Rastra construction

Does anyone have any experience with RASTRA (http://www.rastra.com/Library.html) for production/recording studio benefits (STC and so on)>

dunno, read the board and find out. No, really! :roll: yeah I know, I'm 'n ass :p

me neither but it seems like you have to reinforce the blocks so alone they're not structural... so the question is; why? can you get them cheap or why don't you use something with a record of being good for isolation. a :arrow:

This page: http://www.rastra.com/TechnicalData.html "The difference between 27dB (good for a 2x4 framed wall) and a 50dB RASTRA wall result in 199% lower sound intensity. " A well constructed two leaf sheetrocked wall will produce that?

paulrmartin wrote:

Does anyone have any experience with RASTRA (http://www.rastra.com/Library.html) for production/recording studio benefits (STC and so on)>

The product has large spaces between the cavities which is basically just foam. So much that that the 8.5" wall has less surface density than a 4" pored concrete wall. Not to mention the spaces are not effective for sound isolation. Solid concrete core ICF systems like Quad lock are good. The principles in using it are the same as regular partitions; mass. Andre

The wife and I are playing with the idea of a new construction for the next house. According to the site (and I don't have any other info on it yet, but I will do some looking) RASTRA's Insulation qualities (Heat/AC) can help reduce overall construction costs because of the other materials that don't have to be purchased as in a regular "Stick Build" construction. I figured if the hype holds up, it might save some time and heart ache by having a small studio/office space included in the general design too. If it is any good, I could probably get away with just double layer drywall/sheetrock and room treatment and Bob's your uncle....but we'll see after some more digging. Just speculating right now.

xSpace wrote:

This page: http://www.rastra.com/TechnicalData.html "The difference between 27dB (good for a 2x4 framed wall) and a 50dB RASTRA wall result in 199% lower sound intensity. " A well constructed two leaf sheetrocked wall will produce that?

paulrmartin wrote:

If it is any good, I could probably get away with just double layer drywall/sheetrock and room treatment and Bob's your uncle....but we'll see after some more digging. Just speculating right now.

You have my post on it. That particular form of ICF is not good for sound isolation for music. I detailed why. Other forms of ICF are good. Andre

paulrmartin wrote:

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I guess for constructing a residence it's whatever you and Uncle Bob decide :) The two seem similar to me, in that you stack up the empty icf core and place grout inside it to complete the wall. Both products mentioned have a high fire rating and that is better then any wooden framed structure. And both claim high R values. Things like this get a potential home builders attention quickly. That and the word 'green". So I can say, no I have never used it. I hope you guys get something that fits your needs all the way around. Good luck, Brien

My primary studio use would be for voice over projects, so I don't know if the same demands on a studio space would apply as they do for music recording/production. Thanks for the quad lock link. It's nice to have something to compare. It's still very early in the idea, so any information would be helpful. You have my post on it. That particular form of ICF is not good for sound isolation for music. I detailed why. Other forms of ICF are good. Andre[/quote]

paulrmartin wrote:

My primary studio use would be for voice over projects, so I don't know if the same demands on a studio space would apply as they do for music recording/production.

You need a quiet background. If you use a HPF for low end rumble, you will get phase shifting in the lowest octave of the human voice range and the talent will still hear the low end noise. As another example of acceptable ICF have a look at Quad-Lock walls. Andre

These alternative construction sites are great. I am interested in the 'green' benefit of these options as well. Thanks to all. Paul

AVare wrote:

You need a quiet background. If you use a HPF for low end rumble, you will get phase shifting in the lowest octave of the human voice range and the talent will still hear the low end noise. As another example of acceptable ICF have a look at Quad-Lock walls. Andre

Right. Your going to have to put another quarter in the machine if you want to play again.