W
wolf_recordings
New member
I'm back again, but this time without pictures. 
After some great feedback and guidance on my studio layout plans (thanks everyone!), I'm starting to consider materials, wall thickness, ceiling sound proofing, etc. I've read the SAE Institute pages a couple times, as well as other sites mentioned on here, but none seem to address the following (or maybe I'm just blind):
(As for my location, I live in the 'burbs and have neighbors on either side of me about 15-20 feet away, with open-space behind me and a long stretch between me and the neighbors across the street. I know it's not ideal, but I hate long commutes to work, plus more time at home equals more recording time.)
Having said that, how serious do I really need to soundproof the walls of a fully submerged basement? First and foremost, I don't want the police called on me at 3:00 am for disturbing the peace. Ideally I'd rather my neighbors not even know there is a studio down there. Will a "standard", well caulked, framed 2x4 wall, along with the existing concrete wall and 15-20 foot of dirt between my basement and the neighbors house be sufficient to at least avoid a visit from the cops? Or should I go more extreme and build a 2x6 wall, or finally go with my original plans of building a double wall with an air gap, consuming about 1 foot on all sides. Obviously the more space I can save, the better....
Next, should I assume my ceiling and staircase to the upstairs are my worst enemies and invest most of my time and money on them, making them as sound blocking/absorbant as possible? I already know the three windows in the basement are a weak link and plan on creating inserts to go in the windows as well as the window sills outside.
Any basement dwellers out there?
Thanks,
Alan
After some great feedback and guidance on my studio layout plans (thanks everyone!), I'm starting to consider materials, wall thickness, ceiling sound proofing, etc. I've read the SAE Institute pages a couple times, as well as other sites mentioned on here, but none seem to address the following (or maybe I'm just blind):(As for my location, I live in the 'burbs and have neighbors on either side of me about 15-20 feet away, with open-space behind me and a long stretch between me and the neighbors across the street. I know it's not ideal, but I hate long commutes to work, plus more time at home equals more recording time.)
Having said that, how serious do I really need to soundproof the walls of a fully submerged basement? First and foremost, I don't want the police called on me at 3:00 am for disturbing the peace. Ideally I'd rather my neighbors not even know there is a studio down there. Will a "standard", well caulked, framed 2x4 wall, along with the existing concrete wall and 15-20 foot of dirt between my basement and the neighbors house be sufficient to at least avoid a visit from the cops? Or should I go more extreme and build a 2x6 wall, or finally go with my original plans of building a double wall with an air gap, consuming about 1 foot on all sides. Obviously the more space I can save, the better....
Next, should I assume my ceiling and staircase to the upstairs are my worst enemies and invest most of my time and money on them, making them as sound blocking/absorbant as possible? I already know the three windows in the basement are a weak link and plan on creating inserts to go in the windows as well as the window sills outside.
Any basement dwellers out there?
Thanks,
Alan
