Inexpensive Sound Barriers

[wlfairman]

We are converting a basement room (all underground except for two 18" x 36" window wells) to a music studio. The studio will hold the musicians, their amps, speaker cabinets, and microphones. The control room is separate and well isolated (a former bomb shelter). We still have several sound isolation problems: (1) how to construct isolation boxes for mic'ed speaker cabinets; (2) how to cut down sound transmission in/out of studio room through windows and two entrances (without doors).

What are the relative advantages / disadvantages of using acoustic foam sheets versus say butyl rubber sheets to dampen sound?

Any suggestions on materials and/or construction methods?

Thanks, Bill.

 

[okdb]

Hi,

There's a lot that could be said, but forget foam and rubber. In studios, you need gipsum and glass wool for the most. Hint: use glass wool like Fiberglass AF-45 og even heavier, at least 4" tick. That would help you to absorb low frequencies without "killing" to much the high frequencies.

Look at "Master handbook og Acoustics", 4th edition, by F. Alton Everest. Not perfect book, but it will definitely help you.

OkdB