Please Help me - Building My Studio With Noise Isolation! ;)

Reading up on the Fantech site. I guess I must be overlooking this, because I can not find the answer,,,,,, Whats the difference between their HRV and SRV model vent systems?? Their .PDF files read basically the same between the two? :?: I am meeting tomorrow with HVAC people, but at this point I am leaning towards a Mini Split System with 3 interior heads (zones), and a Fantech Vent System as well. Also I found a Fantech AEV 1000 which also sounds like it may work based on its data for about $500.00. But I dont think that model does the heat exchange, instead its just flow through air. :( Their data certainly isnt that specific on their site. :evil: If someone can tell me the differences between the models, I would appreciate it. Thanks AJ 8)

OK..we will try this...since my other questions arent getting answered :oops: :lol: :lol: HVAC guys were here tonight and said,,,as far as they know, and unless they came out with them recently, these mini split systems (like the Sanyo's) do not come with any type of backup heating, like the electrical heat strips in the conventional heat pump systems?? :roll: Therefore, if I decide to go with a Mini Split what do I want to do for a backup heat source?? We get about 10 days a year typically that get below 20 degrees, so I will need something for those nights. I was told (I think by Rod) not to go with a heat pump system for this area due to the cold temps, and their efficiency for this type weather,,,but wasnt really given other specific options to check into. I was told tonight that these Sanyo Mini Splits are the same as heat pumps as far as cold weather (below freezing) and their efficiency>?>?>? :shock: So I guess my questions are: 1 - What backup heat sorces are you guys who put in Mini Splits using?? 2 - Does the Fantech Heat Exchanger Ventilators act as a secondary heat source at all?? 3 - Is there a better option for this area besides a Heat Pump type system?? (I have no access to gas,,,,so thats out,,,,and for forced hot air, I would have to put a crappy old tank somewhere to hold the oil. :P :evil: After tonights meeting, we were leaning towards a 3 head Sanyo Mini Split with electric baseboard for backup. But when that sucker kicks in, the electric meter is going to spin off the wall!!!! :roll: :x (thinking of efficency here) All my framing is now done, as well as outside exterior siding, so I guess I need to come up with something quick before the electricians start. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks AJ

Just FYI for those ever needing to know. I wasnt able to get the answer on here, but found it finally elsewhere. :wink: The Fantech units have models SHR and VHR. The difference in these models is as follows: SHR = side connection for duct. VHR = all duct connections on the top. So that answers that. ;) Next bit of important information when building a Studio,,,,NEVER,,I mean NEVER look up when you hear something sliding off a roof above you :roll: :shock: . Today I had that experience, and when I looked up BAM hit right on the face (nose bridge) with a falling crowbar. :shock: :evil: . Needless to say, I ended up in the Hospital with a large gash on the bridge of my nose, and a small fracture. :evil: After about 3 hours in the ER getting patched up and them doing what they had to do, and a couple handfulls of Motrin to follow, I was back at the house hanging siding on 2nd floor, with the biggest headache of my life. But it needed done, and I didnt want to quit over a busted up face. :lol: (my boys from work who are helping just told me to "be a man and suck it up Suzie) lol :lol: :lol: Also on a note pf progress,,,,Last night I ordered a 2 ton - 24,000 BTU Tri Zone Sanyo Mini Split Outdoor unit (Heat and Air),,,,,, 2- 9,000 BTU indoor units (one for CR and one for TR),,,,,and a third 11,800BTU indoor unit for 2nd floor. (for a total of 3 indoor units) :D Also ordered all the lineset kits etc. I think I got a great deal on it all. Got everything for $3600.00 which included shipping. Today got an email that they have already been shipped (paid through Paypal last night) :D So that will be my HVAC system along with Elec baseboard backup. My HVAC guys were here and sai dthis area only gets about 10 days a year below freezing that I would have to worry about running my baseboard backup (this year we only had like 3 days). Things are definetly progressing fast and I still want to make my Aug 31st deadline. I'll post pics when this headache goes away,,,as for now. I need a shower and some more Motrin, and some sleep. :? Remember,,,,whenever you hear something above you sliding,,,never look up,,,,just run!!! :lol: :D :shock: AJ

