green glue to attach the insulation,, as it has some absorbing qualities...youll want to carpet the walls and ceiling (home deport regularly has clearance rugs, and more flooring and carpet companies sell remanent cheap) and need to put up a few bass traps...youll want to double pane the windows, or put blankets over them...make sure the doors are doubled and well sealed when closed and the floor is insulated somehow (carpet)... Depending on your power needs, come as close to code as possible...ive seen one bandspace burn down because the owner didnt do his homework on electricity... Excellent advice. Especially about the particle board.. I was going to use paneling, but that stuff might even amplify the sound.. We also may go with one story, just to have more money to spend on sound proofing. The two story buildings are more than double the price of the one story. Thanks for the tips! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lost highway Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Definitely hang around over at Tapeop. There are a lot of helpful folks. First thing you want to do before you buy a bunch of expensive 'sound proofing' material is understand this: materials used for sound purposes can be separated into two categories, acoustics, and isolation. Foam, bass traps, carpet are more important for acoustics, how it sounds inside the room. Mass, mass, and air are more important for isolation, how little the neighbors here. The most important materials for isolation are easy to find: insulation and drywall. Double walls are better than single walls, but more expensive and require in depth knowledge so as not to put them up in a way that is worthless. Windows to the outside will be a serious concern. Blankets won't do all that much. If you are looking to be spending time and money on this thing you might also go ahead and check out Build it Like the Pros Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lamradio Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 Definitely hang around over at Tapeop. There are a lot of helpful folks. First thing you want to do before you buy a bunch of expensive 'sound proofing' material is understand this: materials used for sound purposes can be separated into two categories, acoustics, and isolation. Foam, bass traps, carpet are more important for acoustics, how it sounds inside the room. Mass, mass, and air are more important for isolation, how little the neighbors here. The most important materials for isolation are easy to find: insulation and drywall. Double walls are better than single walls, but more expensive and require in depth knowledge so as not to put them up in a way that is worthless. Windows to the outside will be a serious concern. Blankets won't do all that much. If you are looking to be spending time and money on this thing you might also go ahead and check out Build it Like the Pros Thanks Lost Highway. Our biggest concern is isolation, but we'll also be using the space as our studio, so we'd like pretty good acoustics as well. We recorded our first record in a regular old bedroom (no sound proofing) and it sounded great, so I think if we insulate it, put up some drywall or particle board, then we'll be good to go. I also have to make sure we run enough power out there (would hate to trip the breaker on every song). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lost highway Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Get your isolation going first, then you can get the acoustics you want. If you have a smallish room with a bunch of hard surfaces you will want to deaden it a bit. This is easier than all the building materials you will be using to build up your walls. Throw down a rug, make some absorbing wall hangers, think about putting some on the ceiling (best thing for it is Owens Corning 703 which is insulating fiberglass in a rigid board form). Good for you. Having a nice creative space is good for your brain. I've been striving to have my own 'Wilco Loft' type haven in my basement. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pmancini100 Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 i very recently had some success with some plain old mattress foam (the tempurpedic type.) i just stapled it to the wall, and kapow! instant vocal booth. worked great actually. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lamradio Posted August 26, 2009 Author Share Posted August 26, 2009 Ok, so after doing some research at Tape Ops and John Sayers, I'm starting to think the storage shed idea isn't such a good idea.. I know that it can be done, but if I want to do it right I'll end up going WAY over budget. I'm thinking of installing a wall in my garage to create two rooms, sectioning off the garage door. The wall will be pretty thick with drywall or particle board, and a layer of insulation (hopefully rock wool if I can find it) in between. I'm hoping the wall alone may be enough isolation since I will have both mass with the thick wall, and the the space in between the new wall and the garage door. If it's not enough, I also may get some foam or fiberglass to line the entire room from ATS. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a.miller Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Be sure to heavily weigh how air-tight the room is. Great absorption on the walls will be lost on a poorly insulated door. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
guitargeek85 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Here is another great site for sound proofing/changing the acoustic in a room.. Gearslutz Search the forum for some great advice. Most of the time the top has been brought up already. Peace Almost forgot... Here is a site for building your own acoustic panels. Build your own acoustic panels Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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