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Recording Studio Soundproofing Tips

When you sound proof rooms for recording you are basically doing 2 things; you are trying to stop sound from coming in and sound from going out. This is accomplished by sealing doors and windows and any place where sound can come in or go out.

Soundproofing Tips

Installing solid core doors, double windows and double wall/ceilings is the best way to accomplish a true sound proof recording room. Using sound silicone weather strip gaskets for doors and windows will accomplish the best results. I also recommend using silicone caulking for all joints including floors and ceiling.

After this you have to be able to recirculate and condition the air in the recording rooms. This can be accomplished by providing a supply fan and an exhaust fan that are both remotely located. One will supply fresh air to the room and the other will remove stale air from the room. Make sure to use extra ducting with at least 4 turns to eliminate the sound of the fans from entering the room. I recommend using a mini-split system to air condition the rooms. What this does is eliminate any internal fan noise that is created with a traditional air conditioner, since the condensing unit will be located outside of the building. These systems are also much easier to seal because the fan coil is mounted on the wall.

Make sure to run dedicated circuits with isolated grounds. This will insure you have a clean electric supply to your equipment.

Plan for the future

Make sure you have room to expand and add new equipment. Avoid extra heat sources from lights by using LED bulbs to minimize the heat in your recording studio. I recommend using track lighting or a surface mount light system so that you can seal the penetrations. Also make sure you use fire-clay to seal the back of all electrical switches, outlets and lighting electrical boxes. Locate the recording studio in a quiet part of the house/office, ideally an area that does not have a high amount of traffic or use.

Building a Recording Studio

To build a recording studio properly will cost some serious money. What you are trying to accomplish is to build a room inside and existing room. Insulate the existing walls and ceilings. Install ½” sound board and make sure to stagger the joints for both the walls and ceiling. Then install 5/8” drywall and tape the joints for the walls and ceiling, again making sure to stagger all joints. Then frame new walls to the ceiling leaving a 1” gap between the new and existing wall frame. Install insulation, 1/2 “sound board and 5/8” drywall. Tape and finish the walls. Drop the ceiling with either a T-bar grid system with sound proofing ceiling tiles or you can install a hard ceiling with a 1” space between the existing ceiling and your new hard ceiling. Again using insulation, ½” sound board and 5/8” drywall, tape and finish.

I really hope all this information was useful and helpful to you. Please feel free to give us a call if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help in any way we can.

Sincerely,

RWT Design & Construction