Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Apr 18, 2005 09:34pm | #1

   Acoustic research is needed, much of it can be found at United States Gypsum(USG)'s website.

     Basically, to dampen sound, one needs to isolate and break up sound waves, such as a wall in front of a wall or damping products like rubber under the compressor. Fibreglass was designed for thermal insulation but is adequate for sound insulation- I prefer rigid styrofoam, 1" or so.

     If you'd rather go low tech but still get high performance, when I played in a rock band, our practice studio had walls lined with mattresses, worked great! but looked like a scene from One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest.

    

2. 
   adastra | Apr 19, 2005 12:09am | #2

   Check out Auralex for more information.

   They have a .pdf file you can download what will be helpful.

   I just built a custom recording thingamajig for a client that was meant to contain the sound of an overdriven guitar speaker. Its called an isolation cabinet and the principles are the same.

   STC is the value you are looking for in materials to control sound. The higher the STC, the better it performs.

3. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 19, 2005 01:00am | #3

   There are a lot of fairly sophisticated techniques/materials for sound control.

   But plain old fiberglass works pretty well, and is the least expensive material. You'll want to pack it into the stud bays, as compared to laying it in as you would for thermal insulation.

   Using RC channel on the studs, then affixing your sheetrock to the RC, is also a good, inexpensive measure.

   The other challenge would be doors/windows. But you didn't say if this is also an issue.

   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 19, 2005 02:55am | #4

   And here is a link for a company that makes products for a sophisticated level of sound control:http://www.soundsense.com/"I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

4. 
   highfigh | Apr 19, 2005 03:27am | #5

   There are a couple of threads re: noise and home theaters/reducing noise transmission, either in Knots or Breaktime(could be one of the others, too) and there is a list of websites. Also, look up DynaMat's site. They make dampening material.

   Styro won't do much to block sound. If the spaces are connected, use weatherstripp on the doors. You can also double up the drywall. Mass is one of the most effective devices for sound deadening.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
5. 
   ian | Apr 19, 2005 03:42pm | #6

   Do you have to comply with any noise codes? If so you will almost certainly need professional help.

   A biggie in reducing noise is not to have any openings (windows or doors) facing towards the neighbour.

   Have you though about doing nothing and buying his silence with a piece of furniture or a six pack or two?

   Ian

6. 
   tms | Apr 19, 2005 06:41pm | #7

   Hey Simply,

   My attitude about noise is similar to that regarding dust; in that it's better to collect it as close to the source as possible. Personal protective equipment only protects the wearer, and only when they take the time to put it on.

   Although noise doesn't linger like dust, it still can do damage to your body, and can even creat an environment where accidents can more easily occur. I'd encourage you to try to dampen the noise in your shop rather than to confine it to within your shop.

   Unfortunately, that type of dampening is more expensive, but I feel it's worth it, and if you have only a small amount to do, the real expense is reasonable.

   There are several companies that specialize in noise reduction products. Environmental Accoustic Research (EAR) and Technicon Industries Inc. <<http://www.tcnind.com>> are two that come to mind.

   Good luck,
   Tom