FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

I’ve been guilty of this myself, and I see clients fall into the same trap. Trying to design and build your studio simultaneously is a recipe for chaos. There’s a proper order to the process, but many of you might be putting the proverbial cart before the horse. Let’s break it down so you can avoid the most common pitfalls.

1) The Eager Beaver

The eager beaver can’t wait to start swinging a hammer or firing a nail gun. They’ve watched a few YouTube videos, maybe skimmed Home Recording Studio: Build It Like the Pros by Rod Gervais, and now they’re itching to “do something—anything!”

But here’s the problem: eager beavers often skip critical steps, leading to costly mistakes. Maybe they miss an essential design detail or cut corners to save time, only to end up wasting $10,000 or more on rework.

Take your time. A professional-grade home recording studio (the kind you deserve) requires careful planning. Resist the urge to jump in without a well-thought-out plan. The payoff? A studio that far exceeds what you could have built as an eager beaver.

2) The Budget Piecemeal Approach

Starting your studio project without enough money saved is a fast track to frustration. You buy a few materials, run out of cash, pause to earn more, and then repeat the cycle. This chaotic approach slows progress, creates inefficiencies, and adds unnecessary stress.

Instead, save up the full amount before you start. Whether you’re hiring professionals or tackling the project DIY, have enough to cover materials, labor, and unforeseen expenses. Stick to your budget, and don’t let scope creep turn your dream studio into a never-ending build. A clear plan and cash in the bank will save you time, money, and headaches.

3) The Chaos Drug

Let’s be honest: some people thrive on chaos. If you find yourself chasing the adrenaline rush of figuring things out as you go, take a step back.

Chaos is addictive, but it has no place in a studio build. Building a recording studio demands precision, planning, and patience—not the "messy artist" mindset. This project isn’t just about creativity; it’s about execution, and there’s too much at stake (financially and emotionally) to let chaos take the wheel.

4) Systems = Success

The key to a successful studio build lies in your systems. Here’s the roadmap to get it right:

1. Brainstorm Your Dream Studio
   Dream big! Create a vision board, save Pinterest ideas, and build a playlist of inspirational studios. This is the fun part—enjoy it.

2. Define Your Budget
   Find your maximum spending threshold. Ask yourself, “Would I spend $20k? $50k? $100k?” When you hit your limit, you’ve found your budget. Use this number as your guide before starting the design process.

3. Design in CAD
   Tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Revit can help you visualize your studio. You’ll see how the space will come together, anticipate challenges, and plan for details like beams, HVAC, and electrical. Not a DIYer? Hire a studio designer to handle this step for you.

4. Create Full Construction Plans
   Whether you’re DIYing or hiring a contractor, detailed construction plans are essential. They prevent miscommunication and ensure the design matches your vision.

5. Bid the Project
   With your design finalized, gather quotes. Break down costs for materials and labor. If it’s over budget, revise the design before starting construction. This step ensures you’re not halfway through and $20k short.

6. Build with Confidence
   With a solid plan and budget, you can start building with peace of mind. Monitor progress carefully—recording studios require more precision than typical home projects.

Conclusion

Avoid the eager beaver mindset, the piecemeal approach, and the chaos drug. Instead, follow a systematic process to design and build your dream studio.

Ready to take the next step? You have two options:

1. Dive deeper into the DIY process with my Soundproofing Workshop.
2. Save time and money by hiring help. Apply for a Soundproof Clarity Call to see if we’re a good fit for designing your dream studio together.

Book a Call

Let’s make your dream studio a reality!

 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

This week I am showing you the final video for a home recording studio I designed here in Nashville. This is one of my favorite studio designs to date and I am so excited to share the final results with you!

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop 

Introduction

In today’s home recording studio world, high-quality audio transmission over Cat5/Cat6 has become a game changer. From real-time audio processing to networked systems that allow for future scalability, audio over IP (AoIP) solutions offer a flexible, affordable way to streamline your workflow. In this guide, we’ll explore the best systems for home studios, what hardware and software you’ll need, and a price breakdown for each option.

***I am using affiliate links below***

  1. Dante by Audinate

Why It’s Great for Home Studios:

• Scalability: Easily expand your setup as your studio grows.
• Compatibility: Works with popular audio brands like Focusrite, PreSonus, and Yamaha.
• Low Latency: Perfect for real-time recording and monitoring.
• Software Flexibility: Dante Virtual Soundcard runs on your computer without extra hardware.

Hardware Needed:

• Dante-Enabled Audio Interfaces: Focusrite RedNet X2P ($1,300) or Yamaha Tio1608 ($1,550).
• Dante Switch: Netgear ProSAFE GS724T ($300).
• Optional Dante PCIe Card: Audinate Dante PCIe-R ($750).

Software Needed:

• Dante Virtual Soundcard: ($50).
• Dante Controller: Free software for managing your Dante network.

Estimated Price: $1,680 - $3,000 for a basic setup.

Best For: Small to large home studios that require real-time recording and monitoring with the ability to expand over time.

  2. AVB (Audio Video Bridging)

Why It’s Great for Home Studios:

• Cost-Effective: Affordable and reliable for home studio budgets.
• Synchronization: Ensures perfect sync between audio and video.
• Simple Setup: Works with AVB-compliant switches for easy network creation.

Hardware Needed:

• AVB Interfaces: MOTU 828es ($995) PreSonus StudioLive 32R ($1,700).
• AVB-Compliant Switch: Extreme Networks X440-G2 (~$750).

Software Needed:

• PreSonus UC Surface (free) for StudioLive or MOTU AVB Control (free).

 Estimated Price: $1,745 - $2,450 for a basic setup.

Best For: Small to medium-sized home studio setups that are budget-conscious but need reliable audio performance.

  3. SoundGrid by Waves

Why It’s Great for Home Studios:

• Real-Time Processing: Great for integrating Waves plugins into live recording and mixing.
• High Channel Count: Supports multiple devices and high channel counts for large setups.
• Waves Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Waves plugins.

Hardware Needed:

• SoundGrid Audio Interface: DiGiGrid MGB ($3,000) or any Soundgrid Compatible Interface ($1,050+)
• Optional: Waves SoundGrid Proton Server ($849)  
• Switch: Netgear ProSAFE GS716T ($230).

Software Needed:

• SoundGrid Studio: Free with SoundGrid hardware.
• Optional Plugins: Waves Plugin Bundles (~$200 - $600 depending on the bundle).

Estimated Price: $1,280 - $4,079+ for a basic setup, depending on the hardware and plugins used.

Best For: Home studios that already use Waves plugins and need real-time processing for recording and mixing.

For home studio setups using Waves SoundGrid, a DiGiGrid MGB or another SoundGrid-compatible interface is essential to convert your audio into the network. However, the Waves Proton Server is optional. While not required for the system to function, it provides the power needed for real-time Waves plugin processing, making it a great addition for those working in live sound or heavy plugin environments.