Hey AJ, Congratulations on your mini split purchase! Looks like a great system you've got going. Read the installation instructions start to finish before you do anything. Also, congratulations on not losing an eye in that accident! If that thing had hit you on the top of the head, you could have gotten a concussion, or worse... You being a firefighter know that I'm sure. I actually recommend a hard hat until such accidents are impossible. Perhaps you can post something in the "Safety During Demolition, Construction" sticky thread. Yours is a story I hope doesn't get repeated by others. --Keith :mrgreen:

Hey Keith, Real quick....HVAC has almost all arrived. Well everything but the outside unit itself. Thats apparently enroute. But there was a screw up with the order, and they sent me an additional 11,000BTU indoor heat/AC unit. (I am sitting here with 4 units now). I called and emailed them about it, but they dont seem to care, nor want to hear about it :roll: :roll: . O'well, I didnt get charged for it. Keith,,,need another indoor Sanyo unit?? lol :lol: :lol: :lol: I dont need 4 of them. :lol: I will post my updates in the next couple days. Things have just been way too crazy. My friend who is helping me (for free) is putting a complete new roof on a house this week and I volunteered to help him (pay back). :wink: Anyway we were de-roofing the place today from 6AM this morning till around 3PM and the temps were in the high 90's. I thought we were going to have heat stroke. :evil: :shock: So, I am off to bed and up again at 6AM to help him again. Boy isnt payback a bitch!!..LOL :lol: I post my additional Studio updates as soon as things calm down a little. Thanks AJ

UPDATE TIME !!! :D Well... I have gone into hiding recently and have not posted any progress. :cry: But thats only because I have been swamped with the build. Here is a quick update (and the end is near for completion of the Studio) :D :D I have passed all my inspections: (since last post(s)) Rough Framing Electrical Insulation and today we started the drywall. I ordered 110 - 12ft sheets and away we went. It should be all hung by Monday night, then we will start to finish. Through all the process over the last couple weeks, I had 2 pro studio engineers stop by and give me their evaluation/opinions on the whole project. They had nothing but thumbs up and said if I stay on track, and buy some high end Mic Preamps :lol: that this studio will rate on the top of the list for this area. They said I went a bit beyond "home" or even "project" studio with the build, and think its coming along great. (they even said they will probably track here, instead of the next nearest Studio they now use which is 45 minutes away) :D Sooo,,,things are looking good. They DID however make comments on my going overboard for sound isolation etc. They said Studios need to be quiet and isolated, but this isnt a secret service room, or room used for confidential meetings by the CIA. :lol: :lol: :lol: Guess my double room within room construction, totally uncoupled, several layers of insulation on all walls and ceiling, double sheeting on everything exterior, double drywall everywhere, green glue on all drywall, and Quiet puddy on all the outlet boxes was a bit excessive. 8) LOL If the neighbors complain now, well they will just have to move!! :lol: Anyway as I was saying, for the last 2 months, either I was at my job, or working on the studio build. Have been putting in many many 10 to 12 hour days. And also found along the line that my original budget of thinking around 20K (Keith remember that) had to be multiplied several times. :evil: . O'well,,,,it will be worth it. So,,,for those of you who like to see progress through pictures, hold on to your seats,,,,here they come: PICTURE 1 - SECOND LAYER OF INSULATION IN TRACKING ROOM PICTURE 2 - HAD AUDIO GUYS RUN ALL THE AUDIO CABLES FOR PREWIRED MIC WALL PLATES PICTURE 3 - ANOTHER PIC OF WALL PLATE BEFORE 2ND LAYER OF INSULATION PICTURE 4 - 2ND FLOOR (LOUNGE/PRO TOOLS MIX DOWN AREA - AFTER WALLS AND CEILING WERE INSULATED PICTURE 5 - AGAIN 2ND FLOOR AREA

