The Quiet Site

The other day we saw an article on the DigitalLife secton of the Today.com website. The person who wrote in with the question stated that he realizes he *is* the noisy neighbor others complain about. he wanted to know what he could do to be more courteous. Kudos to him for at least recognizing the problem and asking about it.

I’m not so sure I agree with the answers the guy was given, though. While the writer was correct in that soundproofing is best done at the construction level, he sort of glosses over the fact that it can certainly – without a doubt – be done post-construction as well. Talking to your neighbors, using acoustic panels, and turning down the volume all help, but you need to find a solution that is amenable to you as well.

So why not soundproof an entire room with Green Glue or some other soundproofing material? That’s the answer I didn’t see presented, so I offer it to you now. Grab a friend or two, buy some Green Glue and drywall, and redo the room you want to use as a theater. No harm, no foul. A weekend of work will allow you to enjoy your creature comforts without bothering a neighbor!

Since Mass Loaded was introduced to the soundproofing industry it has remained as popular as ever. MLV is now utilized in blankets that are built around industrial machinery etc. Buying Mass Loaded Vinyl in Bulk is a challenge. Look for sites that offer cheaper prices on larger quantities of Mass Loaded Vinyl than give them a call if you have a really large order.

Practicing music in a room can work when no one else is home, being that that’s not usually the case you’ll need some simple solutions. First off is the door it’s the weakest link, It’s only one layer its got gaps on the bottom and on the sides. Start by applying proper door seals to your door perimeter. Then beef up the door itself. You can do it on your own by adding a 2nd layer of MDF over the door and applying a layer of damping compound like Green Glue in between.

Now that’s a tough call. You can check out theDJlist.com and many other sites that let you listen in and decide who are the best DJ’s out there but then again this may just be a thing that is a personnel taste that everyone feels different about. After all the term DJ is very broad as there are many different types of DJ’s see this DJ article which mentions a few of the different types and equipment that they use. In the end you are best off sticking with the ones you enjoy but for some variety check out some of the best ones out there and let us know what you think.

So which acoustic panel is right for you? There are many kinds of foam panels Sonex Acoustic Panels offers a non flammable willtec foam panels. Additionally many people will DIY with the most popular product being the Owens Corning 703 panels. Some studio builders will put the Owens Corning Panels on complete walls and cover with one large fabric alternatively you can cover individual panels with fabric of your choice and hang them on your wall. Whatever route you take the results of a room with acoustic panels compared to a room without is just amazing. There are online programs that can give you calculations on how many panels per room you need see this reverb calculator.

We have spoken about this many times. Noise leaks from around the sides and bottom of the doors, how do you stop that? Most people will try to install door bottom sweeps, however we know that for sound if your seal is not tight, you will get leaks. Therefore an automatic sound rated door bottom is what’s really needed to get a proper seal on those door bottom gaps. Keep in mind that if you have carpet under the door you will need a saddle for the rubber on the automatic door bottom to seal down upon.