is lexan really that bad for a CR window?

[freakkguitarist]

i need a 4x3 esq window from my control room to my vocal booth/amp room

ive looked and looked for glass tables, spare window sheets, everything, and cant find any second hand glass, and 1/4" laminated glass is 8.30 a square foot, but i can get a sheed of 1/4 laminated lexan (4x3) for 30 bucks at home depot.

using 2 of thease wouldnt work? or what if i got 2 1/4 inch sheets, and put them together, then got a thinner sheet and put that on the other side of the window?

[knightfly]

The specific gravity of Lexan is around 1.20, where the specific gravity of glass is around 2.58 - ignoring all other parameters, such as stiffness, you would need 2.15 times the thickness to equal the mass of glass, or just under 7 times the thickness of gypsum wallboard on each side of your partition in order NOT to seriously degrade the performance of the wall - I've not tried to laminate plexi, but I would think that it might be tricky to do without causing transparency loss and a "blotchy" looking window. If you don't laminate, you might get vibration between layers; buzz in the studio = buzzKILL; not a good thing.

If you could find a more industrial supplier, lexan is available in much thicker sheets (we use 1" stuff where I work, but no idea where they get it or how much it costs) - this would at least eliminate lamination, but it would probably be at least as expensive as the laminated glass... Steve

[TexRoadkill]

Why does everyone still insist on using windows? They just screw up the isolation and give you a surface you can't treat. A cheapo security video camera and monitor could be had for around $100 or less if you find used stuff.

[knightfly]

Dunno, man; I get along fine in windowless rooms; some peeps just don't, and want windows. Guess it partly depends on whether you're going to hire out, and if yer a mole like me... Steve

[Rod Gervais]

Originally Posted by TexRoadkill

Why does everyone still insist on using windows? They just screw up the isolation and give you a surface you can't treat. A cheapo security video camera and monitor could be had for around $100 or less if you find used stuff.

Tex,

Probably for the same reason that I prefer a window to a monitor: There is something (for me) that adds to the experience with personal contact. A monitor is to disconnected........ being aboe to see the performers - make eye contact - that all adds to the experience.

Sincerely,

Rod