Floor sound proofing

[abdullahseba]

Hi
I like messing about with audio in audition and audacity.
The problem is my mother doesn't like noise and soon I will be redoing my workshop.
So I thought why not put some sort of sound proof thing under my carpet.
Does any one know of anything suitable?
I don't play things at crazy volumes just moderately loud.

Thanks in advance

 

[Steenamaroo]

Hi there,
Have a read in the studio building forum for detailed info but the short answer is nothing under your carpet is really going to help.
Sound proofing is about decoupling and isolation. Unless you can build a room inside your room, I don't think you're going to get a measurable result.


What instrument(s) are you playing? If it's electric guitar you could considering building or buying an isolation box for the amp.

 

[abdullahseba]

Thanks for your reply.
I'm using my 2.1 computer speakers mainly for vocals only.
It doesn't have to eliminate the sound completely just reduce it as much as possible down stairs.

---------- Update ----------

Thanks for your reply.
I'm using my 2.1 computer speakers mainly for vocals only.
It doesn't have to eliminate the sound completely just reduce it as much as possible.

Hi there,
Have a read in the studio building forum for detailed info but the short answer is nothing under your carpet is really going to help.
Sound proofing is about decoupling and isolation. Unless you can build a room inside your room, I don't think you're going to get a measurable result.


What instrument(s) are you playing? If it's electric guitar you could considering building or buying an isolation box for the amp.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Hmm, ok. If it's voice only you might have better luck.
Mass is the key. I still don't think there's anything to be gained by putting something under your carpet, unless that something is about 10" thick.

Maybe singing into a closet lined with dense material - Rockwool, something like that?
The trade off is that it'll sound like you're singing in a closet, though, so keep that in mind!


Realistically the best solution is to just work your singing schedule with your Mother, if possible.

 

[abdullahseba]

Is something like this any good or are they for something else?
https://www.studiospares.com/Studio-Gear/Sound-Insulation/Acoustistop-Rubber-Floor-Tile-single_465130.htm
Carpenter s Deep Step PU 11mm From 2.25 Per m2

Hmm, ok. If it's voice only you might have better luck.
Mass is the key. I still don't think there's anything to be gained by putting something under your carpet, unless that something is about 10" thick.

Maybe singing into a closet lined with dense material - Rockwool, something like that?
The trade off is that it'll sound like you're singing in a closet, though, so keep that in mind!


Realistically the best solution is to just work your singing schedule with your Mother, if possible.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Maybe someone will say otherwise but

Mass is the key. I still don't think there's anything to be gained by putting something under your carpet, unless that something is about 10" thick.

I really don't think so.


Think about it. If you sing straight into a wardrobe with someone on the other side in the next room, they're going to hear you.
That wardrobe is full of dense material but sound doesn't simply travel in one direction and even if it did, that kind of mass isn't going to completely absorb or diffuse your voice.
Even with a bunch of dense rock wool layers, it's still not 'soundproofing'. It might tone things down a bit but seriously - I don't think this is worth pursuing in a residential room.

Your mum is hearing you because of vibrations through the door and down the stairs, through the walls, out your window and in hers...The floor is only one part of it.

 

[ecc83]

There are materials you can buy..https://www.polymax.co.uk/rubber-sheet/absorb-soundproofing-sound-absorbtion

The technical .pdf suggest about a 10dB noise reduction, better I would think if you had two layers at 90dgrs but likely an expensive proposition.

First job, assuming a wooden floor, is to check for air gaps. I cannot remember the exact figures but a 25mm hole in a 10mtr wall transmits about the same sound as the entire single course wall! Builder's silicone snot can be used for small gaps but I dare say there is a more effective (and expensive!) "acoustic" sealant? Pay specific attention to the skirting/floor interface. If at all possible, fill the ceiling void with fibre glass or rockwool.

As Steen' has said, mass is really the key but air gaps are at least as important and of course, you cannot safely add much mass to a ceiling!

There are now I understand some very stringent proofing regulations in UK for flats, worth hunting around for those but even modest measures are going to cost ya!

Doors! Fergot! Easy'ish to add mass to (+rising butts?) but also ensure a really good seal.
Dave.

 

[Farview]

If what your mother is complaining about is the low end for the sub, put the sub on something soft to keep it from coupling with the floor and shaking the house.

If she is complaining about hearing you sing, all the other suggestions are spot on.

The cheapest solution is to buy mom noise cancelling headphones or ear plugs.