Floor / Wall Construction

[CJ1973]

Could you please give me the layers (top to bottom) of what is recommended, (if possible for the US , California standards) for a home studio floor as well as walls. The primary goal being 'isolation' and then ofcourse diffusion etc. Can you tell me what the best solution is? This is purely for the control/mixing room and not a vocal booth. The mixing would be alot of 'drum and bass' doof doof and vocals.

Any recommendations or contacts of contractors would help too.

Thanks

[CJ1973]

surely there is someone out there who can give me a good breakdown of the layers....??? anyone?

[Eganmedia]

The desired amount of noise control will determine how much and what kinds of isolation you need. I'm in an industrial area with 18 wheelers rumbling past and F-16s doing wheelies overhead. I was more concerned with keeping unwanted noise out that keeping my own noise in. But if you accomplish one, you've accomplished the other. If you're monitoring at low volumes you won't need as much isolation from an adjoining apartment as you will if you're listening through big monitors at high volume. Similarly, if your neighbor is a machine shop, you'll want to isolate that noise if you're doing vocals or acoustic instruments more than if you're tracking electronic keyboards.

Here's a link to a bunch of progress photos of my buildout. It's a commercial facility on the ground floor, so I probably have different requirements than you do. Nevertheless, you can see what we did to keep truck and jet noise out of our mics.


http://www.johnlsayers.com/Studio/Mainpage/MP-Egan.htm

[CJ1973]

Hi
Thanks for the insight. I am getting alot of different opinions and seeking something definite if possible for:
1. Floor - ie. Layer 1 is subfloor (concrete), Layer 2 is U bolts, Layer 3 is 2"x4" wooden panels filled with insulation etc.
2. Wall
3. Roof...

Can you please advise.
Tks!

[jwl]

I have 2 recommendations for you.

First, get Rod Gervais' book: Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros.

Second, read this thread on the Sayers forum: Recording Studio Design :: View topic - Is a Floating Floor Right For You? Answer: Probably NOT.

[Weasel9992]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Hi
Thanks for the insight. I am getting alot of different opinions and seeking something definite if possible for:
1. Floor - ie. Layer 1 is subfloor (concrete), Layer 2 is U bolts, Layer 3 is 2"x4" wooden panels filled with insulation etc.
2. Wall
3. Roof...

Can you please advise.
Tks!

We're really not trying to be evasive, it's just a very complex topic with many variables. For instance, depending on *exactly* what kind of reduction you're looking for you could be look at a couple of extra layers of sheetrock, green glue and some insulation...or you could be building a couple of stud-wall layers, sheetrock, green glue, isolation rails and more. Same goes with the floor, the ceiling and everything else.

Nobody's going to be able to give you all the information you need in a thread like this...there's just too much involved. Rod's book really might be the best starting place for you.

Frank

[Eganmedia]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Hi
Thanks for the insight. I am getting alot of different opinions and seeking something definite if possible for:
1. Floor - ie. Layer 1 is subfloor (concrete), Layer 2 is U bolts, Layer 3 is 2"x4" wooden panels filled with insulation etc.
2. Wall
3. Roof...

Can you please advise.
Tks!

There is no "definite". It's all determined by existing conditions and budget. Studio designers make big bucks by figuring out the most cost effective ways of accomplishing what you're trying to do. John Sayers' site has some of the most useful free advice you can find on the web. You might also contact some of the "Name Brand" studio designers. If you catch 'em on the right day or in the right cash flow position you might get a deal.

[Trev@Circle]

Looks great Joe. Do you mind saying what the dimensions of your main live room and control room are (I'm in the process of designing my new place and looking for ideas)? As an aside my wife's folks are from Stowe. How would you feel if I stopped by next time I cross the pond?

[Eganmedia]

Originally Posted by rimskidog

Looks great Joe. Do you mind saying what the dimensions of your main live room and control room are (I'm in the process of designing my new place and looking for ideas)? As an aside my wife's folks are from Stowe. How would you feel if I stopped by next time I cross the pond?

My live room is roughly 36' X 20', but it's irregularly shaped. My control room is 23' X 19' with the same caveat.

I'm less than an hour from Stowe. Love to have you over next time you're "over".