  4. Q-SYS by QSC (AES67 Support)

Why It’s Great for Home Studios:

• All-in-One Solution: Integrates audio, video, and control into one system.
• Highly Customizable: Perfect for flexible home studio setups that may expand into video or streaming.
• AES67 Support: Provides compatibility with other AoIP systems like Dante.

Hardware Needed:

• Q-SYS Core 110f (~$2,300): Integrates audio, video, and control in one system.
• DB25 to Phoenix Connector Cable ($100-200) - Allows you to patch from your audio interface into the Core 110f and convert that audio to ethernet. 

Software Needed:

• Q-SYS Designer Software: Free with the Q-SYS system.

Estimated Price: $3,000 - $4,000 for a basic setup.

Best For: Advanced home studios or content creators who want to integrate audio, video, and control into a single networked solution.

  Conclusion

When deciding which system to use in your home recording studio, it's important to consider both your current needs and future scalability.

• Best All-Around Choice: Dante is the most flexible and future-proof option, perfect for growing studios.
• Best Budget Option: AVB offers a reliable, cost-effective solution for small to mid-sized studios.
• Best for Real-Time Processing: SoundGrid is ideal if you need real-time plugin processing with high channel counts.
• Best for Advanced Needs: Q-SYS is a powerful, all-in-one system for studios incorporating both audio and video production.

No matter your choice, investing in audio over Cat5/Cat6 systems will ensure that your home recording studio is equipped for today’s demands while staying flexible for future expansions.

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Owens Corning: https://www.buyinsulationproductstore.com/owens-corning-703-fiberglass-acoustic-board-2-3/

Iso-Pads: https://www.soundaway.com/IsoTrack-stud-isolator-250pk-p/16203.htm

 0:00- Intro

0:41- Why You Shouldn't Float A Floor

1:59 - Iso Pads 2:42 - Fiber Glass

3:26 - Perimeter Board

3:56 - Two Layers Of Plywood

4:20 - Caulk Around Perimeter

4:39 - Add Finished Flooring

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/ 

FREE Soundproofing Budget Calculator: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/calculator

 

Today I want to give you 10 reasons you may not be ready to jump into building your dream soundproof home recording studio. This article is meant to give you pause and address some things you may not have thought of with the goal of saving you time and money. 

 

10) You Don't Own The Property

If you don't own your house or apartment then do not plan on building a soundproof studio. Soundproofing requires a lot of construction and cost and you want to put that into a house you own. 

9) You Don't Know The Difference Between Soundproofing And Acoustic Treatment

Soundproofing is the method of construction that decreases the amount of sound that comes through floors, walls, ceilings, windows and doors. Acoustic treatment are figerglass panels that you hang on your walls to reduce acoustic reflections in your room thus making it sound better. You want to get these terms straight before jumping into a studio build. 

8) You Don't Have A Budget

Before you take on a project of this size you need to have a rock solid idea of how much it is going to cost. Otherwise, you will end up owing more money than you have and never finish the project. Make sure you have a budget in place and have agreed upon that budget with your contractor. 

Don't have a budget: Use our FREE Soundproofing Budget Calculator to make one. 

7) You Have Researched Endlessly But Are Still Unsure

If you keep on researching, watching youtube videos, reading blogs, reading books and still don't feel rock solid on your plan than you are not ready to build your soundproof studio. You want to be certain what you are going to build will in fact be soundproof. 

6) You Only Want To Build One Soundproof Wall

It is logical to think that the wall with all the noise on the other side of it is the one you need to soundproof. This is logical, but not correct. A soundproof room is an all or nothing endeavor. It is lie a fishbowl. One small leak and the whole bowl will drain. If you have one small whole in your soundproof room the whole room will be compromised. 

5) You Don't Have A Team To Help You

You cannot build a full soundproof studio alone. At the very least you will need some construction help even if you are doing it yourself. You must have a great contractor, electrician, and HVAC specialist. If you have not gotten your team together then you are not ready to soundproof your studio. 

4) You Don't Have A Plan For Acoustically Treating Your Room 

If you build a soundproof studio, but do not acoustically treat it then you will just have a really isolated echo chamber. To finish your studio correctly you must know what panels to use and where to place them. If you don't know how to acoustically treat your room then you are not ready to soundproof. 

3) You Don't Want To Install Ventilation

If you don't think you need fresh air in your new airtight soundproof studio then think again. We exhale C02 and a buildup of C02 can cause headaches and fatigue. You don't want stale air in your new studio. If you don't have a plan for ventilating your studio then put on the breaks on your build. 

2) You Are Overwhelmed With Decision Fatigue

If you are exhausted from endless research and still can't decide on how to build your studio then you need some outside help. It is time to look for a resource that will guide you step by step towards building your soundproof studio. 

1) You Want To Cut Corners To Save Time and Money

It is tempting, but soundproofing is an all or nothing endeavor. You must commit to doing it right or else all of your hard work and money will be wasted and you will not get the results you desire. 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

It is important to note that masonry walls will transmit impulse noise through their structure more easily than gypsum board so isolating the wall from outside sources or other parts of your structure is important.

Adding mortar or compacted sand inside concrete blocks will increase isolation. Creating a double wall system with glass fiber in the air gap will also increase isolation.

Summary Of STC Walls

In the chart below from Master Handbook Of Acoustics by F. Alton Everest and Ken C. Pohlman, we can see that the best isolation is from double concrete block walls spaced 6" apart. This system will work really well, but uses a ton of square footage in your studio. A double wall with drywall and wood framing can achieve an STC of 63, so single masonry walls for studios are not as good as a double wall system. However, single masonry walls are much better than single drywall and wood framing. A single wall in a typical home only has an STC of 36.

Comparing Concrete Walls

If we look at another diagram from the Master Handbook of Acoustics we find that a single 12" concrete wall has an STC of 51 and two concrete walls spaced 6" apart has an STC of 59. The double wall system is clearly better than a single concrete wall. Remember adding insulation in the air gap will increase the STC as would adding more mass to the outsides of both or either wall. Also remember that although the STC is not comparable to our wood framed double wall the low frequency transmission loss is going to be greater in a concrete wall than a wood framed wall.

If we look at a third diagram from the Master Handbook of Acoustics we can see how different brick wall designs perform. Notice that a single brick wall is not ideal. Adding wood, furring channels or gypsum board to a brick wall will increase transmission loss. The two brick walls with glass fiber in the middle will give the best transmission loss across the frequency spectrum.

Using Masonry Walls and Wood Framing Together

I believe the best option when soundproofing is to use a masonry wall as your outside wall to the world or the rest of your house and then frame an inside wall with at least a 1" airgap using wood framing and two layers of drywall with green glue in the middle. This will give you an STC in the 65 or higher range and will also increase your low frequency isolation. I also believe this system will save you in materials cost and floor space in your studio design.

