Sound Studio Soundproofing

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.

Sound dampening curtains are one of the best ways to cover windows in audio studios. They’re often marketed as soundproofing materials, which is misleading. Read why sound dampening curtains aren’t good for soundproofing here.

When to Soundproof your Studio

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.