How to vaguely soundproof a shed?

[Mic8310]

Hi

I know it would be near impossible to make a shed totally soundproof but I'd be happy with anything closer to an acceptable daytime/early evening noise level. Bearing in mind I'd expect smaller 50 watt amps rather than 500 watt, I'll assume the drums would be the loudest to dampen?
I have access to loads of mdf sheets so my initial thought would be to line the walls with loft insulation and double skin the entire walls and celing with them, followed by a lining of carpet.

Anyone else done something similar?

Cheers

 

[Stumbo]

I also suggest Surrounding the drums (above the cymbals) with carpet covered MDF.

Cut a hole for the kick or mic it.

You won't increase the sound proofing but will reduce the drum volume and therefore the amps can be run at lower volumes.

 

[rufus.K]

Drop a larger shed over it.

 

[saabfender]

Don’t forget to insulate the attic/ceiling. Plenty of area for sound to escape.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Hillbilly sound reduction! ( This actually Works! ) grab yourself a bunch of $8 air mattresses from Walmart! The one with the blue velour. And line the walls. I did this to an old mobile home. I cranked up the PA and went outside to listen. I couldn’t believe I could barely hear it!! Sounded like a distant tiny radio!! Yes I air up the mattresses.

 

[EastCoastThump]

Depends on your neighbors and how "vaguely" you want to soundproof, but cutting dBs takes mass, isolation, and/or distance. And if you have significant air gaps to outside the structure (useful if—like me—you're fond of breathing), sound will get out.

That said, if near neighbors are a problem, a few approaches:

1. Edrums. keys-->DI. Bass and 'tars to DI (via Helix, Amplitube, etc). IEMs or headphones.
2. Build a platform and iso booth around the acoustic drums. (It'll be easier and less expensive than building a room within a room for the whole space.) Bass, gtr, and keys to DI as above.
3. Edrums (or isolated drums), w/ keys via DI, and bass and guitars through very small amps. If gits must have tube amps, think Fender Champ at most instead of Twin or even Deluxe Reverb. Even a 5-10 watt tube amp will get surprisingly loud when you get the tubes glowing.

 

[twinjet]

You could build your own acoustic panels. There are plenty of inexpensive DIY options you could try.

The above only works for acoustic treatment, not soundproofing.

 

[saabfender]

Hillbilly sound reduction! ( This actually Works! ) grab yourself a bunch of $8 air mattresses from Walmart! The one with the blue velour. And line the walls. I did this to an old mobile home. I cranked up the PA and went outside to listen. I couldn’t believe I could barely hear it!! Sounded like a distant tiny radio!!

Well, Hell, if it’s from Walmart you know it’s gonna work!

 

[EastCoastThump]

You could build your own acoustic panels. There are plenty of inexpensive DIY options you could try.

Those two statements are both true. But the OP would end up with acoustic treatment—changing the way different frequency ranges reflect back into and around the room—which isn't the same as soundproofing—minimizing the amount of sound passing from inside the structure to the exterior. The ideal goal of acoustic treatment isn't silence inside the structure, but even response. The ideal goal of soundproofing is no noticeable volume outside the structure when volume inside is at the desired performance/rehearsal level.

(twinjet, I know you know this, but the OP might not, and other thread readers might not either.) I just pass this reminder along b/c so much of the advice on these threads often ends up confusing acoustic treatment for soundproofing.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Well, Hell, if it’s from Walmart you know it’s gonna work!

YEEHA!!!

 

[somebrains]

2x Sheetrock works wonders

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Staggered stud walls can be good if you can do it.
I’ll let you Google it. Lots of info out there.

 

[twinjet]

Those two statements are both true. But the OP would end up with acoustic treatment—changing the way different frequency ranges reflect back into and around the room—which isn't the same as soundproofing—minimizing the amount of sound passing from inside the structure to the exterior. The ideal goal of acoustic treatment isn't silence inside the structure, but even response. The ideal goal of soundproofing is no noticeable volume outside the structure when volume inside is at the desired performance/rehearsal level.

(twinjet, I know you know this, but the OP might not, and other thread readers might not either.) I just pass this reminder along b/c so much of the advice on these threads often ends up confusing acoustic treatment for soundproofing.

Thanks for speaking up!

 

[Bassbeater]

If you take pictures of the joints and the structure some can offer precise advice. Some sheds are like a rusty colander, others are for fancy lawnmowers and have cute windows. The strategy will be different.

 

[MattZilla]

Hillbilly sound reduction! ( This actually Works! ) grab yourself a bunch of $8 air mattresses from Walmart! The one with the blue velour. And line the walls. I did this to an old mobile home. I cranked up the PA and went outside to listen. I couldn’t believe I could barely hear it!! Sounded like a distant tiny radio!!

you don't say that you aired up the mattresses, but you also don't say that you didn't...

If you take pictures of the joints and the structure some can offer precise advice. Some sheds are like a rusty colander, others are for fancy lawnmowers and have cute windows. The strategy will be different.

its sposta be vague, not pacific.

 

[Bassbeater]

The cheapest solution may be to invite your neighbors over for rehearsals and get them sauced.

 

[EastCoastThump]

The cheapest solution may be to invite your neighbors over for rehearsals and get them sauced.

Yep. But better safe than sorry: hide any tambourines and shakers you might have sitting around. And if you have any harmonicas or banjos, best burn them.

 

[2112]

... And if you have any harmonicas or banjos, best burn them.

That's a good idea regardless...

 

[MordBass]

Not sure what its called but there is a thicker/fire coded drywall used for multi-family dwellings like apartments, townhouses etc. I used that on the wall i built in my master bedroom to convert it into a studio. Worked very very well. We floated the drywall off the floor/ceiling/walls by about 1/4" and lined the gap with a ton of caulk. Very pleased with how it turned out.

 

[bolophonic]

I did this years ago at my old house. First, we hung insulation and drywall and boarded up the windows then lined every surface with carpet remnants. When we were through, we rehearsed a five-piece metal band with double bass drums and two Marshall stacks without disturbing my neighbors who’s house was ~50 ft away.