 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/ 

I have had many of my soundproofing students ask me where to use acoustic caulk. This is one of those important but often glanced over parts of soundproofing. In this article I will teach you exactly where to use acoustic caulk for your soundproof studio.

1) Where The Walls Meet The Floor

Anywhere the drywall meets the floor you need to run a bead of acoustic caulk along that seem. You can also leave an 1/8" gap between the drywall layers and the floor and push in backer rod into the gap and then fill it with acoustic caulk. This will give you just a bit more isolation from the floor and the wall.

2) Where your walls meet in the corners of your room

Anywhere you have two layers of drywall meeting in a corner you need to place acoustic caulk along that seem. If you want a bit more isolation with your walls you can leave an 1/8" air gap between your first layer of drywall and put in backer rod and acoustic caulk. Then you can do the same thing with the second layer, adding backer rod and acoustic caulk. This will help isolate your walls from each other.

3) Where The Walls and Ceiling Meet

Anywhere your walls meet your ceiling you will need to place a bead of acoustic caulk along that seam. Again, to add isolation you can leave an 1/8" air gap and place some backer rod and acoustic caulk in between both layers of drywall.

4) Anywhere there are small holes or cracks

Construction is not perfect, but your room needs to be airtight. To accomplish this we need to use acoustic caulk around all electrical boxes for lights or light switches or plugs. Use acoustic caulk where the drywall and boxes meet. You can use it around small holes like we did when running an ethernet cable through the wall. Use your best common sense when it comes to ceiling up any holes in your room.

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

 You can build a door from scratch and fill it with sand to create a soundproof door. In this article we will go over how to build your door.      

Materials 

3-5 bags of dry sand  

Lots of Wood Glue  

2 Sheets of 1/4" or 3/8" Plywood   

2 Sheets of plywood hardwood veneer  

3-5 seven foot 2x4 studs     

How To Build The Door 

1) Start by cutting all of your 2x4's lengthwise so the boards are now 2x2's or really 1.5" x 1.75" nominally.   

2) Cut 1 piece of plywood so that it fits the size of your doorway minus 1/8" or 3mm on all four sides.   3) Attach the 2x2's to your plywood building a frame for the door. Use cross braces at the top and bottom and in the middle to keep the door square.  

 3) Measure 36" from the bottom and create 3 pieces of 2x2's for your lockset. These are the three middle studs you see in the picture above.  

4) Next pour the sand into your door where the spaces are.   

5) Glue and staple the top piece of plywood over the sand filled door.   

6) Finally glue the hardwood veneer to both the front and back of your door.   This door will be very heavy so make sure to use multiple people to lift it and use at least 4-6 hinges when hanging it.  https://jhbrandt.net/ 

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

 0:00 - Intro

1:15 - What Materials You Need

 2:24 - How To Build The Door

 5:48 - Conclusion

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/ 

A soundproof door needs to be really heavy to stop sound, but how heavy is heavy enough? Today we will answer that question.

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - www.soundproofyourstudio.com

Learn the ins and outs of how to build a soundproof window. 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/ 

FREE Soundproofing Budget Calculator: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/calculator

Is it worth it to spend all that time and money soundproofing your studio? In this video we go over three pros and three cons to soundproofing.

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

 0:00 - Intro

1:07 - Easier and Faster Work

1:34 - Clients Take You More Seriously

2:17 - Play Loud Music Whenever You Want

3:04 - You Don't Have The Budget

4:22 - Don't Cut Corners

5:00 - Live In A Noisy Area

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

FREE Soundproofing Budget Calculator: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/calculator

These are some key things you should decide before soundproofing. Learn what to think about to decide it it is better to soundproof or move.

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

0:00 - Intro

1:10 - The Cost Of Soundproofing

5:04 - The Time It Takes To Soundproof

7:19 - Will You Get Your Desired Results

 

Join the free soundproofing workshop - www.soundproofyourstudio.com

 

Learn the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment. 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

Since building my home recording studio, I’ve learned a lot—especially about what really matters in the long run. One thing I often see first-time studio builders overlook is focusing solely on soundproofing and acoustics, while missing the bigger picture: how you’ll use the room and how to set up your audio lines for the best workflow.

The truth is, you’ll eventually care more about how efficiently your studio runs and how comfortable it feels than about perfect acoustics or obsessing over specific soundproofing materials.

Yes, soundproofing and acoustics are important. But the point of this article is to encourage you to think bigger and design like a pro. Consider how you want to use your studio and what audio setup best supports your needs.

 

1. Clearly Establish Your Main Goals

 

A single room can’t be perfect for everything. If your primary goal is mixing, your design approach will be vastly different from someone using their room for band rehearsals. Sure, your room can have multiple purposes, but it should be optimized for what you’ll use it for 80% of the time.

With this focus, everything else—soundproofing, acoustics, lighting, audio wall boxes, cable runs, electrical, and HVAC—will fall into place more easily. Trying to build a room for mixing, rehearsing, live recording, and Dolby Atmos all at once is overcomplicating things.

If you’re lucky enough to build multiple rooms, you can dive into the more complex world of designing spaces for specific purposes, much like traditional studios where the live room and control room serve very different functions.

 

2. Think Through Your Cable Runs

 

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in designing soundproof walls that you overlook how you’ll actually wire your studio. From my experience, there are three main ways to manage your cabling:

 

A) Using a Snake or Individual XLR Cables

This is often the simplest and most cost-effective solution. Running a snake or individual XLR cables to the back of your room lets you easily connect instruments like drums and guitars to your interface by your desk.

While this is my current setup, it does have drawbacks—namely, the constant challenge of tripping over cables. Careful cable management is required to keep things organized, but the upside is easy access for repairs and re-routing.

 

B) Snake in the Wall with Custom Wall Boxes

If you want a cleaner, more professional look or are working with multiple rooms, consider running a snake through the walls to a custom wall plate. Companies like Redco make it easy to connect your XLR cables directly into the wall near your instruments, making for a clean and efficient setup.

This approach is more complex and expensive but ideal for higher-end studios or anyone prioritizing a polished aesthetic. You can even add a patch bay to easily route different audio signals to your interface—a great option if you want to reconfigure your channels depending on the session.

For more advanced setups, check out Redco or ProAudioLA, and take a look at SoundTools’ audio-over-Cat5 system for an innovative option.

 

C) Ethernet System with Specialty Interfaces

The most advanced and versatile option is to run audio over ethernet using shielded cables and specialty interfaces. This system allows for flexibility, especially in larger homes or studios with multiple rooms.

For instance, I’m working with a client who will run ethernet from his studio to different rooms in his house, allowing him to record from any room while controlling everything from his main mixing desk in the garage. It’s a powerful, but highly technical, solution.