PICTURE 6 - INSULATED AREA ABOVE 1ST FLOOR TRACKING ROOM PICTURE 7 - ANOTHER PIC ABOVE TRACKING ROOM - BELOW 2ND FLOOR PICTURE 8 - TRACKING ROOM AFTER 2ND LAYER OF INSULATION PICTURE 9 - LOOKING OUT OF TRACKING ROOM AFTER INSULATED PICTURE 10 - ISO BOOTH AFTER INSULATED

PICTURE 11 - IN CONTROL ROOM LOOKING OUTSIDE PICTURE 12 - AUDIO SNAKE CABLE IN CONTROL ROOM AND ALSO HIGH DEF VIDEO FOR CONSOLE MONITOR PICTURE 13 - FRONT OF CONTROL ROOM AREA PICTURE 14 - MY WIRING JOB IN SUB PANEL (INSPECTOR SAID ALL WIRING IN STUDIO WAS IMPRESSIVE DUE TO NEATNESS) :wink: PICTURE 15 - ANOTHER SUB PANEL SHOT AND ALSO CAT 5 AND CABLE LINES (IN STUD SPACE BESIDE ELEC PANEL)

PICTURE 16 - HALLWAY IN CONTROL ROOM TO OUTSIDE PATIO AREA PICTURE 17 - DRYWALL DELIVERY (HOPE TO BE ALL GONE BY MONDAY NIGHT) :lol: PICTURE 18 - TRACKING ROOM AFTER 2ND LAYER OF INSULATION PICTURE 19 - MY DAUGHTER TRYING TO TALK ME INTO LETTING HER MAKE THE STUDIO HER OWN APARTMENT....AINT GOING TO HAPPEN!! ANYWAY, THIS IS THE 2ND FLOOR AFTER WE DRYWALLED TODAY :wink: PICTURE 20 - ANOTHER PIC OF THE AUDIO RUNS BEFORE FINAL INSULATION

PICTURE 21 - SECOND FLOOR LOOKING AT STAIRS AREA PICTURE 22 - LOOKING DOWN STEPS PICTURE 23 - PICTURE OF SOUND PUDDY ON ALL THE OUTLET BOXES IN THE TRACKING ROOM PICTURE 24 - AUDIO BOX WITH SOUND PUDDY PICTURE 25 - JUST LOOKING OUT OF TRACKING AREA

PICTURE 26 - BOX OF QUIET PUDDY USED ON ALL OUTLET BOXES PICTURE 27 - GREEN GLUE SHIPMENT ARRIVES :wink: :D PICTURE 28 - LIQUID GOLD

AND YOU GUYS THOUGHT I GAVE UP ON THE PROJECT...LOLOL :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Its getting exciting...and I hope to be moving in within 3 to 4 weeks. :D

Oh yea...a couple more of the exterior" :D PICTURE 31 - EXTERIOR AFTER SIDING PICTURE 32 - CONTROL ROOM AND TRACKING ROOM AFTER FRAMING PICTURE 33 - 2ND FLOOR BEFORE INSULATION PICTURE 34 - BALCONY RAILING I PUT UP TO KEEP CODES HAPPY :lol: :lol: PICTURE 35 - AND THIS IS WHY,,,CHECK OUT THE HEIGHT :shock: :lol:

PICTURE 37 - HEAT ROCOVERY VENTILATOR SYSTEM WHICH IS SUSPENDED ON A HANGING SHELF AND ON THE SHELF IS SOUND ABSORBING MATERIAL. AFTER I HOOKED IT ALL UP, I TEST RAN IT,,, AND ITS VERY QUIET. :wink: ANYWAY, ITS TOTALLY INSTALLED NOW AND OPERATIONAL. Ok...I am done for now. Need to get a shower, and you guys need a break from all the pictures and postings. :lol: :lol: Stay tuned, I think things will unfold even faster now. I'll get pics of the Green Glue party Monday night. :lol: Stay safe AJ

very cool!

