Forums Vs. Test Data for Soundproofing

Here's an example of a facebook thread that shows how hard it is do discern what is reliable versus what is old wives tale on line. I'm not suggesting that you don't DIY, I love it myself. I am suggesting that it's worth, and in fact there is very good value in, engaging an acoustic engineer. I think I have removed names etc...

What if I'd said I want to build a sound proof band rehearsal room? Would that shift people into a different mindset?

 Yes. That could be done considerably cheaper. But your shed and slab and power will still eat up your $20K. Maybe you could then do the build for another $20K?

 I spent $30k converting part of my house into a studio, and it was far from a no expense spared operation. I can however, recommend a layer of rubber sheeting in the build. I did it in the drum room, but not the control room, and the difference in isolation is very noticeable. I used Acoustiblock, but I think any heavy rubber sheeting will do the job. Also there is a guy in the sunshine coast who turns shipping containers into studios for about $30k

 Have a look at some of the " Tiny Kit Homes " on google... https://www.google.com.au/#q=tiny++kit+homes

Would digging a subteranian space be a viable alternative to sound proofing? As in, dig a room sized hole in the gound, like you would for a pool, and build a below ground studio?

Another option is to bury the "shed" by piling soil around and on top of it like a bunker.

Rammed earth walls?

Andrew, have you checked out the John Sayers website for studio construction? it really does have all the answers to your questions. my thread is dog & bear under 'other studios'. it's a two room build, one control, one live. you can play drums in it at night and we live in a quiet country town......but I'm not kidding mate, it would have been $150k for contractors to build. (it's a much, much different process to building a house) finding the right contractors who will spend 4 X the amount of time to do what normally takes them 1 X to get the right end result is expensive.

btw, I did use green glue in my build and it works as advertised if applied correctly.

John Sayers did a great job for all three of our builds some of the best sounding spaces

I was confused looking at the John Sayers page. It looks like a forum, is it/he a business as well?

Yes it's a forum. Or you can hire him to design your room.

Yes to green glue

Sound absorbition insulation made by earth wool from Bunnings and I think a granny flat would sound better than a shed

Call me if you want

Just following on from this discussion. Looking at possibly buying a place that already has a shed the size of a three car garage with power.


I were to sell the tin shed that's already there, what would you suggest I build on the slab that remains?

 Bessablock filled with sand

Easier said than done and then there's the roof.

Why not a concrete slab ceiling? Lots of town houses have them, can't be that difficult.

Concrete 's not going to stop the sound.

Concrete is great. Just need a small cavity and plasterboard

seriously? If concrete's not a sound barrier then what is?

Test labs that we use have 600mm concrete walls ceiling and floor and are NOT that soundproof. Solids transmit sound bettet than air. A properly built cavity wall works well.

So what do you suggest? A single layer of brick with a cavity then plasterboard with green glue?

Andrew Steele are you sure that the 600mm room doesn't have leaks or weak spots somewhere?

Would be awesome

Yes it gets tested before it is used to determine the TL limit for sample testing

But everything I've read says concrete is a great sound insulator

 I've been reading for 30 years and still learning. If you don't believe me call csiro victoria

And great at stc or rw? Thatd not what you are dealing with

 Sand filled things is a good example. It may be good and it may not. Concrete filled may be better worse and may be cheaper or dearer. The point is that without lab test data you are GAMBLING. You could waste hard earned money on an anecdote. Especially if you don't exactly replicate how it was done in the anecdote. Good engineering gets the most performance from the simplest components.

 So, you're suggesting that I literally call the CSIRO in Victoria and ask them for tips on building my shed studio?

No they could only tell you how to test it. Engage a professional. You will find most if what you need athttp://www.ultrafonic.com.au/Dyn.../id/3/acoustic-advice.htm
But you can't expect to work out how to do something on the Internet that takes professionals years to comprehend. Read the stuff at the link, formulate a plan and run it by me if you like

www.ultrafonic.com.au
07 3103 0591