  Popular Ethernet-Based Audio Systems:

1. Dante by Audinate – Scalable and compatible with major audio brands like Focusrite and PreSonus, Dante is perfect for growing home studios.
2. AVB (Audio Video Bridging) – An affordable and straightforward option, especially with MOTU and PreSonus gear.
3. SoundGrid by Waves – Designed for real-time processing with plugins, great for studios already using Waves.
4. AES67 – Ideal for studios with equipment from different manufacturers, providing universal interoperability.
5. Q-SYS by QSC – More than just audio, Q-SYS integrates control and video for advanced studio setups.

  Conclusion: Think Holistically

 

The most important takeaway here is to think holistically about your studio design. Don’t leave critical infrastructure like audio cabling until the last minute—it should be integrated with your electrical system from the start. Plus, you’ll need to consider electromagnetic interference (EMI) between audio and electrical lines.

I recommend beginning your research on audio networks alongside your soundproofing and acoustic plans. This way, you’ll end up with a home recording studio that truly meets your needs.

 

 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Learn how we made a soundproof beam in my home recording studio.

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

 

0:00 - Intro

1:04 - Overall Design

1:34 - IB-3 Clips and attaching the beam

2:10 - Adding wood spacers for side wall attachment

2:55 - Scribing side of beam 

3:30 - Adding Green Glue 

3:51 - Conclusion

 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

When soundproofing there are a few companies selling specialty drywall to help with acoustic sound isolation. One of those products is Soundbreak XP sold by National Gypsum. In this podcast we are going to look at what Soundbreak is, how is compares to regular drywall in terms of its acoustical properties and the cost compared to regular drywall. 

Green Glue:https://www.greengluecompany.com/

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

0:00 - Intro

1:26 - What Is Soundbreak?

3:44 - Comparing STC Levels

6:35 - Cost Comparison

9:39 - Conclusion

Download The Studio Budget Calculator - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/calculator

Do you need to soundproof, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars? Then this video is for you. Learn some key techniques to reduce sound coming in and out of your room while spending way less than it would take to normally soundproof a room.

Indow Window Inserts: https://indowwindows.com/

Acoustical Solutions Door Kit: https://www.asistorefront.com/p-221-soundproof-door-kit-standard.aspx

Solid Core Door: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Steves-Sons-36-in-x-80-in-Composite-Unfinished-Flush-Interior-Door-Slab-Q68FHFCNAC99/100086151

Frost King: https://www.homedepot.com/s/frost+king%20weather%20stripping?NCNI-5

Door Bottom: https://www.trudoor.com/zero/361aa-heavy-duty-surface-mounted-automatic-door-bottom/

Magnetic Weather Stripping: 

Metal Flashing:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-1-2-in-x-96-in-Aluminum-Angle-with-1-16-in-Thick-802597/204273989

Wood Trim:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Alexandria-Moulding-WM-268-1-4-in-x-1-1-8-in-x-96-in-Wood-Primed-Finger-Jointed-Lattice-Moulding-0W268-93096C/205958688

Plexiglass:https://www.professionalplastics.com/PLEXIGLASS-ACRYLICSHEET-EXTRUDED

Baby Bumpers:https://www.amazon.com/Roving-Cove-Proofing-Heavy-Duty-Adhesive/dp/B086Z58J5R/ref=asc_df_B086Z58J5R/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459531303283&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17298253208844806266&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013188&hvtargid=pla-997082642047&psc=1

0:00 - Intro

1:54 - How To Soundproof Your Door

5:47 - Total Cost of Soundproof Door

6:16 - Soundproofing Your Windows

9:21 - Total Cost of Windows

9:40 - Two Other Options

11:11 - Disclaimer

 

 

FREE Home Studio Acoustic Guide - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/acoustic 

Understand the basics of room acoustics explained in easy to understand language. It doesn't need to be complicated and you can get great results in your home studio. Learn how to make your room sound better.

 

How To Build Your Own Acoustic Panels - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqoRYnYlqE&t=1s&ab_channel=SoundproofYourStudio

**Affiliate Links** Sonarworks - https://www.sonarworks.com/soundid-reference/overview?oid=2&affid=254&sub1=affiliate&utm_medium=affiliate 

Home Recording Studio Build It Like The Pros - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

 0:00 - Intro

1:16 - The Basics Of Room Acoustics

4:08 - Room Acoustic Solutions

7:38 - Conclusion

FREE Soundproofing Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Learn how to soundproof a ceiling using my easy to follow formula. Get results and learn from the pros.

IB-1 Clips: https://shop.soundproofingcompany.com/products/ib-1-soundproofing-clip?variant=33155367960711

Green Glue:https://www.greengluecompany.com/

Acoustic Caulk: https://acousticalsolutions.com/product/green-glue-noiseproofing-acoustical-sealant/?attribute_pa_sold-by=the-case&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping_-_Main_-_Google&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oe0dT0cQdAAjUnV-DUQk-ZSG2ZxuJV0IhH-Y_3UCw2_tKcM59gdqGlRoCZBkQAvD_BwE

***Affiliate Link**** Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

0:00 - Intro

1:05 - Overview

5:09 - Adding Mass To Your Ceiling

6:58 - Installing The Hat Channel System

 

 

 

Download Our Free Acoustic Treatment Guide 

We all have done this. You go out to your car after finishing a great mix and turn on the mix in your car only to find in horror that it doesn't sound anything like what you mixed in your studio. The reason? Bad room acoustics. 

Now there are two solutions to this. One acoustically treat your studio to reduce audio problems in your room. Two, use a room correction software on your speakers to flatten the response curve you hear from your speakers. Let's take a closer look at the second option. 

Buy Sonarworks

FREE Soundproofing Course/Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Soundproof Your Studio Blog - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog

Many soundproofing construction products are not used in regular home construction. In this video I go over the main unique products we used when building my home recording studio.

