Rearranging my Composing/ Mixing room

"How does better soundproofing contribute to a more accurate listening / mixing environment? :?" You do not hear the rain and thunder, the cars passing in front and the planes passing over head, children in the front yard and dogs in the back yard. You are not bothered by the early reflections from the front wall, side wall and the obligatory near back wall. You can make a decision that is not mared by the TV... "If money were no object, I wouldn't even be asking these questions. " Yes you would...and you would pay at that point.

Hey guys. sorry for the delayed response - My copy of Rod's book arrived last week and I've been absorbed in the wealth of info there. 2 quick questions though that I don't believe are answered anywhere in the book. I'm tearing down my existing ceiling grid tonight, and am wondering if the fiberglass panels I have can be used for absorbers. They're the typical 2'x4' fiberglass panels you would buy at home depot with the white plastic/vinyl facing on one side. They're only 1/2" thick but I'd imagine there would be no harm in gluing multiple panels together. The plastic facing tears off easily and I could easily glue enough together for 4 or 5 2'x4'x2" panels that I could use for treatment later. The only thing I don't know is the density of this type of panel. Would these suffice or should I just trash them and buy new 2" panels of the OC 703 variety? The other question is what type of insulation should I use for my exposed / fabric covered absorbent ceiling? I'm assuming I want the fluffy stuff that will fit between the joists but what rating would be acceptable - R-19, R-21, etc? Also would i install the insulation with the paperside facing the room or with the paper side backed up against the underside of the floorboards above? Or should I alternate paperside up, paperside down across the ceiling? Theoretically I can see a pro and con to each scenario, but what would you guys recommend? I will be removing all carpet so I'll be left with a concrete floor which I plan on painting. Thanks for all the help - This forum is great :D

Modini wrote:

I'm tearing down my existing ceiling grid tonight, and am wondering if the fiberglass panels I have can be used for absorbers. They're the typical 2'x4' fiberglass panels you would buy at home depot with the white plastic/vinyl facing on one side. They're only 1/2" thick but I'd imagine there would be no harm in gluing multiple panels together. The plastic facing tears off easily and I could easily glue enough together for 4 or 5 2'x4'x2" panels that I could use for treatment later. The only thing I don't know is the density of this type of panel. Would these suffice or should I just trash them and buy new 2" panels of the OC 703 variety?

No. These will work fine in absorption panels or whatever. If you got it.. use it. ;) [They also work well as ceiling treatment in a dropped ceiling grid. - It's best to remove the reflective plastic and cover with fabric but you should have them about 2" thick for decent treatment and not more than about 4 to 6" of air space - and they function will with 12" of air space. This goes for any OC 703 or similar rock wool.]

Modini wrote:

The other question is what type of insulation should I use for my exposed / fabric covered absorbent ceiling? I'm assuming I want the fluffy stuff that will fit between the joists but what rating would be acceptable - R-19, R-21, etc? Also would i install the insulation with the paperside facing the room or with the paper side backed up against the underside of the floorboards above? Or should I alternate paperside up, paperside down across the ceiling? Theoretically I can see a pro and con to each scenario, but what would you guys recommend? I will be removing all carpet so I'll be left with a concrete floor which I plan on painting. Thanks for all the help - This forum is great :D

Paper side UP. Make the ceiling fully absorbent. R-19 is 6.25" thick, R-21 is 5.5", R-30 is 9.5" thick. Get the thickness that you need to fill the joist space. Cheers, John

Thanks John. I think I should move this part of the conversation over to the the other thread with a more specific / appropriate subject title for future seekers. Thread is titled "Absorbent Ceiling" for those who wish to pick it up. Thanks again :D