Thank you Glenn,,,You inspired the project with your awesome sketchup designs you worked with me through. Again,,,many thanks!! :wink: :wink: AJ

nice progress, nice daughter ;) no seriously, looking good this puzzle comming together. I noticed how "clean" your workenv. is on each shot. Lotsa clean-up after each session? That's great. keep'm comming!

I noticed how "clean" your workenv. is on each shot. Lotsa clean-up after each session?

Yea,,,I am a little anal about that. At the end of the day whether its only an 8 hour or a 12 hour day working, I usually take an hour and clean up the place real well. Just seems to make it easier to walk back into the next day and start working again. Other contractors and inspectors have also laughed and said "This is the cleanest construction job I have seen". :lol: :lol: Now that they are finishing the drywall, with the sanding ect, its really drivin me crazy. :lol: :lol: BUT,,,today we went out and bought Primer for on the walls and ceilings because they said they would be done this week with all the drywall. What a good feeling that was. The light at the end of the tunnel is gettin brighter. :D The wife just let me buy 3 GRACE Mic Pres to Christen (sp) the place with when its done. She is a good woman!! lol 8) :lol: I'll get some more pics up later this week. Stay safe AJ

Well Well Well... :D :D :D :D A LONGGGG Road, but my Studio is FINALLY done!!! :shock: :D I had a deadline (one of many) but for it to be completed for an Open House tonight, and had approx 150 people here for the event. Best part was, at 12 noon today, I received my Certificate of Occupancy permit in the mail :D . Talk about timing!! I passed my final inspection on Wednesday, and tonight was the big night. It went AWESOME!!! :wink: I will get pictures up hopefully this week, now that I have some time, and all I can say is, the Studio turned out wayyy better then I ever expected. :wink: I had many engineers in tonight, as well as many builders, and they all gave 110% Kudos on the project. Pretty exciting stuff!! :wink: I want to thank all of you who have helped, and guided me through the process, and especially Gulfo (Glenn) who kept me going with his Sketchups when I was ready to give up. :cry: :D Also Keith, Rod, Guitardad 72, Sandlefoot, Knightfly, Aaronw, Creature82, TomVan, Kendale, Ro,,,,and I am sure many more. You all know who you are, and again I thank you. The Codes Inspector said, and I quote, "I am not just blowin smoke up your butt, but your project was built better then 95% of the professional contractors builds I see everyday". That made my day since this was the first thing I ever built! ;) I'll get the pictures up ASAP. At around 1Pm today (and the Open House started at 7PM tonight) I was under my home built console, wiring up High Definition connectors from my Mackie D8B to the 42" LCD TV on the wall. Want to see something cool, having the digital console thrown up on the TV is a pretty neat thing. ;) lol (ok,,,little things amuse me). :lol: Anyway, just got the place emptied out from all the people from tonights event, and I am ready to go crash. Pics to come in a couple days..... Night ;) AJ

Congrats! Looking forward to the pictures... if they are but half of the promising building pics, we're in for a great surprise I guess ;-)

Andy - One thing I noticed - that might be a REAL problem: your electric wiring is PARALLEL to your audio wiring. This can (and might) cause a serious problem with 60 cycle hum or electric noise. Rod pointed this out with my build see this thread: http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewt ... 6&start=30 There's a picture called "close_up.jpg"... I know mine are closer, but Rod said something like they need to be pretty far apart to remove any chance of noise. Hope this helps - before it's too late.

Quite honestly, I am not real worried about it. We will know more within the next couple weeks. But at this point, its too late as when I said it was done, I meant the room(s) were TOTALLY done, painted, flooring, moved in to, wired up, etc etc. So too late to easily make those changes now. 8) I did however consult with a studio engineer of 32 years, who has had some experience on the building end of Studio's as well. He saw what I had done and said "I wouldnt worry a bit, all will be fine". Then he said even thought you "could" pick up interference in some parallel runs, its more rare then common. He also said he has had 220V lines running parallel (as in side by side all but touching) with 200ft audio snake runs before, among other similar situations, and never once had a problem with interference. Plus my cables are seperated by about 20+ inches. Can there be that lovely 60cycle hum??...yes there can, but I feel confident that I will be ok. If not, then I will just make the needed changes at that point. :wink: We did do some tests yesterday with the system, and had absolutely no noise/interference in the system yet. :wink: It sounded pretty amazing through the Tannoy monitors. Tomorrow I will wire in the Yamaha NS-10's and see hwo they sound. :D I'll keep you posted though as it unfolds. :wink: Thanks AJ

