Alternative, almost silly soundproofing ideas, whaddya think?

[El_Mero_Mero]

So, these ideas look silly on paper and they will also potentially look silly, but will they help to keep sounds both in and out of my studio apartment?

I know of the foam triangular squares that Auralex and others make, but that only keeps my noise in, right? I'm not asking so much for how the recorded product will sound, but more of as a potential solution to not have to hear so much of next door neighbor's noise (as we share a wall). Would these options, as silly as they seem, help to lessen neighbor's noises?

a.) Big boxes (like those used to deliver bicycles and TVs) filled with t-shirts, packing peanuts, couch foam or anything else that will give alot of mass. The box(es) would be pressed up against the wall.

b.) Rectangular slabs of concrete (not too thick for aesthetic purposes) press up against the offending wall if I really wanted to over do it I'd find a way to wallpaper the wall with the slabs of concrete already there (since I won't be able to make another wall legally, or make any other permanent adjustments)

Also, if any other posters have ever come with equally outlandish ideas, please link me to that.

[kasmira]

Originally Posted by El_Mero_Mero

I know of the foam triangular squares that Auralex and others make, but that only keeps my noise in, right?

No. Those products are not intended to keep sound in or out. They are intended to reduce flutter echo, which is the annoying reverb in small rooms. Clap your hands loudly...THAT sound. Auralex will do nothing at all to keep any sound in or out of your studio.

Originally Posted by El_Mero_Mero

a.) Big boxes (like those used to deliver bicycles and TVs) filled with t-shirts, packing peanuts, couch foam or anything else that will give alot of mass. The box(es) would be pressed up against the wall.

Again, this will likely do nothing in terms of sound isolation. Packing peanuts, couch foam, tshirts, etc do not have very much mass at all compared to what you would need.

Originally Posted by El_Mero_Mero

b.) Rectangular slabs of concrete (not too thick for aesthetic purposes) press up against the offending wall if I really wanted to over do it I'd find a way to wallpaper the wall with the slabs of concrete already there (since I won't be able to make another wall legally, or make any other permanent adjustments)

I am not certain about this, but it is my understanding that isolation is only as good as its weakest link; meaning you would have to cover ALL of the walls with this concrete in order for it to do anything. Sound travels in some crazy ways.

The only thing I usually see recommended for people who can not do any major construction in the studio is to build a "room within a room"

The idea here is to put drywall up, etc, and box in your room with yet another slightly smaller room. There are seriously tons of threads about this here, although I'm not sure if this would be possible for your situation.

Good luck

[Starlight]

+1

Yeah, sorry El_Mero_Mero but leave your creativity for your music. The science of sound and how it behaves and can be controlled with acoustic treatment or contained for isolation is well known.

Rod's book, Home Recording Studio: Build It Like the Pros, explains it all so well. A few dollars spent on a quality textbook could save you thousands spent on incorrect and ineffective room treatment.

[jhbrandt]

Originally Posted by Starlight

+1

Yeah, sorry El_Mero_Mero but leave your creativity for your music. The science of sound and how it behaves and can be controlled with acoustic treatment or contained for isolation is well known.

Rod's book, Home Recording Studio: Build It Like the Pros, explains it all so well. A few dollars spent on a quality textbook could save you thousands spent on incorrect and ineffective room treatment.

+2
Get Rod's book! More info on my publications page and other links to isolation testing, recommended books, and even my book...
Cheers,
John

[chrisdee]

If i wanted to stop sound going out of the room (to neighbours) or coming into the room (from neighbours) i think building a well isolated recording booth would be a good idea. I dont think it would have to be extremly expensive if you do it yourself. Plaster walls are inexpensive and so is rockwool isolation and the wood neded to build the booth.