Acoustic Putty Pads: https://www.tmsoundproofing.com/Acoustical-Putty-Pads.html

IB-3 Clips: https://shop.soundproofingcompany.com/products/ib-3-decoupling-bracket?variant=33155431891079

IB-1 Clips: https://shop.soundproofingcompany.com/products/ib-1-soundproofing-clip?variant=33155367960711

Green Glue:https://www.greengluecompany.com/

Acoustic Caulk: https://acousticalsolutions.com/product/green-glue-noiseproofing-acoustical-sealant/?attribute_pa_sold-by=the-case&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping_-_Main_-_Google&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oe0dT0cQdAAjUnV-DUQk-ZSG2ZxuJV0IhH-Y_3UCw2_tKcM59gdqGlRoCZBkQAvD_BwE

Weather Stripping: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-3-4-in-x-1-2-in-10-ft-Grey-Vinyl-Foam-Weather-Seal-Self-Stick-Tape-V734H/301319342?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D25H-025_004_BUILDER_HARD-NA-Multi-NA-SMART-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-PRO-NA-BuildersHardware_Smart_Q3_Control&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D25H-025_004_BUILDER_HARD-NA-Multi-NA-SMART-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-PRO-NA-BuildersHardware_Smart_Q3_Control-71700000081230576-58700006913855557-92700064312898263&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7GYBhB7EiwA0d8oe3LTvGP5-2UVNTeVNhl8Kal_4iXChSMsN_7KW_wajZ04WDe6gQHGIhoC69AQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Magnetic Weather Stripping: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Weather-Stripping-Doors-White/dp/B07MGHTZTH

Zero Industries Door Seals: https://www.trudoor.com/zero/870aa-adjustable-perimeter-gasketing-acoustic-door-seal-set/

Door Bottom Seal: https://www.americanbuildersoutlet.com/zero-367-automatic-door-bottom-heavy-duty-acoustic-sound-reduction.html

0:00 - Intro

0:50 - Acoustic Putty Pads

1:36 - IB-3 Clips

2:10 - IB-1 Clips and Hat Channels

3:01 - 5/8" Drywall

3:31 - Green Glue

4:17 - Acoustic Caulk

5:26 - Tempered Glass

5:53 - Solid Core Doors

6:29 - Weather Stripping

FREE Home Studio Acoustic Guide - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/acoustic

Learn how to treat low frequencies in your home recording studio. I go over the basics of setting up bass traps and more advanced techniques of using tuned bass traps to improve specific frequency absorption.

How To Build Your Own Acoustic Panels - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqoRYnYlqE&t=1s&ab_channel=SoundproofYourStudio

GIK Acoustics - https://gikacoustics.com/product-category/bass-traps/

Room EQ Wizard - https://www.roomeqwizard.com/

**Affiliate Links** Sonarworks - https://www.sonarworks.com/soundid-reference/overview?oid=2&affid=254&sub1=affiliate&utm_medium=affiliate

Home Recording Studio Build It Like The Pros - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

 

0:00 - Intro

1:11 - The Two Types of Bass Traps

2:24 - Broadband Bass Traps

4:00 - Room Testing Software

6:04 - Pressure Based Absorption

7:23 - Hemholtz Resonator

8:31 - Slat Absorber

9:31 - Should I Build Or Buy My Own?

11:05 - Conclusion

 

FREE Soundproofing Course/Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Soundproof Your Studio Blog - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog

Learn which door design offers the most soundproofing for your home recording studio. We go over three door designs and then go more in depth on which one I believe will give you the best results.   

How To Build A Soundproof Door: https://youtu.be/bbzO_bRLmc8 

Three Door Design Options: https://youtu.be/-yzsP03JJe8

***Affiliate Links****

Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais - https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD 

Improve your mixing and listening experience in your studio with Sonarworks: https://www.sonarworks.com/soundid-reference/overview?oid=2&affid=254&sub1=affiliate&utm_medium=affiliate

 

0:00 - Intro

1:05 - Three Door Options

3:25 - When To Use The Airlock System

4:24 - How The Airlock Works

6:29 - Conclusion

Download The Studio Budget Calculator - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/calculator

Read The Blog - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog

Are you wondering why in the world soundproofing costs so much? In this video I break down exactly why soundproofing is such a big investment. Hopefully this lesson will help you decide if you are ready to make the leap to soundproof your studio or a room in your house.

How To Build Your Own Soundproof Windows - https://youtu.be/JQiozaQcTkk

0:00 - Intro

1:11 - Construction Costs

2:13 - Soundproof Specific Products

3:46 - Pre Built Soundproof Doors and Windows

4:31 - Overview

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

 

When I first soundproofed my own studio, I chose the I-B1 clips from the Soundproofing Company. They were affordable, easy to install, and provided decent sound isolation. However, after years of working with various soundproofing products and testing different methods, I've changed my perspective. Today, I want to share why I've come to prefer Hush Frame Rafts, and why I believe they're a superior choice for home studio soundproofing.

 

1. The Decoupling Advantage: Rubber or Silicone vs. Metal

The primary reason I now favor Hush Frame Rafts is the improved sound isolation they offer due to their silicone decoupling feature. Unlike the I-B1 clips, which are entirely metal, Hush Frame Rafts and their competitors, like RISC-1 clips, use rubber or silicone to decouple the clip from the studs or joists. This added layer of decoupling significantly reduces sound transmission, making these products more effective for serious soundproofing needs.

That said, I-B1 clips are still a viable option if you're working within a tighter budget. They do provide good sound isolation and are certainly better than nothing, but if you're aiming for the highest level of soundproofing, I now recommend opting for clips with rubber or silicone components.

 

 

 

2. Low Profile Design: Maximizing Ceiling Height

Another key reason I've switched to Hush Frame Rafts is their low-profile design. In home studios, every inch of ceiling height counts, and even gaining a fraction of an inch can make a big difference in the feel of the room. Hush Frame Rafts, paired with 1x3 furring, only add about 1" of extra space to your wall or ceiling system. This is a significant advantage over other options like the RISC-1 clips, which, while offering similar isolation benefits, don’t provide the same low-profile benefit.

 

3. The Ease of Working with Wood Furring

One of the underrated advantages of Hush Frame Rafts is their compatibility with wood furring strips. Most contractors are more comfortable working with wood, especially when attaching wood to wood, and this makes the installation process smoother. Since soundproofing can be overwhelming for many builders, anything that simplifies the job is a huge plus. Using wood furring instead of metal also makes sourcing materials easier, which is another win for both the builder and the client.

 

4. Positive Feedback from Contractors

Feedback from experienced contractors is invaluable, and my contractor in Nashville, Henry Thompson, had nothing but praise for Hush Frame Rafts. He noted how much more elastic and decoupled the system felt compared to the I-B1 clips, which he believes contributes to better sound isolation. When a seasoned professional like Henry gives a product the thumbs up, it reinforces my confidence in recommending it.

 

5. Comprehensive Instruction Manuals

Another aspect of Hush Frame that I appreciate is the quality of their instruction manuals. Designing complex home studio builds requires precise information, and Hush Frame provides detailed manuals that cover multiple options and diagrams for different load capacities. This level of detail allows me to easily design varying wall and ceiling types for my clients, ensuring that each build meets the specific needs of the space. Other manufacturers simply don’t offer the same depth of information, which is another reason Hush Frame stands out.

 

Conclusion: Why I Now Recommend Hush Frame Rafts

In the past, I’ve written about my preference for I-B1 clips, but my experience over time has led me to change my mind. Hush Frame Rafts offer better sound isolation through rubber or silicone decoupling, a low-profile design that maximizes ceiling height, and ease of use with wood furring. Combined with positive feedback from contractors and comprehensive instruction manuals, these factors make Hush Frame Rafts my top recommendation for home recording studio design. If you’re serious about soundproofing, I believe they’re worth the investment.

