Help! Basement Rehearsal space

[mmala1891]

I realize this forum is for studio/recording, but there seems to be some good info here, so i'll throw my question out here anyway!

Here's my situation..

I've convinced my wife to let the band practice in our basement. It's finished, w/ drywall on the ceilings and walls (concrete behind the drywall), its about 30'x30' w/ a row of columns down the center so as you might expect nearly all the sound comes up through the floor, and its annoyingly loud when we're all playing.

I've done some research and found the really the best way is to isolate the band room from the rest of the house (room within a room). I could do that and probably fit everything into a 15'x30' side but that's not in the budget right now

I've also had some 4'x4' Tectum (sound/echo absorbing) panels given to me, and i'd like to use them to help reduce the sound upstairs if possible

Using the panels and any other inexpensive DIY solutions, what is the best way to reduce sound upstairs (besides isolation)?? mount the panels on the ceiling at different angles? just hang some carpets/ heavy cloth?

I'm open to anything at this point... but it has to be cheap and DIY

Thanks!
Mark

 

[M1Fanatic]

Isolation is really the only way it can succesfully be done.

It's not cheap, but you probably already know that.

Even if you use those panels, you'll get very little reduction due to flanking and lack of mass.

 

[MikeA]

You don't mention the ceiling height but if it's like most basements, it's not a full 8'. Did you put it up? There's probably no insulation between the ceiling and floor so I'd consider pulling the drywall off the ceiling and stuffing the cavities with insulation. Then I would put back up the drywall, this time 2 layers. You may want to use some sort of decoupler on the first layer. Check to make sure they work on drywall hanging horizontally (on the ceiling). Then, I would consider a second layer of drywall using copious amounts of Green Glue. Be sure to stagger the seams as you put it up.

Another method may be a single layer of drywall then 2" X 2"s placed on the ceiling like framing members (no insulation, just air space) then applying 2 more layers of drywall on top of that.There is practically no way you're going to cut it out completely, but it may help to the point where the family can stand it.

 

[Absoluthidy]

build yourself some redwood frames from 2x4s and place fiberglass insulation inside them covering one end with 1/8 inch plywood. Screw the plywood to the 2x4's with Exterior coated screws. Hang these on your drywall... they don't let sound escape and actually provide the room with a great sound, eliminating harsh resonance.

I have a practice space/recording studio in my basement as well, and you can not hear anything but a very very low rumble when the door is closed. Works great for recording vocals as well. my space is about 20x30.

 

[mmala1891]

Thanks for the suggestions guys
MkeA- Unfortunatley, the ceiling was put up before i bought the house, and im quite positive there's no insulation between the floor joists.. and if i had the money i'd probably do exactly what you suggest... but then again if i had the money i'd just build a wall down the middle and isolate one side as well!

Absoluthidy- Any chance you could post some pics of your space and some closeups of frames you built?