Building Isolation Cabinet for Studio

jrod9900 · 13th February 2011

What's up guys?

I'm building an isolation cabinet for my home studio. I live in a condo where noise (incoming and outgoing) is definitely an issue.

I record mostly guitars, bass, and vocals. I wanted to find a way to use my heads and cabs with maximum potential with minimum volume. Voila', what better for an amp that goes to 11 than an iso cab???

The dimensions are 39"w x 49"d x 35"h. It will be for 1x12 and 2x12 cabs. It is made from 3/4" MDF with Owens Corning 703 for lining. I'm thinking this will cut SPL by about 30+ dB. The 703 should really help down into the low 100s as well.

I know parallel surfaces aren't ideal, or are more like horrible. But I hope to add some treatment inside to help once it's done.

Here are some pics. I'll load some more when I'm done.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

JROD

jrod9900 · 14th February 2011

Holy smokes, this is way more work than I thought it would be. Definitely a lot bigger than I should have made it. Oh well, size matters, right?

Syncamorea · 14th February 2011

I'd recommend having an internal frame using 2x2s where the MDF boards intersect. Glue or mastic the MDF to the 2x2s and screw through the MDF into the 2x2. That will be stronger and more durable. I've seen people get good results with limp mass vinyl in iso cabs. Have you turned it up to 11 yet?

jrod9900 · 14th February 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syncamorea

I'd recommend having an internal frame using 2x2s where the MDF boards intersect. Glue or mastic the MDF to the 2x2s and screw through the MDF into the 2x2. That will be stronger and more durable. I've seen people get good results with limp mass vinyl in iso cabs. Have you turned it up to 11 yet?

I thought about a box-within-a-box (which would obviously be the best route), but I went this route. Durability isn't going to be an issue. The thing is a tank. It already weights over 150 lbs. It is a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be. I got in serious trouble with the woman.

If I can get 30-40 dB of reduction, I will be happy.

I haven't gotten to use it yet. I had to let the caulk sit last night, and I hope to get it insulated tonight. It will be the last chance I have to do it for a month.

Keep your fingers crossed.

JROD

13th February 2011	#1
jrod9900 Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 262 Thread Starter	Building Isolation Cabinet for Studio What's up guys? I'm building an isolation cabinet for my home studio. I live in a condo where noise (incoming and outgoing) is definitely an issue. I record mostly guitars, bass, and vocals. I wanted to find a way to use my heads and cabs with maximum potential with minimum volume. Voila', what better for an amp that goes to 11 than an iso cab??? The dimensions are 39"w x 49"d x 35"h. It will be for 1x12 and 2x12 cabs. It is made from 3/4" MDF with Owens Corning 703 for lining. I'm thinking this will cut SPL by about 30+ dB. The 703 should really help down into the low 100s as well. I know parallel surfaces aren't ideal, or are more like horrible. But I hope to add some treatment inside to help once it's done. Here are some pics. I'll load some more when I'm done. Let me know what you think. Thanks, JROD Attached Thumbnails __________________ Music soothes even the savage beast.

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14th February 2011	#2
jrod9900 Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 262 Thread Starter	Holy smokes, this is way more work than I thought it would be. Definitely a lot bigger than I should have made it. Oh well, size matters, right?

14th February 2011	#3
Syncamorea Lives for gear Joined: May 2009 Posts: 1,625 3 Reviews written	I'd recommend having an internal frame using 2x2s where the MDF boards intersect. Glue or mastic the MDF to the 2x2s and screw through the MDF into the 2x2. That will be stronger and more durable. I've seen people get good results with limp mass vinyl in iso cabs. Have you turned it up to 11 yet?