How to Build a Soundproof Studio

[deepBassie]

If a build thread gets started, you must post the link here.

I'm super interested and even more jealous.....

After reading all this info, I've come to the conclusion that I'm about a 8-12 months away from being able to fund this project. I knew it would be pricey, but...wow!

At least I can use the time to get the design figured out properly. I'll update this thread when I'm about to break ground.

Thanks all.

 

[Stumbo]

I suggest you put the whole thing underground. Like a basement.

Here are a few links to check out:
1 Sound proofing/reduction
Terms and Tips
1 Sound proofing/reduction
Build Recording Studio book- for pros/DIYr's
Terms and Tips

 

[guitarist09]

learned a lot from reading this thread! thank you for sharing your thoughts

 

[BogeyBass]

After reading all this info, I've come to the conclusion that I'm about a 8-12 months away from being able to fund this project. I knew it would be pricey, but...wow!
At least I can use the time to get the design figured out properly. I'll update this thread when I'm about to break ground.
Thanks all.

pricey yes depends on distance from neighbors.

high frequency is easy to get rid of so yes room within a room gives the airgap. really trying to isolate the low frequency vibration the walls will transfer.

you can keep it somewhat cheaper using common methods for soundproofing basement rental spaces.

different terminology used sometimes, floating ceiling or isolated ceiling. Basically reducing the amount of sheetrock contact area to the wall and studs. the use metal strips that have very little contact with the joist and the whole ceiling floats on the aluminum strips instead of being nailed to the wall stud /ceiling joist. the sheetrock is only screwed where the strips are and the strips float on a special mount which also uses minimal screws and little contact area.

thought of applying the same concept to a studio, basically nice airtight insulation with vapor barrier and outer stucco concrete walls. then have a isolated ceiling and use the same concept to also isolate the walls.

Also they have a more soundproof sheetrock, which is basically normal Sheetrock with a full aluminum sheet sandwiched between 2 layers of normal rock. Also for tile floors they have whole sheets of preformed thinset instead of laying it by hand.
basically like a piece of sheetrock but made of concrete like substance instead.
that should be way more dense than sheetrock and then float that as well.

 

[Raymeous]

I highly recommend checking out: http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/index.php

It's a forum founded by John Sayers, a studio designer based out of Australia with projects ranging from England, to India, to the USA and Russia, and more. John is a very personable guy and posts regularly. I can't recommend this site enough for studio building. You can find answers for all types of things from wall construction do's and don'ts, monitor placement (and why), picking the right HVAC, and dealing with your local building/zoning codes.

There are several regulars/moderators that have more knowledge about studio design than your average DIYer. When designing your studio you will be hit with a lot of math so just be ready for that.

There is a "Must read" thread that they get pretty particular about, but it's for good reason. You would be amazed at how many people ask for something like "Whats the ideal placement for my monitors" but fail to provide room dimensions, carpet or hardwood, flat ceiling or vaulted, door/window placement, you get the idea.

I will definitely be making use of this site once I'm ready to start tackling my studio design and building project.

 

[electricity17]

I would add that besides the previous comments that soundproofing a studio will be expensive, you should also think about the design of the rooms themselves and the acoustic spaces you're creating. If you're starting from scratch, you could create something really great but remember that what sounds good isn't always common building practice (parallel walls are not your friend).

You might want to hire a consultant for the build, if you get someone experienced they can probably save you money in the long run by planning and managing the project effectively (avoiding double work specifically).

 

[deepBassie]

You might want to hire a consultant for the build, if you get someone experienced they can probably save you money in the long run by planning and managing the project effectively (avoiding double work specifically).

I hear ya. I tought myself framing, sheetrock/mud, plumbing, decks/stairs/roof, electrical, etc. Pretty much everything but concrete and gas work. Regardless of how much thought and planning I put into a given project, I've always ended up double (if not triple) working certain parts. Some things don't ever enter into the equation until you stub your toe on them. One of the main reasons I decided to start this thread. The stuff I'm learning here will definately help me be able to communicate with a consultant/contractor if I decide to go that route. Thanks folks.

 

[sonic assassin]

Wouldn't an underground studio be cool though?

i have an underground studio... but you've probably never heard (of) it

 

[Rockin Mike]

I'll never be able to soundproof my rehearsal room.
I think there may be some opportunities for improvement, however.

The exterior wall facing the neighbors has:
- 12x8 glass wall comprised of 3 sliding panels
- hole-in-the-wall mounted AC unit

Other features of the room are:
- the wall parallel to that exterior wall is brick (this is an enclosed patio)
- one wall adjacent to that exterior wall is brick
- the remaining adjacent wall is basically plywood separating rehearsal room from another enclosed patio with a similar exterior wall.
- the floor is slab with thin outdoor carpet glued down.
- the roof structure (top down) is:
flat torch-down roof
some layers of insulation stapled to
2x6 beams which are supported by
a huge 6x18 beam running crosswise which is supported by
an 8x8 wooden column which sits right on the slab

- I have an acoustic drum kit in there.

I imagine the two brick walls would reflect sound right at that weak exterior wall.

I am hoping low-priced gains can be made that will reduce the amount of noise the neighbors are getting. I know it will never be eliminated. I hope a noticeable reduction in sound will be enough to put a smile on neighbor's face.

