Mason Industries' FSN Floating Floor Concrete Slab Test Data

Rod, sorry to confuse - my point was more aimed at floating floors rather than the walls - most studios I have played in here in New Zealand have double walls between control and tracking but seem to have single walls between each studio room - I was in a local studio here just last week that had a single wall between my drums and the room we tracked gtars in and the bleed was non apparent for this purpose but for vocals and drums would have been a problem, I agree. My point was that isolation systems really only needs to be fit for purpose for each studio. If we spent more time talking about what is expected rather than failures and weak points in potential systems we may have a few less confused punters. In mosts posts I have seen in this forum and others like it people want bang for bucks - if we were pros we would hire you!! but it is a confusing topic - I know there are no magic bullets but if answers were based around what is actually required rather than always going to extremes I think there would be less confusion all around - this is not a dig at anyone here just a general observation about the net and seems to apply more in this case to floors rather than walls and ceilings - there are at least 6 projects, mine included that are sitting on the back burner because of floor questions. We have a wall chart that shows approx STC of different wall systems, why can't we have one for timber and concrete floors, just so people know a starting point and the rules.

My point was that isolation systems really only needs to be fit for purpose for each studio

Very true! We often try and start with that point (how much isolation is needed betwen the recording the recording spaces and the outside world. Too often the posts start with "I have just built...." :( Andre

All good comments; real, serious studios don't even break ground (or consider a lease, depending) until a site survey has been done; this entails logging the local noise levels for at least a week, preferably a month or more, noting any likely problem areas/times - it also includes a thorough check of any and all "neighbors" - their proximity, any already "in place" isolation, etc - Also, an assessment of the types of music to be generated and their maximum sound pressure levels in all circumstances (recording, monitoring, "dog and pony shows", etc) is done. ("dog and pony show" is my euphemism for "turning it up to 11" to impress some clients...) Once this is accomplished, you have a QUANTIFIED set of conditions - then, and ONLY then, can you even BEGIN to know what type/amount of construction it will require to satisfy ALL the requirements for that studio to be successfully isolated from its neighbors (and vice versa) - and whether the studio can operate "24/7/365", or just til people want to go to bed (or are not home) - I apologise for not getting into this more often (and sooner) - doesn't mean it's any less important. If anyone knows of reasonably priced solutions for doing "site surveys", such as Jade software, etc, http://www.ptolserv.com/jade/jadedata.html this would be as good a place as any to post them - or for that matter, your list of things to check/do if you've done this before... Steve

This is such a cool thread (I know 'cuz I started it! ;-)), so I thought I'd give it a "bump," especially in light of the fact that I am indeed jackhammering my slab this weekend! :twisted: Although, what isn't clear from the context of this thread is that I decided against floating a slab. Instead, I am pouring a new, structural-grade isolated slab... It's not the same as a true floating slab, but it is a lot less complicated, doesn't require a "step up" (which was a difficult obstacle for me code-wise), and doesn't cost nearly as much. :mrgreen:

I also believe that concrete floor is the best thing I've ever decided to make in my house. I've trusted one company- [SPAM REMOVED BY MODERATOR] , which I think is the best qualified in this field. What I understood, that such a things shouldn't be done by yourself. Good luck with choosing your type of floor!