I think you'll be okay if you generally have 20 inches of separation. I base that on experience, but also did some digging around on the internet for backup. Didn't really find the absolute answer, but here's an interesting quote:

When planning the wiring run (always have a wiring strategy!), make sure that your not running this cable parallel to any AC power cables. If you must run parallel for some short distance, try to maximize the separation of the two cables. Remember, electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference both diminish as a function of the square of the distance separating the assemblies. The potential for induced noise is 144 times lower one foot away from an AC cable than it is one inch from that same cable!

Found that at this website.

studio911 wrote:

Quite honestly, I am not real worried about it. We will know more within the next couple weeks. But at this point, its too late as when I said it was done, I meant the room(s) were TOTALLY done, painted, flooring, moved in to, wired up, etc etc. So too late to easily make those changes now. 8) I did however consult with a studio engineer of 32 years, who has had some experience on the building end of Studio's as well. He saw what I had done and said "I wouldnt worry a bit, all will be fine". Then he said even thought you "could" pick up interference in some parallel runs, its more rare then common. He also said he has had 220V lines running parallel (as in side by side all but touching) with 200ft audio snake runs before, among other similar situations, and never once had a problem with interference. Plus my cables are seperated by about 20+ inches. Can there be that lovely 60cycle hum??...yes there can, but I feel confident that I will be ok. If not, then I will just make the needed changes at that point. :wink: We did do some tests yesterday with the system, and had absolutely no noise/interference in the system yet. :wink: It sounded pretty amazing through the Tannoy monitors. Tomorrow I will wire in the Yamaha NS-10's and see hwo they sound. :D I'll keep you posted though as it unfolds. :wink: Thanks AJ

That's good news. I'd hate to see you have any issues. So cool, let's see some more of that studio-porno - some more pix!

Ok,,,here is the scoop. I have my brother (a pro photographer) coming to take professional pictures,,,,but I know how some on here like their fix of Studio Porn to sleep better at night. So, I went out with my little Digital Camera and snapped away awhile. :lol: I am going to attempt to get these pics up in a few minutes, but here on the East Coast we are in a freeze/ice storm with high winds tonight, and already lost power about 6 times today :evil: . So,,,,hoping power stays up,,,,here we go. I'll make several posts since I took several pictures. Also keep in mind that last night was the Open House with the Studio with between 125 and 150 people here, so some things are NOT in place where they will normally be (like the VGA monitor in one of the pics is on top of the NS-10 monitor, and the fountain on the steps, and the table and chairs in the LR (Live Room) etc. So bare with some of the furniture arrangements. :shock: :lol: Also keep in mind this was the very first thing I EVER built. But I am pretty proud of it, and the codes officer(s) (2 of them) said,,,and I quote,,,"We arent just blowin smoke up your butt when we tell you this, but this build is better the 95% of the professional contractor builds we inspect!" So that felt pretty good. They said it was a "very solid" structure. ,,,,,,then that was followed up with the tax assessor lady who had a field day. I bet this is going to be expensive. LOL :lol: :lol: Ok...here are a bunch of pics. I am not adding comments as they are titled close enough that you should understand them. Any questions or comments, please ask away. Thanks again,,,and by the way...those who asked about budget,,,I started thinkign Id get it done for under 20K,,, :lol: , :lol: didnt happen,,,BUT,,,ended up only costing about 35K when it was all said and done. You do save a bundle doing it yourself and pricing everything out for the best price. :wink: AJ :wink: CONTROL ROOM PICTURES FIRST: