John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

Hi Guys,

I've recently moved into a new studio location and all is good except I get a bit of impact/foot noise from above once and a while. It's a drop/suspended grid ceiling with a gap of about 50cm and then the "real" ceiling above is concrete.

I know that mass would make the biggest difference but it's probably not really an option to do any major construction.

My question is, would it make much difference if I put a layer of rockwool/insulation or mass loaded vinyl in the cavity above the ceiling tiles? I know the insulation may also have some benefits in the bass trapping department?

I'm not looking for a huge amount of reduction as it's fairly bearable now, but I'm wondering if I can expect it to do anything at all towards making the floor noises slightly less noticeable.

Any thoughts are much appreciated.

Cheers!
Chris

Try the rockwool as it will be much cheaper than the vinyl.
cheers
john

Thanks for the reply John.

And what about ceiling tiles with a higher noise reduction rating...worth while? I know ideally I’d add some mass but I’m trying to speak out a little more reduction if possible without putting up drywall.

Thanks again!

what are the ceiling tiles made out of now??
cheers
john

They seem to made out of some kind of very compressed fiberglass. They’re about 1cm thick and very very rigid...they would break if bent...not like 703 board.

Yes, fibreboard. I'd try laying your rockwool over the top of them and see what happens.
cheers
john

Yes, thanks I think it's a good cheap/easy way to start and then see.

Do you think it's better to have rigid boards like 703 or a little looser but perhaps thicker stuff? I suppose the more dense is better?

Thanks for the input I really appreciate it!

Chris

Lower density insulation typically works better for low frequencies (those are the ones we try our best to dampen).

Fibreglass in kg/m^3
High Freq = around 40 (others say 60-80)
Mid Freq = around 35
Low Freq = 20-25

Mineral Wool in kg/m^3
High Freq = around 65 (others say 90-120)
Mid Freq = around 55
Low Freq = around 30 (others say 40-45)

As an example
OC705 is 90 and OC703 is 45
Rockwool Comfortboard 80 is 128

In general
Lighter is better for bass (light fluffy fiberglass insulation)
Heavier is better for higher frequencies (heavy mineral wool)

Greg

Great thanks for the insight. I appreciate it!