Soundproofing with $15,000?

Dingo · Post by **Dingo** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:54 am

Have basement.

In Germany.

Have Budget.

$15,000.

Concrete slab basement floor.

Concrete walls.

Concrete slab ceiling.

Must have 2 rooms:

Control room + recording area.

Have drums.

Have neighbors.

Bad mix.

Must stop noise.

Must.

SOS.

Please.

Seriously, I am unclear as to which method will provide best results. The neighbors are 10 feet away and I need to occaisionally record a drummer or band at night. Is there hope for me to soundproof and build these two rooms in my basement for the around the budget I mentioned?

Cheers,
Dingo

chrisgraff · Post by **chrisgraff** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:16 am

Read this first (you'll get better response):

Don't even think about posting before reading this first

I'm no expert, but I can tell you that you'll spend at least $75 to $100 per sq. foot.

Dingo · Post by **Dingo** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 7:25 pm

Yes I have read all the technical data and it is extremely informative. What a fantastic resource. I'm glad I found this site before a nail has been hammered.

The design is simply for a control room - there should not be any problems with too much volume in there i.e.disturbing the neighbors - and a recording area, which must be as soundproof as possible given the budget available.

I am not intending to float the floor - the ceiling height doesn't really allow it anyway. I am confused as to which design provide the best isolation

a) building a single leaf wall inside the cement basement walls, OR

b) building a double leaf wall inside the cement basement walls.

Would option b) be considered building a 3 leaf wall and therefore negating the effects of isolation?

The recording room is approx. 18' x 15'. Can it be done around the $15,000 mark - is that a realistic budget?

Cheers,
Dingo

chrisgraff · Post by **chrisgraff** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 1:32 am

It would be very easy to go through $15,000, given the dimensions of the room.

I'd plan on using the cinderblock as one of your leafs.

Dingo · Post by **Dingo** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 8:02 pm

You're saying that the concrete house/basement wall PLUS a cinderblock wall PLUS gyprock/plasterboard wall would provide best isolation?

Dingo

chrisgraff · Post by **chrisgraff** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 4:33 pm

No, I'm saying you better be careful with your budget because it's pretty lean. A friend of mine spent $10,000 framing two 12' x 12' rooms. He spent a total of $30,000 when it was all said and done.

Use the existing basement wall as one of your leaves. If your basement is actually underground, the walls won't be the biggest problem, provided any windows, cracks, etc. are sealed.

knightfly · Post by **knightfly** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:46 am

Dingo, please edit your profile to include your location; once this thread gets longer, no one will be likely to find where you are for more practical, local solutions. Thanks... Steve

BTW, you should do a search here on 3 leaf wall for better understanding of how walls work...