John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

Soundman2020 wrote:

I was about to make the 3 holes for the lights when, I STOPPED and thought.... Let's ask Stuart!

Very smart move! Anything you are unsure about, you should always ask. As one of my teachers used to say, way back when... "The only dumb question, is the one you DON'T ask!".

So, in order to have to 3 downlights i would have to make 3 pretty big holes into the plywood...
Is that ok?

We are talking about the hard-back for your cloud, right? The piece of plywood or MDF or OSB that goes on the top side of the cloud framing? If that's it, then no problem: you can cut holes in that. It's mainly there to deal with two things: mid-range reflections, and low frequency modal issues. That's why it is so big, because it is dealing with long wavelengths, many feet long. The size of the hole that you'd cut for a typical light fitting, is just a couple if inches across. It will have a negligible effect on the purpose of the cloud. You should never cut holes in your walls or ceiling, of course! Nor in any treatment surface that relies on resonance or sealed cavities. But it is OK to cut holes in your cloud.

If you are going to use a light fitting that gets hot, make sure that you leave plenty of space around it on top: don't put insulation right next to it, not anything else. Leave a gap of a few inches, for safety. Also make sure that all of your wiring is sized correctly to carry the current, and that all your connections are tight and safe. Get an electrician to check it before you turn the power on!


- Stuart -

My one question now is: what tipe of hardware should i install on the plywood ? some kind of hook ?

Soundman2020 wrote:

My one question now is: what tipe of hardware should i install on the plywood ? some kind of hook ?

Yes-but-no! Keep it all steel, definitely, and use chains, definitely, but nothing "open", such as a hook, which could come loose and dump the whole thing on your head! Use only hardware that can be closed, such as hooks that have a spring-loaded, or sliding, or threaded closure on them, that creates a solid closed circle after it is attached. Also, each attachment should be rated for at least ten times the weight it will carry. So for example, of your cloud weighs 120 pounds, and you have six chains on it, then each chain will be carrying 20 pounds, so each one should be rated to carry at least 200 pounds. Every piece of hardware on each chain should be rated for 200 pounds, minimum. That's the general rule for rigging, stagecraft, gaffers, etc. But there's more to it than that. Look into the best practices for stage rigging, theater rigging, TV studio rigging, etc. and follow those. Hanging heavy stuff above your head needs careful consideration, and careful planning for safety, ... if you value your head!


- Stuart -