FREE Soundproofing Course/Workshop - 

 Soundproof Your Studio Blog - 

Learn the basics of soundproofing so you have a rock solid foundation before you learn more. If you are building a recording studio or if you just want to keep out noisy neighbors then this video is for you!

Link To Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros

FREE Soundproofing Workshop https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/ 

Learn four key principles to creating a soundproof HVAC system. We talk about the importance of sizing ducts correctly, what right angles do to sound in ducts, and when to use a baffle box and how to build one.

How To Ventilate Your Studio: https://youtu.be/slv9J_v1Gc8 

Best HVAC Systems For Soundproofing: https://youtu.be/bPltObdECtE

Insulation In Baffle Box: https://www.jm.com/en/hvac/duct-liner/linacoustic-r-300/

Nailor Industries Registers (71 DH Supple and 7145H Return): https://nailor.com/products/air-distribution/grilles-registers/airfoil-blade-grilles-registers/supply/model-series-71d-and-71s

Check out the Mr Cool Mini Split here: https://mrcool.com/

Download The Studio Budget Calculator - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/calculator 

Read The Blog - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog

Are you trying to decide if you should buy soundproof windows or try to build your own? Then this video is for you. We will go over the pros of building your own windows and how much they cost. We will look at the pros to buying your own windows and how much they cost. I will also give you my conclusion about which I would recommend.

How To Build Your Own Soundproof Windows - https://youtu.be/JQiozaQcTkk

What Are STC Ratings - https://youtu.be/WfIAVnCyv1U 

Acoustical Solutions: https://acousticalsolutions.com/

Soundproof Windows Inc: https://www.soundproofwindows.com/

 Watch The Video Version Of This Podcast: https://youtu.be/yabsjdJlFfY

FREE Home Studio Acoustic Guide - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/acoustic 

In this podcast I go over why I would or would not use acoustic foam, I compare acoustic foam to fiberglass acoustic panels, and I give you some guidelines so you purchase the right type of acoustic foam.

FREE Soundproofing Course/Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/ 

Soundproof Your Studio Blog - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog

Learn what an STC Rating is and some of the misconceptions around it. In this video you will gain insight into the pros and cons of STC ratings and how you can use them as a tool and not get fooled by their trickery!

FREE Soundproofing Course/Workshop - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Soundproof Your Studio Blog - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog

Learn what the difference is between an ERV and an HRV and which one you should use for your soundproof home recording studio.

Link to the Fantech ERV: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fantech-SE704N-SE-Series-Energy-Recovery-Ventilator-4-Side-Ports-up-to-1200-Sq-Ft?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=shopping_neutral&utm_campaign=Shopping_Neutral_MPLTV&gclid=CjwKCAjw7IeUBhBbEiwADhiEMSYSEZ1YH2PglmDo_WOYtisR0SfoQs2cEnHTq2puwPnGAqTZaXJLeRoCDKEQAvD_BwE

Link to the Exhaust and Intake Hoods: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Fantech-COM4P-COM4P-Plastic-Supply-Exhaust-Hood-Combination-Pair-4-Duct?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=shopping_neutral&utm_campaign=Shopping_Neutral_MPLTV&gclid=CjwKCAjw7IeUBhBbEiwADhiEMe_9Yrp6DLG2aE5txPOsiwVqQg9z4TqMcQJXX3y7I8jJrAfLTsbiYhoCX-0QAvD_BwE

Link to how to build a ventilation system: https://youtu.be/slv9J_v1Gc8

 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop 

In this podcast I go over how to soundproof walls that are fully finished in your home, garage or basement.

You will learn which walls I recommend, how to build two types of walls and my conclusion on how you should go about soundproofing existing walls. 

- How To Soundproof A Wall - 

- FREE Soundproofing Workshop - 

I have always been skeptical about using "soundproofing" curtains. In this video I show you the research and science behind the marketing so you can make an informed decision on if these curtains are right for your studio or home.

Link to Quiet Curtains

Link to Amazon Curtains 

How To Build Your Own Acoustic Panels

FREE Soundproofing Workshop

In this podcast I go over three reasons building a soundproof home recording studio changed my life! This video will get you excited and motivated to begin building your own home studio.

FREE Soundproofing Workshop 

In this video I go over three soundproof door designs that you can choose to use in your home recording studio design. I talk about some of the pros and cons so you can decide which door is best for you.

FREE Acoustic Treatment Guide: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/acoustic

When designing a home studio, many people focus on the height of the room, thinking that higher ceilings will automatically lead to better acoustics. However, recent research highlights that the length-to-width ratio (l/w) is actually more critical for achieving balanced sound, especially in small rectangular rooms.

FREE Soundproofing Workshop

 

In this episode I visit a new soundproof studio build in Nashville built with concrete blocks. I interview Eric about the build and we see his finished studio. This is a follow up video to the original video I did documenting the build of his studio.

Concrete Block Studio Build Video 1

Sonarworks (affiliate link):

FREE Soundproofing Workshop 

Learn how to build an affordable soundproof floor in your apartment or bedroom.

3 PCF Fiberglass Insulation -  

Home Recording Studio Build It Like The Pros -

 Green Glue -

How To Build A Soundproof Wall -

Video About Green Glue - 

FREE Soundproofing Course/Workshop - 

Learn what an ERV is and why I recommend one in your soundproof studio build. Don't make this big mistake I made and learn how an ERV helps with bringing in fresh air and pulling out stale air.

Link to the Fantech ERV: 

Link to the Exhaust and Intake Hoods: 

FREE Soundproofing Course - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/ 

Learn how to design, build and install a soundproof baffle box.

Link to stick pins - http://metrosupplycollc.com/gemco-insulation-hanger-self-stick-perforated-pins.html#PERFORATED%20BASE%20HANGERS

FREE Room Acoustic Treatment Guide

In this episode I go through an entire set up of sonarworks and show you how the software works. I give you some of my own feedback on using it over the last couple years and why I recommend every studio use this product. 

Buy Sonarworks (Affiliate Link)

FREE Soundproofing Course - www.soundproofyourstudio.com

In this episode we go over the pros and cons of using Quietrock versus two layers of drywall with Green Glue in the middle. 

Learn what it takes to soundproof a room.

Enroll in our free soundproofing course: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros by Rod Gervais: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Recording-Studio-Build-Like/dp/143545717X

or great advice and info on soundproofing materials check out: https://www.soundproofingcompany.com/

Download Your FREE Soundproof Studio Budget Calculator: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/...

Have you been trying to decide whether you should hire out building your soundproof studio or do it yourself? In this video we clear up the dilemma by going over the pros and cons of each.

