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Amplifier Coupler

October 16th, 2009 admin No comments

Amplifier Coupler

"How can I soundproof my garage, basement or a room in my family house or condominium for my 4 rock band can practice and record and not disturb the neighbors? "

If I had a dollar for every time this question has been raised, would be in the Bahamas at this time, instead of writing this article. Many factors must be considered before starting their study or practice room soundproofing project. Some of the questions you should ask are: What type of amplification using the band, the drums are going to be acoustic and Miked or are digital. Are you going to be the live recording at night or going to do " line only recording? These questions and many more need to be considered before construction starts. If live recording and rehearsal are the plan, then maximum soundproofing will be needed. The most effective way to soundproof a garage, basement or bedroom is really building a room within a room (go http://www.auralex.com) and download the free brochure "Acoustics 101", this is a wonderful resource for studying the home builder.

His ideas are sound and applicable to any study of project soundproofing. The room within a room concept utilizes the sealed dead air space that is captured between the inner walls and exterior walls to help largely through the efforts of soundproofing. It is probably easiest to frame the walls on the floor and then tilt up in a dry place so that the outer wall the walls much easier. It is also highly recommended that another ceiling joist out of the room within a room, however, this is not always possible because sometimes to space limitations.

In this case, the roof of the existing ceiling joists and can be used as the ultimate ceiling for the study, if duly soundproofed with materials such as vinyl load mass or a combination of closed cell foam mat and MLV. I will elaborate on these materials, As more in this article. Once the walls are framed out and the right amount of "dead air space" is determined, then it is time to install the soundproofing. The first task is to examine what needs to be done to the wall cavities prior to installing a barrier and finally the wallboard. I like the line of cavities within a mat of closed cell vinyl nitrile foam, such as American Mat. This mat (generally 1 / 4 "thick) adhered to the inside walls of the cavity, and the studs and beams, using a contact cement to adhere the mat. Note that the mat of America is used to line the cavities only, not to fill the cavity. If the insulation is necessary, use products such as rock wool, mineral wool, cut wool fibers, or my favorite, Roxul. Roxul is a major type of rock wool-based insulation batt that has great soundproofing qualities. If the insulation is a requirement for the test room or study, then Roxul is the way forward.

Now we come to a crossroads, it is time to determine if decoupling the walls using channels American resistant or sound clips is a necessity. Coupling is used when the transmission of impact or low frequency noise is a factor. Impact comes mainly Battery (acoustic type) or the bass amplifier. However, if the band is using Marshall high powered amps (50 watt amplifiers 4 X 12 cabinets, for example), along with acoustic drums Miked low Ampeg system, then decoupling will most likely be necessary. These methods and procedures will be explained in later articles. If determining the dissociation is not needed, then the next step would be finding a good barrier material such as the mass American loaded vinyl (which is a high quality mass loaded vinyl barrier). This barrier can be stapled directly to the studwork in a wall mount or directly to the beams. This is a method used if cost or space constraints are factors. If the barrier material to be stapled directly to the development stud or joist then it is best that the seams be over lapped, caulked (using OSI acoustical caulking compound) and recorded with the tape is an advantage or a heavy duty PVC seam tape.

Once loaded mass vinyl (MLV) is installed and sealed, it is time to install the final layer of plaster. We always recommend the use of 5/8Â drywall as the final layer because of its mass and its ability to block sound.. It is always advisable to butter the edges of the last layer of plaster with putty acoustics. Want to make every STC (sound transmission class) point you can when it comes to his new studio as soundproof as possible. Finally, tape the mud and paint from your last layer of plaster. Now you have a great soundproof home recording studio. We will discuss acoustical treatments for study in Articles following, but for now are well on your way to have a professional degree, recording studio in his house.

Dr. Bob O.
Soundproofing America, Inc.
Senior Technical Director
Soundproofing Expert to The New York Times, The San Francisco Herald Examiner, The San Diego Union Tribune, and the Charlotte Observer
Ph (877) 530-0139 Toll free Fax (347) 721-9079
E-mail: Dr.bob@soundproofingamerica.com
Website: http://www.soundproofingamerica.com

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