Things I'm considering:
- floating the floor
- covering the inside of that exterior wall with concrete block
- building a floating platform for the drum kit and bass amp
- making a cover for the in-wall AC, and have it covered and not running during rehearsal
- or putting in a split system with only small holes in the wall for the pipes.

Are there other things I should be considering?
Will these measures be an ineffective waste of time & money?

Thanks for all helps.

 

[Stumbo]

I'll never be able to soundproof my rehearsal room.
I think there may be some opportunities for improvement, however.

The exterior wall facing the neighbors has:
- 12x8 glass wall comprised of 3 sliding panels
- hole-in-the-wall mounted AC unit

Other features of the room are:
- the wall parallel to that exterior wall is brick (this is an enclosed patio)
- one wall adjacent to that exterior wall is brick
- the remaining adjacent wall is basically plywood separating rehearsal room from another enclosed patio with a similar exterior wall.
- the floor is slab with thin outdoor carpet glued down.
- the roof structure (top down) is:
flat torch-down roof
some layers of insulation stapled to
2x6 beams which are supported by
a huge 6x18 beam running crosswise which is supported by
an 8x8 wooden column which sits right on the slab

- I have an acoustic drum kit in there.

I imagine the two brick walls would reflect sound right at that weak exterior wall.

I am hoping low-priced gains can be made that will reduce the amount of noise the neighbors are getting. I know it will never be eliminated. I hope a noticeable reduction in sound will be enough to put a smile on neighbor's face.

Things I'm considering:
- floating the floor
- covering the inside of that exterior wall with concrete block
- building a floating platform for the drum kit and bass amp
- making a cover for the in-wall AC, and have it covered and not running during rehearsal
- or putting in a split system with only small holes in the wall for the pipes.

Are there other things I should be considering?
Will these measures be an ineffective waste of time & money?

Thanks for all helps.

I suggest you study all of the above posts and pickup a few books.

Also, check into [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. And go with electric drums.

 

[Rockin Mike]

I suggest you study all of the above posts and pickup a few books.

Also, check into [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. And go with electric drums.

No "easy" button, eh?

 

[Joe Louvar]

If you don’t have an isolated foundation, bomb shelter or can’t build a room within a room, etc, you could use something like a JamHub and electronic drums. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/search?Ntt=jamhub&sB=r

EDIT: Oops, I see Stumbo already suggested a JamHub.

 

[JoeWPgh]

When they build multi-plex movie theaters, the dividing walls are concrete block. I believe the hollows are also filled with sand. Something interesting an acoustical engineer told me was that unpainted concrete block is very good at absorbing slap echoes. He said me that's one of the reasons they use the concrete block in building movie theaters. The unpainted block is then typically covered in fabric for decorative purposes. I reallize that a movie theater is not a recording studio, but they have similar needs in terms of blocking sound.

 

[Rockin Mike]

I'm going to price out doing the 2 non-brick walls with concrete block, inside the existing walls. Then with a floating floor I think the only thing I have to worry about is the flat roof.

I wonder how soundproof a torch-down flat roof is?

 

[JoeWPgh]

I would look at using a double layer of 5/8" drywall separated by a "hat channel" for the ceiling. This would provide a good barrier with a dead space in between. And it's a fairly standard procedure for commercial or multi-use buildings, as it's code for multi use.

 

[hbarcat]

One aspect of a soundproof studio that you need to consider is handling the quality of sound INSIDE the room once it's finished.

Depending on whether you want to use the studio for recording or playing live music (including rehearsals) or both, you'll need to install some fairly extensive sound dispersion and absorption materials on multiple surfaces, and they must be properly fitted to the rooms exact dimensions and shape or else they simply won't work as designed.

Knowing how to design the sound altering materials you need for your particular studio and knowing how to install them correctly is as much of a learning process as building the studio in the first place. Read up on it from experts (check the interwebz) and realize that this part of the project will not be inexpensive.

 

[Bassamatic]

The hardest thing it going to be the heat - A/C system. It is a real challenge to vent to the outside without letting the sound out. You'll need a specialist.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I would build an iso box for the guitar cab(s) if guitar player(s) have decent amps. run an xlr off the bass pre and use an electric drum kit (doesnt have to be vdrums or anything fancy just something playable that can send midi to some decent drum software on a computer. This will be a big improvement when you first get into recording. Drums are very difficult to record well. Having the drums in midi will make editing drums much much easier also. It will also sound better than real drums that were recorded poorly. Truth be told even when we pay $3000 to record at a nice studio the real drums are doubled with samples anyways and our drummer has a really nice kit. Some people cry about drum samples but really do you want it to be samples and sound decent or be real drums an it sound like poop?

 

[Dave Martin]

I see that someone has suggested Everest's "Master Handbook of Acoustics"
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Handbook-Acoustics-Alton-Everest/dp/0071603328

but I found much usable information from another Everest book - "Building A Recording Studio On A Budget".
http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Studio-...d=1382975627&sr=8-2&keywords=f.+alton+everest

The first book tells you WHY you need to build a certain way, while the second gives you information on HOW to design what you need to do. FYI - these were the primary resources I used when I designed (and built) Link Removed

 

[EricssonB]

Probably the most effective soundproofing option available. I live on flat land so it would really have to be a deep, large pit and I'm not sure how to handle water ingress, plumbing issues, building permits and other things related to underground dwellings. Wouldn't an underground studio be cool though?

Bring the dirt to you for an above-ground underground.