Sound Proof Recording Studio?

Not the common thing you will hear from a site a lot of readers think is only for shorthanded sailing.  Well that is just one aspect of my business, the other is my video production company which has been a major part of my business for decades.

So why do I need a recording studio?  First I wanted to have full control when filming interviews, doing voice-overs, green screen, and any other narrative work.  Once you film narrative in a nice dry controlled room you are spoiled.

Producer with me recording SwimEx interview
The interview from assistant point of view

Second, I wanted to be able to play my drums, and have other musicians over to jam.  While not disturbing my neighbors, no matter the time of day. To see more about this go to my recent post (Common Thread). 

Drum kit in Studio

Third and recent addition is to help Carol record her audio books.  The room just keeps on giving.  To find out more about Carol’s books, and her audio books, visit her fantastic site, and recent post on audio books.

Carol recording one of her audio books.

In 1999 to make this all happen, I built the sound proof (mostly) recording studio.

To build such a room, I went to work learning what was needed to utilize the space that was available.  We had just rebuilt the old garage into a shop downstairs, and upstairs we added a full dormer.  I measured a useable space of 7.5’ x 14’ for inside the sound room, which leaves enough space for the 6” walls.  And the rest of the 22’ x 20’ room would be our home gym, and my office/edit suite.  All with great water views and a short commute from the house. I feel fortunate to have a 30’ commute from our back door.

Full dormer added, picture of old picture

My research led to Auralex Acoustics Products.  They not only had the best products in the industry, but also helped me design the room.  I wanted a dry room so I could have full control in postproduction, and using studio drums to would keep the noise down. 

U-rubber under studio floor framing

There are important steps in building such a room.  One is the basic framing, which is easy, and way overbuilt.  Vibration is the killer and you want to eliminate it as much as possible.  Auralex has been around since 1977, and when I talk with support, I was blown away how well they understood the process.  So with a plan and open space I went to work.  Building the room took a full week making sure all the details were right.  When I said almost fully sound proof, I stopped short by having an air hole.  You can do elaborate piping and fans to keep air going in and out of the room, but I just kept a hole (stuffed with foam) in the wall that passes my computer wires.  My computers and hard drives are in there so I have no fan noise while editing. 

Sound proofing the MDF over the framing

The floor is framed above the main room floor and has rubber “U” pieces under the framing to isolate. Then there is a layer of ¾” MDF, with Auralex proprietary sound proofing between that and carpet on top.  All walls and ceiling are isolated from each other, with Auralex soundproofing vinyl and caulking.  Walls and ceilings are 6” thick with each 2×4 isolated from other framing with caulking. Hanging of that framing are what Auralex call “Z” channel. This is to isolate the framing from the inner wall.  Outer wall is sheetrock on the framing to finish off the room. On the “Z” channel is two layers of sheet rock with Auralex proprietary 1/8” vinyl sound proofing that is 1 lb. per square foot, and equals ¼” lead for noise reduction.  It is the same construction for the ceiling, which was a challenge to build on my own. Then add a solid wood door also with soundproofing and tight seal.  When you close the door you hear a hiss.

Framing the room, old picture of picture

Since this has been finished I have used it for narrative, interviews, voice-overs, music, and now Carol recording audio books.  With my high quality audio gear the sound out of this room is hard to beat. 

When people come in for the first time they are shocked how dry the sound is.  It sounds like your voice stops right in front of your mouth.  Also they say, “Look at all that sound proofing.”  What they are seeing is not sound proofing it is acoustic controls.  Base traps in the corners, wall and ceiling foam for mid range, and diffusers on the ceiling.  Plus carpet on the floor.  All that stops the rebound and helps create the dry room.

From back wall were you can see acoustic foams.

The room is a success, and a great tool in our arsenal.  Remember sound quality is 50% of video productions, and everything when it comes to audios books.  Buy the best on the market, learn how to use it properly, and you will be happy.

See you soon,

Paul

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