Have Lrg Comm Space, need advice re: studio

[emdub123]

I've been combing through the threads and haven't found my topic addressed specifically, so I'll post it here:

Issue: Want to build a two-room rehearsal studio and need to make the rooms "very well" soundproofed. Neighbors are there 8-5 M-F, so they aren't really an issue. My concerns are sound leakage outside the building and sound leakage within the space that renders the non-rehearsal room areas unusable because of the noise coming from the rehearsal rooms.

I've got a large commercial space on the second floor of an old (1915) building. It's got ~16 foot ceilings and has been divided into three rooms, via half-assed framing and drywall.

My plan is to build two self-contained rooms, one 18x18x8 and one 13x17x8. These dimensions are just convenient to the space, not by design. Like many old commercial buildings, it has huge old windows fronting the street, so my rooms are set in about 4 feet from the windows.

From the research I've done, I'm looking to start by framing the walls, floors and ceiling. Next, I'll put in a soundproofing material of some sort. (Need help here, there are a gazillion vendors on the internet selling materials that ostensibly soundproof). Then I'm thinking I can hang the drywall and put down the floor. (Comments?) I also plan to drywall the outside of the frames as well, but am unsure whether I need to soundproof the exterior wall as well.

The walls of these rooms will be internal to the existing walls and only flush to them in a couple of places.

Here are my questions:

1. What have you found to be the best soundproofing material? Who did you buy it from?

2. What should my expectations be regarding sound leakage if I do it as described above? What should be done in addition?

 

[emdub123]

Just to reiterate: not a recording studio, just rehearsal

Most people are concerned with pristine sound quality, but I'm just trying to keep the sound contained.

 

[mshilarious]

Most people are concerned with pristine sound quality, but I'm just trying to keep the sound contained.

Really we have talked about this 100 times. Try searching the board.

The best soundproofing material is probably drywall, because it is cheap and heavy. Thus your approach is sound, just use the proper wall construction, and pay the same attention to the ceiling.

 

[RICK FITZPATRICK]

I've been combing through the threads and haven't found my topic addressed specifically, so I'll post it here:

Well, there is, but you don't understand how to relate them. Techniques and materials used for isolation are common to both studios and rehearsal rooms, although there are some differences. But you have some serious reality checks to do here. Let me name a few, and then we will address them one at a time. BTW, there are people here who ARE professionals in this field. Do not try to second guess them. They know what they are talking about, so if you truely want some solutions. this will take some time. By what you have already posted, I can pretty much guarantee if you jump the gun before your research and planning is done, you will BLOW IT. Isolation construction is NOT intuitive, is very expensive, and you can waste a LOT of money and time with a simple mistake.
The MOST important thing in dealing with a forum is suppling us with as much information as you can. However, I already can tell you from experience, that commercial endeavors such as this ALWAYS require permits, PERIOD.(at least in my county) No ifs, no ands and no buts. You are providing a service. That service is no different than any other business that people are using a space for a fee. That means safety first. If this space is in a commercial building with other occupants and business's, then the Building Inspection Authority wants to know about it, and they WILL mess with you if you do it with OUT permits, I guar-un-tee you(unless you live in bumfuck egypt!)
My first suggestion is to talk to you local BID and see what they require from you to issue a permit. Some citys require PLENTY, some very little, it all depends. The last project I worked on in a commercial building, they wanted EVERYTHING Trouble was, my boss, in his brilliant stubborness decided to do things his way with no permit. BIG MISTAKE Cost him BIG MOOLA and then they made him bring up everything existing to code too. AND, because he tried to get away with building without addressing TITLE 24 issues, they socked it to him big time. Fire sprinklers, an ADDITIONAL new HANDICAP ACCESSABLE bathroom, signage, parking etc etc etc. These are only a few of the things. In your case there are MANY MORE!! For instance.
1. Isolation construction equals MASS. MASS equals WEIGHT. Decoupled weight may concentrate point loads. Your business is on the SECOND floor of an old building. Weight suggests structural analysis. That implys structural engineer. That translates to $$$$$ and BID.
2 Isolation construction requires understanding of the principles. This stuff is NOT intuitive, and loss of attention to detail invites Murphy to visit.
3. Sound "proofing" equals "air proofing" . That implys ventilation supply and returns seperate for each rehearsal room. People and equipment also generate heat. HVAC MAY be required by BID because of sealed rooms. HVAC is BIG BUCK investment. Besides, musicians like to breath when they sing
Since this a is multi occupancy building, and depending on your occupancy load rating, other things may be required, such as fire sprinklers, panic hardware, emergency lighting and exit signage, especially since its on a second floor. Shall I go on?

My plan is to build two self-contained rooms, one 18x18x8 and one 13x17x8. These dimensions are just convenient to the space, not by design. Like many old commercial buildings, it has huge old windows fronting the street, so my rooms are set in about 4 feet from the windows.

You may be wasting your time planning layouts at this point. There are codes governing egress, door placement, hallways widths and elevator/stair relationships etc. Of course, you can always submit your plans first, and THEN have them ask you to demonstrate how you are complying with such and such codes. THEN, redraw it and submit it again. Been there, done that. ESPECIALLY, isolation construction details. Depending on the wall type, there may be fire blocking issues. AND, if there are parties above and below, this is a whole nuther animal as far as iso is concerned. Especially the floor and drums. A wood floor membrane acts like a drum head. Very difficult to isolate. Usually, this would probably require an engineer to REALLY guarantee successfull isolation. Ten to one, he would suggest a floating room. Then he'll opt for structural engineer consultation. $$$$ Well, you can see where this is going....

From the research I've done, I'm looking to start by framing the walls, floors and ceiling. Next, I'll put in a soundproofing material of some sort

Whoooooooooa. Stop right there. This tells me you don't have a clue. Here is why. IF, you tie the framing into the floor and ceiling above with NO decoupling, your in for a rude awakening. You could sheith these walls with 3 layers of drywall and STILL have sound transmission. You may have reduced airborn transmission, but structural transmission through the floor and ceiling could totally negate your best intentions. Tell you what. There are lots of things that have a bearing on this. You need to tell us ALL you can. I'd make a list, but maybe it would be best to hear your response to what I've said first. Then, maybe others will chime in here with suggestions. Not that I don't myself, but I've already offered enough for the moment. Hope this didn't rain on your parade, but sometimes, its best to know about this stuff BEFORE you begin building. Lots of other people who have visited here WERE glad to find out first.

fitZ