Isolation Box

[Dan-O]

Anyone know of a decent isolation box for a computer tower. I've seen isolation and dampening products for internal component parts. i.e the fans, drives etc.(not what I'm looking for), but not a whole tower. Other than the Isoraxx stuff are there any options? (BTW moving the machine to another room is not an option in this case.)

[C.Lambrechts]

Originally posted by Dan-O
(BTW moving the machine to another room is not an option in this case.)

Just wanted to point out it is worth while taking a closer look at this option. I've known situations where it 'seemed' impossible but logical thinking and some minor adjustments allowed it anyhow. Upstairs / downstairs / an adjecent hallway ???

Even if you put it outside you can still put it in a box or closet.

Outside is still the best option imvho.

[Dan-O]

Originally posted by C.Lambrechts
Just wanted to point out it is worth while taking a closer look at this option. I've known situations where it 'seemed' impossible but logical thinking and some minor adjustments allowed it anyhow. Upstairs / downstairs / an adjecent hallway ???

Even if you put it outside you can still put it in a box or closet.

Outside is still the best option imvho.

Thanks Chris. I'll certainly give the matter some further thought. Any suggestions on a box?

[joeq]

I am thinking along these same lines and doing some online window shopping

there are a few that I have found:

isobox studio

the raxxess isoraxx

and the isomac

I saw an isolation box at an AES show a ways back that had a totally passive cooling system- copper tubes filled with alcohol or something- No Fan! but I haven't been able to locate them.

all of these boxes will cost you over a grand. they all seem pretty similar. At one point I saw one a bit cheaper but I seem to have lost it.

all will provide good , but not total isolation.

the more I look into it, the more Extenders and a "machine room" are starting to appeal to me.

Of course there is nothing magical about any of these products, you could always build your own box for a fraction of the cost if you are handy that way...

[R Tyck]

I saw an isolation box at an AES show a ways back that had a totally passive cooling system- copper tubes filled with alcohol or something- No Fan! but I haven't been able to locate them.

I believe that this is what you are looking for.

http://www.acoustilock.com/

They use what they call "heat pipes" to transfer heat and are suppossed to be quieter than any of the other alternative products. They are also a bit more expensive.

I have an IsoBox in my control room, and it is a life saver for me. But- it isn't silent, it does make noise on its own, plus my inordinately loud Dual G4 can be heard despite the IsoBox, especially when it is buzzing away out of control in OS9.

When I build my next control room - I definately plan to get anything with a fan out of the room. In my opinion, an isolation box is a compromise.

R Tyck

[heinz]

I realize you said you weren't interested in internal solutions, but considering how effectively and cheaply this can be done, you may wish to reconsider.

[Jan Folkson]

I've got an Acoustilock cabinet in my room and it's amazing! Not cheap, but worth every cent.

[joeq]

wow. nice room, Jan!

[Dan-O]

Lots of great stuff here. Much appreciated.

heinz- great solutions but not something I want to crawl through right now. Maybe when/if I decide to build my self the next machine. Still waiting for the speaker stand BTW. The machine shop is apparently holding things up. Thanks again for that tip.

[88fingerz]

Try this!

http://elias-audio.net/

[Jan Folkson]

Originally posted by joeq
wow. nice room, Jan!

Thanks Joe.

[steins]

I have a Sound Construction IsoBox in the controlroom, housing a G4 and a Windows-PC. It´s quiet enough for doing vocals, acoustic guitar etc. in the control room. The temperatur-indicator on the front door is a nice addition. It is supposed to beep when the temperatur gets too hot, but it seems to handle a couple of computers and some rack gear without any trouble. Never heard it complain ;-).

It came pre-assembled, which was good for me. I have trouble with IKEA products...

Those Acoustilok looks nice! How much are they?

Stein Tore

[Jan Folkson]

A bit under 4k iirc.

[Faderjockey]

I have an S&C ISObox as well. It holds G4 on it's side a Gylph Trip and SBS PCI Chassis. IT helped out cutting the noise in my control room down bigtime.

[sharpeleven]

I recently got Janal case's ISOBOX. http://www.cases.tv/isobox1.htm. It's a pretty reliable option when you need to move your rig around - it's really built like a tank.

I am a little disappointed though from the level of noise isolation. It provides roughly 12 - 15dB's of reduction - not exactly what I expected (from their web site:...."This case is designed to absorb shock AND TOTALLY isolate machine noise."...).