Sound studio soundproofing can be a game changer when it comes to audio quality. Having a totally clean canvas to work with means you have total control of every sound that makes it into your final version. This isn’t the same as sound damping, though, and some products that claim to be soundproof don’t actually do what you think.
Soundproofing vs Sound Damping
Sound proofing is the process of preventing noise from passing into or out of a room. Three properties make soundproofing materials effective:
Mass – more is better. Sound is vibration, and denser materials require more energy to vibrate.
Good sealing. Most sound enters a room through gaps and cracks around windows, doors, walls, and floors.
An air gap. Having space between solid building materials helps dissipate energy as it travels.
Because of this, the materials and installation of soundproofing products make a major difference in the reduction of sound. These products are given an STC rating to describe their soundproofing ability, which is measured by experts in a sound lab.
Sound damping (also referred to as sound dampening or sound deadening) is the process of absorbing sound within a room to prevent it from bouncing around, thereby reducing echoes and increasing sound quality. This has a minor effect on soundproofing, but the main purpose is to improve sound quality.
If you frequently need to remove background noise from audio or video recorded in your studio, soundproofing will improve your workflow. Without the need for heavy editing, your sound quality will also improve, and your recordings will be more consistent.
You may also want to consider studio soundproofing if you have commercial or residential neighbors nearby. Remember – soundproofing is a two-way street. Especially if you’re recording music, and doubly so if you’re recording outside of your local sound ordinance’s quiet hours, this preventative measure will help keep the peace and avoid nuisance complaints.
Soundproofing Windows for Audio Quality
Sound studio soundproofing is only as good as the weakest link. That link tends to be windows. In an otherwise well-sealed room with modern building materials, the windows are likely to have the least mass and smallest air gap which, as you read above, makes for quite poor acoustics.
You don’t need to replace or even cover your window to soundproof it. You can keep the natural light, open and close it as you wish, and avoid major construction by opting for soundproof window inserts. These are sort of like second windows that fit over your existing ones.
Our soundproof window inserts block up to 95% of noise. They are very effective against higher pitch sounds, and can make music nearly inaudible from the other side. See for yourself:
Ready for crystal clear audio?
Request a free estimate online in just a few minutes and get the ball rolling.
Soundproof curtains are marketed as cheap soundproofing for windows. They are thick and heavy curtains designed to absorb sound, and often double as blackout curtains.
Sound proof curtains are similar to sound blankets, and are made of similar materials. They are most often used in recording studios and other rooms where sound quality is important.
Do soundproof curtains block outside noise?
Kind of.
Also called sound deadening curtains or sound dampening curtains, the purpose of these curtains is not to block outside noise, but actually to absorb sound inside the room. They improve sound quality for recordings and performances, just like the foam panels you see on the walls of recording studios.
Do soundproof curtains work? Yes, quite well – for their intended purpose. If you’re looking to reduce echoes in a room and improve sound quality for streaming or recording, acoustic curtains are a great addition.
They do incidentally block a small amount of noise entering the room due to their mass. Any object with enough mass will block some sound.
How much noise do soundproof curtains block?
So, how effective are soundproof curtains? Can curtains block sound from outside?
Typical noise canceling window curtains have an STC rating of around 25. STC rating, or Sound Transmission Class, is a scale used to measure how well a given assembly blocks sound from passing through.
The best soundproof curtains may block quiet voices and slightly muffle certain high pitch sounds. You can consider this a bonus if you were in the market for sound dampening. For soundproofing, however, the STC rating should be 40 or above.
Even though curtains have enough mass to prevent sound waves from passing through, they lack a proper seal, meaning that sound can escape through the sides, top, and bottom.
Soundproof curtain alternative that works
If you’re trying to soundproof a window, don’t use acoustic curtains. With soundproof curtains, you can expect:
Reduced echoes in the room
Minor soundproofing
Loss of light in your room
Changing your decor
Cumbersome cleaning
The best way to soundproof a room with windows is to simply remove the windows entirely. Solid walls can block much more sound than any soundproofing product on the market.
If you want to keep your windows, however, the clear choice is to install soundproof window inserts. These are low-profile glass panels that fit over your existing window.
Our soundproof window inserts:
Have up to 48 STC rating
Block up to 95% of noise
Allow you to still use the window
Let in light
Are barely noticeable
Are quick to install and renter friendly
We are a full-service company, which means we measure, make, and install your inserts to ensure the best possible fit. This isn’t something you want to DIY – the installation is just as important as the insert itself.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Submit our quick online estimate form with approximate measurements. We’ll get back to you within 3 business days with an estimate.
Schedule a day for us to measure your windows. After this, we can provide you with a fixed quote.
We fabricate your inserts, right here in Texas.
We install your inserts. This process is quick and typically takes less than a day to complete.
Get in touch with us today to start reclaiming your peace and quiet!
Sun and Sound Windows uses cookies to improve functionality and to better understand how you use our site, so that we can provide the best possible user experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and our privacy policy.
281-336-8685
