Substitute for Fiberglass???

[jabulani jonny]

Ok guys, I was all set to go out this weekend and buy some 703 and all the necessary supplies to build some bass traps...then the wife steps in, no fiberglass in this room, covered or uncovered. There's gonna be a baby in this room in the near future. "Well I'll just move the studio to the bonus room," says I. "but I like the idea of the baby being around your music, ya'll can bond," says she, "so no fiberglass in this room, mmkay?".

I put my foot down, "honey, this is what you use, there's no good substitute, it will be covered in fabric so no particles are going to escape. It's not like these things just eminate glass fibers." Foot came back. She asked nicely for a substitute so I'm looking for one.

Any ideas on sound proofing that doesn't use fiberglass that doesn't break the bank? I'm thinking I should just go with an Auralex room kit and call it a day. I know it's overpriced and it doesn't do as well as building bass traps, but I can only do so much with the restraints.

Thoughts? Group moans?

Thx.
Jonathan

[pandamonk]

Bondedlogic ultratouch acoustical cotton. And it does nothing for soundproofing, like fiberglass and auralexx, but does wonders for acoustics...

[ds21]

Originally Posted by pandamonk

Bondedlogic ultratouch acoustical cotton.

Yes that's what I use... works great!

[jabulani jonny]

So are you building a frame and wrapping it with fabric, then filling with this stuff or what? This looks very interesting.

Jonathan

[pandamonk]

Originally Posted by jabulani jonny

So are you building a frame and wrapping it with fabric, then filling with this stuff or what? This looks very interesting.

Jonathan

yeah build the frame, put this in then wrap with fabric. You don't actually need the fabric with this other than to hold it in place, 'cause there is no bad fibers.

[jabulani jonny]

Sweet. This looks like a great solution. I'll contact the places in Georgia to see how much it runs. Out of curiosity, compared to 703, was it much more expensive?

Jonathan

[pandamonk]

Originally Posted by jabulani jonny

Sweet. This looks like a great solution. I'll contact the places in Georgia to see how much it runs. Out of curiosity, compared to 703, was it much more expensive?

Jonathan

I'm unsure. In the UK it is extremely difficult to get so yeh it is expensive. You can buy it here, from Brian who lurks in these forums.

[Micter]

Rockwool is another good substitute for 703.

[ds21]

Originally Posted by jabulani jonny

Sweet. This looks like a great solution. I'll contact the places in Georgia to see how much it runs. Out of curiosity, compared to 703, was it much more expensive?

Jonathan

was actually cheaper than what I could get 703 for.

see my post 2nd one down:
http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=222470

I like the idea of it not having any dangerous fibers and that it's easy to handle.

You may also want to consider the mineral wool alternative. You can get a 2x4x2" piece for about $8.

http://www.atsacoustics.com/cat--Raw...ials--102.html

That's what I'm going to order soon as I have some extra cash.

[bpape]

The cotton is the best solution if fiberous shedding and contamination is the concern. IMO the mineral wool is worse at shedding than 703 is. The cotton is a natural material that is still Class A fire and smoke rated.

Bryan

[RICK FITZPATRICK]

Ahem....have your wife read this.
http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...ghlight=safety

[VSpaceBoy]

Originally Posted by RICK FITZPATRICK

Ahem....have your wife read this.
http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...ghlight=safety

+1

I think the case should be presented to your wife that the insulation will cause no harm. Ask her where she got her information? Ask her to back it up and not just that I heard it ya know.

[bpape]

Fiberglass is not a carcinogen - agreed. However, the fiberglass particles can certainly be an aggravation to the lungs and tissues of an adult - much less the skin/lungs of a newborn. I understand her concern.

Realistically, if you build them outside the room and then just mount them and leave them alone, there will be little to no shedding so the risk is minimal. 'Minimal' may or may not be acceptable to a new mother.

Bryan

[Reggie]

Auralex is pretty nice and generally looks pretty good if you get creative (I like the DST stuff). It will help tame reflections pretty well, and can help with the bass if you get the LENRDs or MegaLENRDs. Bonded cotton is a pretty good substitute for 703, but I found cutting it into wedges for superchunks to be a great pain, at least with an electric knife--it is now a non-electric handsaw.

[VSpaceBoy]

Originally Posted by bpape

Fiberglass is not a carcinogen - agreed. However, the fiberglass particles can certainly be an aggravation to the lungs and tissues of an adult - much less the skin/lungs of a newborn. I understand her concern.

Realistically, if you build them outside the room and then just mount them and leave them alone, there will be little to no shedding so the risk is minimal. 'Minimal' may or may not be acceptable to a new mother.

Bryan

I agree somewhat, but thats if you leave it exposed. The same could be said of drywall really, or that fact that there is already fiberglass there at the room. (ceiling covered with drywall etc)

I still push for the 703 and just cover it, it will be fine.

[talontsiawd]

I've always been a bit weary about having 703 pannels in the room i sleep in. I've been told by many that it's no big deal. I've noticed no loose fibers, around them, below them etc. Should i be concerned. I was going to start a thread about this awhile ago.

[bpape]

As I said, if you put them up and leave them alone, don't move them, don't bump into them and they're covered in cloth - no big deal. However, you may or may not convince a new mother of that. They don't always tend to be resonable when it comes to the new baby.

Bryan

[leddy]

Babies grow up to be curious toddlers. My toddlers have twice poked holes in various speakers I own. They'll certainly poke the nice soft panels on daddy's walls.