I am looking into converting my bomb shelter into a recording studio. There are 3 rooms that measure 8'4" wide 12'6" long and 6'10" high. Walls are cinder block construction and the floor and ceiling are 12 inch thick concrete. I already have carpetting but looking for inexpensive ideas for sound control, especially from the ceiling. Any help will be appreciated.
Can you provide a plan of the entire shelter? I'd like to see how they are connected(..ie...door locations)
Do you know what the partition walls are made of?...ie..Concrete/wood framing and drywall?
As far as Isolation is concerned, it would appear you have the ideal as you are completely surrounded by concrete. As far as treatment is concerned, other than cubical dimensions, this is a worse case scenario in regards to Low Frequency. The problem is..LF have no place to go. In above ground, typical wood framed/drywall assemblies, the drywall and typical exterior sheathing materials "allow" LF to "escape", or in technical terms, "transmit" through these assemblies, as well as the drywall acting as membrane absorbers, which together absorb what your boundaries will totally reflect. Coupled with a low ceiling and small dimensioned space scenario makes for a difficult and fairly expensive set of solutions given a broad instrument dynamic range iso and absorption . However, I'll give it a shot. But I need to see a plan view of your spaces and a bit more information before I can offer REAL help.
Like I said, describe the interior partition construction, and EXACT dimensions of the spaces.(1/4" tolerance)
Is this above ground or below?
Where is the entry, and door material(ie..solid wood/metal ? If this is below ground, how is ingress provided(ie..trap door in ceiling with ladder? Exterior or interior stairway? Are there more than 1 door at entry passage? ie..at top and bottom? Show on plan either way.ie above or below ground level.
Are there doors or just passageways between the three spaces?
Describe the ventilation system, and or any HVAC and note the location on the plan.
Any pipes, ducts, pumps, HVAC units or any other permanent objects within the spaces?
What is the intent of your studio? ie..Demo's, single or ensemble tracks, hobby, pro pre-mastering tracking/mixing, or other. Pleas describe.
Also describe what you perceive as the limits of instrumentation you plan on recording and how.
What do you perceive as the purpose of each space and note on plan.
This helps define the overall objective of your recording environment. ie..why design high partition iso and bass trapping if the only thing you were planning on recording is a flute.
Although, given the limitations of your space dimensions, there is a point of diminishing returns..at least for bass trapping as it takes physical space to implement.