0:00 - Intro 1:47 - Pros To Hiring Out The Work 3:05 - Less Responsibility 4:01 - Great Finished Product 4:23 - Don't Have To Deal With Permits 4:56 - Cons To Hiring A Contractor 6:15 - Still Must Do Research 6:45 - Still Must Order Special Soundproofing Materials 7:31 - It Will Cost Way More 8:17 - Quality of the work could be lower 8:54 - The Pros To Doing It Yourself 10:06 - Intimate Knowledge Of Your Studio 10:26 - Full Over site of the Soundproofing Process 11:06 - It Will Be Cheaper 11:39 - You Will Have A Higher Quality Product 12:31 - The Cons Of Doing It Yourself 13:18 - Could Lead To More Stress 14:57 - Will Have To Deal With Codes and Permits

FREE Soundproofing Course: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/

Learn the four types of glass you could use for soundproofing a window and which ones I recommend. In this video we will also talk about the pros and cons of each type of glass as well as how to decide what thickness of glass to use.

Link to Home Recording Studio: Build It Like The Pros: https://amzn.to/3vFI8OD

Link to Allstar Glass: https://www.allstarglasstn.com/

Link to Better Soundproofing Article: https://bettersoundproofing.com/plexiglass-vs-glass-for-soundproofing/

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

It is simple enough to say okay let's build a double wall and decouple our ceiling with hat channels and acoustic clips, but what about soundproofing around pipes, ductwork or beams? They make what seems like a simple design, suddenly become difficult to visualize.

In this video lesson I will be showing three of my client's studio designs where we had beams, existing ductwork and structural posts to work around. I will go over my solutions for each situation and teach you what you can do if you are in a similar situation. 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

When it comes to soundproofing, the materials you choose can make all the difference in achieving your ideal isolation. One such option on the market is Deciboard. In this blog, I'll dive into what Deciboard is, its benefits, and its limitations, helping you decide whether it’s the right choice for your project.

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

Are you a voice over artist? Do you want to build a soundproof professional recording studio in your basement? In this video I go over a clients project and describe all of the aspects of their design from sound isolation to acoustic treatment. 

FREE Soundproofing Workshop: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/workshop

You may have spent several hours playing with room ratios and left defeated, or maybe you have a smaller space and don't want to give up valuable real estate to a big double wall isolation system. What is the ideal home recording studio size then? In this article I will give you my wisdom from designing over 30 studios on what size is best for your specific studio needs. 

 

1) The Room Ratio Paradox 

If you have spent any time researching ideal recording studio room sizes you most likely have come across room ratios. The idea behind room ratios is that if you build a room to an acoustically sound room ratio then the modal issues in your room will be less noticeable and manageable.  

Now the problem or "paradox" you encounter is that to get a great room ratio you most likely need a higher ceiling height. Let's say you have a basement studio with 8ft ceilings. If you type in 8ft ceilings into the Sepmeyer room ratio calculator here is what you get: 

Now Type A is considered the best option and type C the least desirable. However, if you look at Type A your room would be 9x11 which is only 99 square feet. How in the world are you supposed to create music in such a tiny room. On top of that small rooms tend to sound worse because you don't have enough space for the bass frequencies to fully form before hitting a wall, ceiling or floor. All of this is to say, that unless you have a very high ceiling height most of these room ratios are likely to drive you mad. 

 

2) Focus On Which Room Ratios To Avoid

Rather than focus on the perfect room ratio, instead focus on the absolute room ratios you should avoid. The worst possible room you can have is a cube. So if you had a room that was 10 feet wide, long and tall you would have awful acoustics. I would not build a studio in this room. 

In addition to avoiding cubed rooms (where all dimensions are equal), you should also avoid rooms with dimensions that are even multiples of each other. This is because such dimensions can create standing waves and resonance issues, which negatively affect the acoustics of the room. Here are some general guidelines on room ratios to avoid:

1. Cubed Rooms: Avoid rooms where the length, width, and height are the same. This creates a perfect cube, which is the worst-case scenario for acoustics.

2. Even Multiples: Avoid dimensions where one or two dimensions are exact multiples of the other. For example, a room with dimensions of 10 feet x 20 feet x 30 feet will have poor acoustics because the length is twice the width and three times the height.

3. Simple Ratios: Avoid simple ratios like 1:2, 1:3, 2:3, etc. These ratios can create strong modes and standing waves, which are detrimental to the sound quality.

3) Double Check Your Design In AMROC

AMROC is a free room ratio calculator that can help you predict the modal distribution of your room. I have a great video going in depth about room ratios and AMROC here: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog/why-room-ratios-don-t-work-most-of-the-time

When you plug in your room ratios into AMROC you can play with slight variations that could help you decide to move a wall a few inches one way or another to improve the acoustics. This is a good tool but it doesn't give you the whole picture. 

 

4) Don't Rely Heavily On Room Ratios Alone

Philip Newell, in his book Recording Studio Design (4th Edition), discusses his skepticism about the practical benefits of adhering strictly to room ratios. He explains that while theoretically useful, room ratios alone cannot guarantee good acoustics due to the many variables involved in studio design. Newell emphasizes that achieving optimal acoustics requires a more holistic approach, taking into account factors like room shape, construction materials, and treatment, rather than relying solely on specific ratios.

Newell points out that rigid adherence to room ratios can lead to unrealistic expectations and oversimplified solutions to complex acoustic problems. He argues that room ratios are just one of many tools that should be used in conjunction with other design principles to achieve the best acoustic results​ (O'Reilly Media)​​ (Perlego)​.

  Conclusion:

Don't get obsessed with room ratios. If this is your first studio build than room ratio planning can become a strange form of procrastination or a way to ease the fear of endeavouring on such a big project. Rather than focusing on a specific room ratio I encourage you to focus on the utility of the room and what would make a comfortable space to create music. This will pay back in way bigger dividends rather than sacrificing utility for room ratios. 

However, with this said, make sure to avoid cubes, rooms where one or two dimensions are exact multiples of the other, and rooms with simple ratios of each other like 1:2 or 2:3. 

Lastly, you can use a calculator like AMROC to take you beyond the common room ratios, but recognize it's limitations as Newell states in his book and online articles. 

 

Work Cited:

 

• Newell, Philip. Recording Studio Design. 4th ed., Routledge, 2017.

• Newell, Philip. Recording Studio Design. 4th ed., O'Reilly Media, www.oreilly.com/library/view/recording-studio-design/9781138936072/. Accessed 26 July 2024.

• Newell, Philip. Recording Studio Design. 4th ed., VitalSource, www.vitalsource.com/products/recording-studio-design-philip-newell-v9781317381945. Accessed 26 July 2024.

• Newell, Philip. Recording Studio Design. 4th ed., Perlego, www.perlego.com/book/1560575/recording-studio-design-pdf. Accessed 26 July 2024.

