John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

I currently have a small recording studio in my home in North Carolina. I plan on doing professional recordings and want to know is it possible to build a soundproof, acoustically pleasing studio in my basement. When I am down stairs in the studio I can still hear my family upstairs. Now when I record I have them to leave as to not have any noise in the studio. I want to know can I make the basement studio work and isolate the noise so it is not transmit in the studio or should I investigate a new building?

Thanks,
Bill

I plan on doing professional recordings and want to know is it possible to build a soundproof, acoustically pleasing studio in my basement.

That depends on lots of things. Existing construction, budget, and willingness to do what it takes if existing conditions do not make it IMpossible. At least as far as "soundproofing" is concerned. First, I would suggest posting some pictures, a plan of what you want, and tell people here everything you can about the space. You might want to post your thread in the design or construction forum though. Also, you need to read the "before you post ANYTHING" sticky.
fitZ

Hi Bill. Welcome.

is it possible to build a soundproof, acoustically pleasing studio in my basement.

Short answer? Yes it is possible. Complete answer? That depends on numerous factors such as those Fitz pointed out, and also the dimensions of the room, what you intend to do in there, how loud you intend to be, how quiet you need to be, etc.

It can be done. Numerous people here have already done it, or are in the process of doing it. If you do all the research you need to do, learn all you need to learn, then you can figure out the right questions and answers to decide if it is possible in YOUR case.

I'd suggest you start your research right here on the forum, and start by reading the stickies at the head of the forum (especially the one Fitz mentioned).

- Stuart -

billcsec wrote: When I am down stairs in the studio I can still hear my family upstairs. Now when I record I have them to leave as to not have any noise in the studio. I want to know can I make the basement studio work and isolate the noise so it is not transmit in the studio or should I investigate a new building?

Thanks,
Bill

I think you should get your family somewhere else to live. That should solve the whole issue.

is it possible to build a soundproof, acoustically pleasing studio in my basement

if Soundproof mean to you that no sound can get out of the room, then no.

acoustically pleasing probably yes

Anyway in both case you will need to consider a lot of space lost to walls structures, traps ect.
So if you want to end up having a room h10'XW13'XL15,5' you'll need a space bigger than that.