New Studio - Isolation Advice

Hi Guys, While we are waiting on acoustics data for a post in the design forum, I thought I would ask a question regarding isolation of interior walls in our proposed studio design. Here is link to the design phase. http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9833 Please note. These are approximate measurements as we are yet to build the room, and if possible we would like to make it a little wider To save money, I think we should use drywall for the interior walls rather than Sipcrete. Although we need to conserve as much space as possible, so maybe this isn’t such a great idea…? My question, therefore, is whether drywall will give us enough isolation? I have seen the examples at: http://www.saecollege.de/reference_mate ... 0Chart.htm However, I am still unclear, and would like some advice Thanks in advance!

Alex, Drywall is generally the cheapest mass you can buy - and therefor the best material you can use. I would not worry about loosing 15mm here - 15 mm there - it doesn't add up to a hill of beans when everything is said and done. Stick with double wall construction - a minimum of 2 layers of 15mm drywall each face (you don't gain anything of real value by mixing 12mm & 15mm thicknesses) and you will probably be fine, dependant on what you really need for isolation. That's something you have to decide on now........ Rod

Hi Rod, Thanks for the reply. My main concern is over-spill from the drum booth, and soundproofing the Vocal booth as much as possible, because it’s next to the entrance. For the Drum Booth, do we need an air gap between the double walls? I’m pretty sure the Control room isn’t going to make too much noise with the speakers, but would a loud cough or a real belly laugh get through…? Think as the designs getting closer to completion, I just really want to make sure we haven’t over looked anything that could be detrimental to the recording, or ruin that perfect take Cheers

AlexHoward wrote:

My main concern is over-spill from the drum booth, and soundproofing the Vocal booth as much as possible, because it’s next to the entrance. For the Drum Booth, do we need an air gap between the double walls?

Absolutely

I’m pretty sure the Control room isn’t going to make too much noise with the speakers, but would a loud cough or a real belly laugh get through…?

Now that is one bad assumption - a real bad one - I would be seriously concerned with the speakers if you plan on tracking live - with even an 86dB level in that space and single walls - IMHO isolation of the control room to the tracking spaces is critical........ I don't need my mics re-recording bleed-through that is making it from my control room back out to my tracking room.

Think as the designs getting closer to completion, I just really want to make sure we haven’t over looked anything that could be detrimental to the recording, or ruin that perfect take

I would say that the single biggest issue I pick up on when providing inspection services for clients is the vast number of areas that end up with something bridging from one space to another that essentially leave a series of acoustic "short circuits" creating flanking paths for sound - and the fixing of those errors are generally not that difficult. (which is to suggest that they never had to happen in the first place if someone had just been paying attention to detail). Sincerely, Rod

Alex - If you've ever been to a Takamine evening at Acadamy of Sound/Sound Control (Norwich) over the last five years, I'll have been the guy doing the playing. - That aside, as a fellow UK'er, I've been up here officially for nearly a year, (many months browsing prior to that), the design you're going for from Glenn is typically 'the nuts', and the advise you're getting from Rod is (as always) top-dollar! Trust me, if you listen to these guys and continue reading/researching for yourself, you'll end up with a total result, they sooooooooooo know their stuff. From what I have learned from experience and here, IMHO, your control room will average out as your loudest room - (especially when your clients are asking you to turn it up!) Warm regards Dude, and best of luck with the build. Lou. 8)

Hi Guys, Thanks for the feedback. (Rod & Lou) I feel like and idiot :oops: . The last comment about the control room was blatantly incorrect. Think I must have had my stupid head on; I’ll try to keep that off in the build. :wink: Think my brain was more concerned with the drum booth isolation. But now in the right frame of mind, know that each room’s isolation is equally important To Lou – hello! Didn’t realise you frequent Norwich. I’ve been watching you build diary, very impressive. Congratulation and best of luck with the project, although from the looks of things it’s in good hands Hopefully we will get a chance to pop down to the next one and introduce ourselves, if that’s ok? As a musician, and sound technician I realise I still have a lot to learn regarding a studio build, but this site is gradually filling me up with answers and ideas. What we really need is good isolation without sacrificing too much space. How wide would you suggest an air gap to be between the drywall? Know there’s lots to ask, but one step at a time. Thanks for all This Alex