 

FREE Acoustic Treatment Guide: https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/acoustic

This is part three of my vocal booth series. Today we will be learning all about the proper acoustic treatment for your booth. I will go over the downsides to small room acoustics, how we can make up for those downsides and the best approach I take when designing smaller rooms and vocal booths. Let's dive in! 

 

1) A Vocal Booth Will Not Have Perfect Acoustics - Ever

The physical properties of acoustics limit how effective a small space can be at attenuating low frequencies. For this reason, a vocal booth will never give you optimum acoustics. However, this should not discourage you as much as help you understand why you are making a vocal booth in the first place. The only reason for a vocal booth is to isolate the vocal from the rest of the environment you are recording in. It should not be to get that crisp perfect sounding vocal. 

Most professional studios may record a scratch vocal in a booth while a band is playing, but the final vocal is usually done in the control room or a dedicated vocal room that is not the size of a small closet. 

With all of this said, we also cannot leave our vocal booth entirely bare with just reflective drywall. So, the best course of action is to add as much absorption with as deep of an air cavity as possible behind those absorptive panels as we can afford space to give up. 

To learn more about why vocal booths make vocals sound bad check out my blog article here - https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/blog/why-vocal-booths-make-vocals-sound-bad

 

2) How Absorptive Acoustic Panels Work

In our vocal booth the best method we can approach with such a small space is to use acoustic panels or walls that use mineral wool insulation to absorb sound waves. The insulation can be from many different brands, but I usually use Knauf ECOSE, Rockwool Safe N Sound, or Owens Corning Thermafiber. You can also use Owens Corning 703, but I tend not to use it because it is made of fiberglass and contains formaldehyde. 

Now, the basic concept around acoustic absorption panels is important to understand in order to design your vocal booth acoustics correctly. First, all insulation based acoustic panels work by converting sound to heat. The sound waves brush past the miniscule fibers in the insulation and the friction converts the sound energy into heat. This is very effective at absorbing mid to high frequencies, but not so effective at absorbing lower frequencies below 125 Hz. A 4" thick insulation panel with 3 lb/ft3 density has near perfect absorption down to 125 Hz (Everest and Pohlmann, 195).

This leads us to ask just how low does a human voice go down on the frequency spectrum? Michael Miller states in his article "The Voice: The Importance of Vocal Registers" that "The range of the male voice typically extends from about 85 Hz to 180 Hz for fundamental frequencies. However, professional bass singers can reach frequencies as low as 40 Hz" (Miller). This means that we should design our booth with the understanding that a large portion of the male voice will not be fully absorbed by traditional 4" thick insulation and that to gain greater absorption at lower frequencies we need to also understand something called the quarter wavelength rule. Here is a quick rundown of the 1/4" Wavelength Rule. 

The 1/4 wavelength rule in acoustics is a guideline used for the placement of absorptive materials in a room to maximize their effectiveness at reducing sound reflections. Here's how it works:

1. Definition: The rule states that to effectively absorb a particular frequency, an absorptive material should be placed at a distance from a boundary (such as a wall or ceiling) that is equal to 1/4 of the wavelength of that frequency.

2. Explanation: When a sound wave hits a boundary, it reflects back into the room. The point where the wave pressure is highest (called the pressure maximum) and the point where the particle velocity is highest (called the velocity maximum) are important in absorption. The velocity maximum for a given frequency occurs at 1/4 of its wavelength away from the boundary. Placing absorptive material at this point allows it to more effectively absorb the sound wave's energy.

3. Calculation:

   • Wavelength (λ): The wavelength of a sound wave is determined by the formula λ = v/f, where v is the speed of sound (approximately 343 meters per second or 1125 ft/s in air) and f is the frequency.
   • 1/4 Wavelength: Once you have the wavelength, divide it by 4 to find the optimal distance for placing the absorptive material.

4. Example:

   • For a frequency of 100 Hz:
     • Wavelength (λ) = 343 m/s / 100 Hz = 3.43 meters
     • 1/4 Wavelength = 3.43 meters / 4 ≈ 0.86 meters
     • Therefore, to absorb 100 Hz effectively, place the absorptive material about 0.86 meters (or approximately 2.8 feet) from the boundary.

5. Applications: The 1/4 wavelength rule is commonly used in the design of bass traps and other acoustic treatments to control low-frequency sounds, which have longer wavelengths and are more difficult to absorb.

Understanding and applying the 1/4 wavelength rule helps in creating more effective acoustic treatments and improving the overall sound quality in a room and is another helpful tool in getting our vocal booth to have maximum absorption across the entire frequency spectrum. 

 

3) Designing Our Vocal Booth (Putting It All Together) 

Now that we understand how absorption panels work we can now design our vocal booth to maximize absorption for the human voice. To do this lets think through our tools and constraints. 

1) We know that a 4" thick insulation panel will absorb down to 125Hz with almost perfect absorption and will absorb lower frequencies, but not as effectively. 

2) We know that by moving the panel off the boundary wall and ceiling we can increase absorption based off the quarter wavelength rule. 

3) We know that our vocal booth is mall and space is limited, so we cannot build panels that come off the wall too far or are too thick. 

With this information now we have to make sacrifices. This is up to you the designer to understand where to sacrifice acoustic performance for the sake of more space. My goal is to usually get 3-4" of insulation installed on all the walls and ceiling within a 2x4 frame. I then cover the insulation with acoustic fabric for a clean look. 

Now, if the client is willing to lose some space in the corners I straddle the acoustic treatment across the corner increasing the air gap behind the insulation. This will increase our low frequency absoprtion based on the 1/4 wavelength rule. 

Next, if the client is willing to give up some space on the ceiling I will lower the insulation off the ceiling drywall boundary to increase low frequency isolation. 

Conclusion: 

As you can see, a vocal booth has limitations because of its size with how well you can acoustically treat the space. This said, if you understand why you are building a vocal booth and that you can only do the best you can with respect to the acoustics, you now have a tool set with which to build your acoustic design for your vocal booth. 

As a side note, some people may be wondering about pressure based absorbers for lower frequencies. While these absorbers are effective at absorbing lower frequencies they are ineffective in smaller rooms because they require a lot of space to function. For this reason, in smaller rooms and most rooms for that matter, I stick to velocity based absorbers like fiberglass or mineral wool insulation. 

 

Works Cited:

"1/4 Wavelength Rule in Acoustics." ChatGPT by OpenAI, 15 July 2024, https://www.openai.com/chatgpt.

Everest, F. Alton, and Ken C. Pohlmann. Master Handbook of Acoustics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.

Miller, Michael. "The Voice: The Importance of Vocal Registers." National Center for Voice and Speech. National Center for Voice and Speech, n.d. Web. 15 July 2024. http://www.ncvs.org/ncvs/tutorials/voiceprod/tutorial/quality.html.