Why Acoustic Insulation Is Key In Creating Music Studios
3 min read
If you’re putting together a music studio, then you’ll necessarily need to worry about the distribution and containment of sound. Leaks aren’t just a problem for the neighbors; in many cases, they can be a serious ongoing problem for the producers, engineers, and musicians who are expected to make a living in the facility.
So, what can be done to address this problem? Let’s consider a few things that will matter from the very start.
Design walls and floors as complete sound-control assemblies
In most buildings, walls and ceilings are there primarily to support the structure of the building, prevent fire from spreading, and ensure privacy for occupants. Noise control is very much a secondary priority. But in a music studio, noise control is critical, and wall and floor insulation are the primary means through which we can succeed.
It’s vital that we don’t assume that the use of any particular material or technology will serve us completely. Even the most effective kinds of insulation aren’t all that impressive when they’re not installed in the right way. Rather, we should evaluate the performance of wall and floor assemblies as a whole.
Control noise from HVAC and other building services
Air conditioning units are a notorious source of hum and background noise. This can be a major problem during sensitive vocal takes and muted violin sessions, and it can sabotage monitoring as well as recording.
Don’t assume that an aircon unit will be inaudible just because it’s in a different room from the microphones. By thinking about noise pollution, and by planning and testing in advance, you can ensure that your studio doesn’t have to choose between a comfortable temperature and a quality recording.
Getting the most from a project of this kind often means involving the end users of the building, or at least people with specialized expertise in sound. This will help you to avoid basic, costly errors, and to ultimately deliver greater value to the end-users of the building.
Consider acoustic performance alongside current building requirements
The building codes that you’re abiding by will primarily be there to ensure safety and energy efficiency. Insulating materials might be judged on their ability to contain heat, rather than sound. For this reason, it’s often worth looking beyond the building codes, and factoring acoustic considerations into your decision-making processes, especially when it comes to things like procurement and specialized installation.
What success looks like may depend on the resources you have available to you. But even in cheaper studios, a perfectly silent recording environment might be perfectly achievable. In most cases, the difference between success and failure is measured in just a few extra inches of insulating wool, in just the right places.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
