Soundproofing, Berlin - Germany, Please help.

How thick should my walls be, should I float my floors (and if so, how), why is two leaf mass-air-mass design important, etc.

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strangelove
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Soundproofing, Berlin - Germany, Please help.

Post by strangelove »

Hello,

I am living in Berlin, Germany and I recently rented a room in a complex/office building to use to make music. The floor I am on is for musicians and although the walls are a little thicker the rooms are not sound proof.

Because I make dance music professionally there will be a sub woofer in my room. I also work everyday for long hours.

I was told I can modify the room to make it more soundproof and if I will be bothering my neighbors it is required. Needless to say I want to soundproof the room.

Does anyone here know a company in Berlin that does soundproofing?

I would really appreciate any contacts because I would like to treat the room before my equipment arrives from New York City in January.

I do realize no soundproofing is 100% and it is expensive.

I dont think I want to do the construction myself (not much skill in that area, no tools, no car to transport the materials)

Thank you for any information you can give me!
-Strangelove
sharward
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Post by sharward »

Welcome to the forum, strangelove. Willkommen!

Most of us on the forum are do-it-yourselfers and are here to learn from each other. Some of us hire people to do the construction work but supervise the process carefully to ensure that it done correctly. Soundproofing construction techniques are quite different from conventional construction techniques. Plus, in your case, the low end isolation you will need translates to your need to fully understand the concepts.

There is WDSG, a highly respected architectural design and acoustic consulting firm with offices in Switzerland. Be prepared to write :shock: big :shock: checks though.

I have no prior construction experience, yet I have begun a significant project in my garage. Don't completely dismiss the idea that you might be able to do this yourself, even with your limited experience and tools. Tools can be rented, or purchased and then sold afterwards. Materials can be delivered. Friends with vehicles can be bribed. ;-) And if you post pictures of what you plan to do and what you later start doing, we will tell you what you're doing wrong! :twisted: All with respect, of course! :D

Finally, please carefully read and follow all the guidelines in the "Before You Post" announcement, including editing your profile so that your location is displayed with each of your posts. Yes, you mention "Berlin" in your subject line, but it's really convenient to see your location along with your subscriber name each time you post. :)

Hope that helps get things rolling for you. 8)

--Keith :mrgreen:
strangelove
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Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2005 8:35 pm
Location: New York, USA
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Post by strangelove »

Keith,

Thanks for the advice... Yes I am definetly a stickler for details and if I pay someone to do the job I will be looking over there shoulder every moment.

From my brief search so far it does look like any commercial contractors will cost over 5000 euros... the largest amount I can spend. And what what I read here and other places I could do something myself for 2-3000 euros.

My main concern still is the ventalation... I think possible I could do the rest but Im unclear how to make myself breath inside. I think I have to spend the night ready each and every post here.

I will update my info with more details and if I decide to go the job alone I will for sure post specs, photos, everything here for advice. Who know.. it could be fun? (I know it wont be :))

Thank you.
-Strangelove
sharward
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Post by sharward »

Hang in there, strangelove -- yes, ventilation is indeed a major concern (or should be!). It is one I struggled with for a long time. Fortunately, I broke through that barrier. See my "moment of awakening" on that!
strangelove
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2005 8:35 pm
Location: New York, USA
Contact:

Post by strangelove »

Hello Sharward,

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I checked out the last link you sent.... Im saving all these links and diagrams.
-Strangelove
knightfly
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Post by knightfly »

Strangelove, as a "stickler for details", you must have missed this one

http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/profi ... ditprofile

Posted earlier by sharward :wink:
Soooo, when a Musician dies, do they hear the white noise at the end of the tunnel??!? Hmmmm...
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