Guitar ISO Box

[quietdrive]

I'm about to build myself an ISO Box for my guitar Amp (something like this --> http://daveweiner.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=643)

Anyone got any tips for which material (acoustic foam) I should use? I really need it to be somewhat sound proof since I need to get my amp up to studio level in a downtown apartment

[6strings]

Originally Posted by quietdrive

I'm about to build myself an ISO Box for my guitar Amp (something like this --> http://daveweiner.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=643)

Anyone got any tips for which material (acoustic foam) I should use? I really need it to be somewhat sound proof since I need to get my amp up to studio level in a downtown apartment

It won't be soundproof without a bottom. (at least not to your downstairs neighbors)

It looks like a good design, but I bet he owns his house. It would be a bit big and defiinitely too heavy to move into an apartment (unless you made sure you can dis-assemble every peice).

If I were you, I'd look into building an iso-speaker design instead of an iso-cab for the entire amp. That's what I did back when I was living in apartments...

http://www.randallamplifiers.com/pro...tion/index.asp

[Pasta4lnch]

Originally Posted by 6strings

http://www.randallamplifiers.com/pro...tion/index.asp

I went through this choice a bit ago. the thing that made me stay away from the Randall box (Demeter has one too) is it looks like you can only use one mic at a time. I use at least 2 if not 3.

I ended up going w/ a vocalbooth.com iso box that can fit a 4x12 w/ 11" of mic space - was less than 2 grand w/ shipping (not before I tried building one myself that TOTALLY sucked!) it works to an extent. w/ a 20watt amp on 10 it's like your TV on 10 w/ more bass. My neighbor's haven't complained, but I also only use it during the day.

My controll room is 2 rooms away and when I'm tracking I have to shut the door (I keep my monitors at a reasonable level, not too loud) cuz I can hear it . . .

I put a foam pad under the box to limit bass transmition to the floor and if I get complaints I will buy some blankets to throw over the box.

It is, what it is. To the best of my research, it's the only way. (unless you treat the whole room) but it is by NO means sound proofed (I don't think that exsists)

[tradarama]

I just ordered the 7.5' tall version (didn't realize they had a cab version).....I may switch my order to that and save $1k too.

I bought it because I keep reading that amps on low volume give too much fizz and louder gives better balanced overdrive from the power tubes. I think I can turn it up and save my ears if I use this.....

Curious if it's only good for keeping neighborhood peace or if it helps tone too..

[quietdrive]

Originally Posted by 6strings

It won't be soundproof without a bottom. (at least not to your downstairs neighbors)

It looks like a good design, but I bet he owns his house. It would be a bit big and defiinitely too heavy to move into an apartment (unless you made sure you can dis-assemble every peice).

If I were you, I'd look into building an iso-speaker design instead of an iso-cab for the entire amp. That's what I did back when I was living in apartments...

http://www.randallamplifiers.com/pro...tion/index.asp

Yeah man.. it'll have a bottom and be smaller than the one you see on the pics of the link I posted.

[Pasta4lnch]

Originally Posted by tradarama

Curious if it's only good for keeping neighborhood peace or if it helps tone too..

It's kinda like a one trick pony cuz close mic'ing is about all you can do . . . it's a good trick though!

[nathanvacha]

if i were doing it, it would be like that with another layer of drywall, a lid that wedges down onto the case for a better seal, maybe draw latches with weather stripping around the top edge, a floor the same as all other sides, rockwool inside instead of foam, and float it on rubber pads, just as one more guard against transmission.

also, i'd probably keep it a bit larger and maybe not make the whole top a lid, just to make it easier to lift. or maybe even a trap door in the top, and the whole lid able to come off.

[6strings]

Originally Posted by tradarama

I bought it because I keep reading that amps on low volume give too much fizz and louder gives better balanced overdrive from the power tubes. I think I can turn it up and save my ears if I use this.....

It depends. Older Marshalls for ex. get their overdrive by cranking to "11" and overdriving the power tubes, yes. But most of today's amps (Mesas, DSLs, 5150, whatever, etc..) are a little more convenient in that they are designed to achieve most of their tone from the pre-amp section.

Yes, a big iso-cab box would be more fun than an iso-speaker box. But it's going to suck moving from apartment to apartment and it'll take up a good portion of an apartment room.