Recording Studio Soundproofing
Is your Home Recording Studio Working for You?
You're a musician. You're passionate about your music. Does your home recording studio match your passion?
Your studio can turn your hobby into a professional music career. The freedom to record at any hour of the day or night, professional sound quality for your demos, and all the privacy and convenience of creating music in your own home...it's any musician's dream.
And yet, it's completely possible. You can have a home recording studio that produces top sound quality without the worry of bothering your family, roommates or neighbors. All you need is some recording studio soundproofing.
Many musicians come to Soundproof Cow to take their recording space to the next level.
What Recording Studio Soundproofing Can Do for You
Recording studio soundproofing products:
- Produce better sound quality so recordings sound professional and are true to your music
- Reduce distractions to let the creative juices flow
- Cut down on the number of takes because sound interference will no longer be an issue
- Give you the privacy you need to make music...you won't need to worry about reducing your volume levels for family, roommates or neighbors
Recording Studio Soundproofing and Sound Absorption: What's the Difference?
Most recording studio soundproofing projects need both soundproofing and sound absorption materials. To understand which recording studio soundproofing products you need, you first need to think about how sound acts.
Sound is like water. As you know, sound doesn't have a shape or form, but molds itself to its surroundings. And like water, sound can be absorbed by some materials and contained by others. Click here to learn more sound basics.
Sound absorption materials are applied to the interior of the studio. They soak up sound waves, preventing them from bouncing back off the walls. Echo and reverberation is minimized. While these products do an excellent job of improving sound quality, they are not made to block sound. Click here to learn more sound absorption basics.
Recording studio soundproofing products trap the sound. They are designed to stop sound from moving from one space to another. The sound is contained within the studio and doesn't reach other parts of your house. In addition to keeping sound from leaking out, recording studio soundproofing products also stop unwanted sound from entering the studio. Click here to learn more soundproofing basics.
Often musicians think recording studio soundproofing means creating a totally soundproofed area. To achieve this in a private residence is practically impossible and extremely expensive. A term that better fits your recording studio soundproofing objectives is Sound Isolation.
Sound isolation requires a sound barrier between your studio and adjacent rooms. One way to isolate a recording studio is to install dense recording studio soundproofing products. Their heavy mass blocks the sound.
Another way to isolate your recording studio is to create air space between walls and reduce the number of contact points between building materials. When construction elements aren't physically touching, the sound waves can't be passed from one to the other.
How Do I Know which Type of Recording Studio Soundproofing Products I Need?
You need superb sound quality. Sound leaking out of your studio or unwanted sound making its way in is not an option.
To improve the sound quality in the studio, you'll need Sound Absorption. If your studio has great acoustics but noise outside the studio interferes with recordings, you'll need Soundproofing.
To create the best environment to lay down tracks, you'll want to use a combination of both types of recording studio soundproofing products. Depending on where your receiver is located in relation to the studio sound, you may have to pay special attention to certain barriers.
Walls -Sound isolation methods, such as mass loaded vinyl barriers or insulation, work best for walls. Also recommended is creating an air gap between the existing wall and new drywall. To achieve professional quality sound, high grade studio foam should be installed to absorb sound energy and cut down on echo and reverb.
Floors - The best method of soundproofing your floors depends on your existing flooring. If you have simple hardwood floors, you'll want to get isolators. Isolators create a separation in the flooring, usually with rubber, so no part of the new floor touches the original. If you have a solid concrete floor, acoustical quality carpet underlay is recommended.
Ceilings - Creating a dropped ceiling packed with proofing materials is the best solution for a home studio. It can be used in conjunction with high-end acoustic tiles. Some products have a fiberglass core with a mass loaded vinyl barrier on the back to serve all purposes.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Recording Studio Soundproofing Needs
Recording Studio Sound Absorption Products
To be able to compare the performance of different sound absorption products, we rate them by how much sound they can take in. This rating is called NRC, which stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient. Click here to learn more about NRC ratings.
Below is a list of our sound absorption products recommended for recording studios. Our sound absorption products come in a variety of colors, shapes, and designs to match any room décor. You can fix your sound problem without compromising the aesthetics of your space.
Click on product titles for more details.
Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels
These panels appear decorative but are really working hard to improve sound quality and speech clarity. Made of a lightweight fiberglass core, they are covered by a soft designer fabric. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are available as a wall panel or a baffle that can be hung from the ceiling.
Features & Benefits:
Superior Acoustic Performance - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are our premium sound absorption product that can be used anywhere reverberation (echo) is an issue. Our acoustic panels will improve speech intelligibility, improve production and improve any listening or recording environment. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels absorbs noise generated at low, mid and high frequencies.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are lightweight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. Basic hand tools and a limited amount of construction know-how is all that is needed to ensure a proper installation. Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels can be cut or trimmed on the job site with simple hand tools. Our Acoustic Panels can be mounted permanently with adhesive or temporarily with Hook & Loop or Z-Clips.
Durability - Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels are available with resin hardened edges or, for areas with high traffic, aluminum framing. The fiberglass core of our acoustic panels is firm and resists impacts well; however, we offer an impact-resistant model for areas with high traffic.
Excellent Flammability Rating - Our Soft Sound® Acoustic Panels have a Class A™ flammability rating. This product passes most building code flammability requirements for exposed materials.
Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foam
Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are a premium grade, sound absorption, studio foam product for applications requiring a Class A™ flammability rating. They are designed to improve sound quality within a studio or recording environment by reducing reverberation (echo). Excellent acoustic performance combined with a variety of architectural textures, sizes and colors offers endless design potential. Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are for environments where sparks or other hot materials may come in contact with the material. Due to its excellent flame resistant qualities, it’s perfect for areas where large numbers of people congregate.
Features & Benefits:
Engineered for performance - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foam absorbs sound generated at low, mid and high frequencies and has an equal to or higher Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) then polyurethane anechoic products.
Quality - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are made with high quality melamine foam. The foam is consistent in density and firmness so acoustic performance will also be consistent.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams are light weight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. No special tools or materials are needed.
Not just for Professional Studios - Soft Sound® Class A™ Studio Foams can be used almost anywhere reverberation (echo) is an issue and heat or potential sparks are a concern. This product is heat resistant to 482°F and is able to withstand constant temperatures up to 320°F.
Soft Sound® Studio Foam
Soft Sound® Studio Foams are designed to improve sound quality within a studio or recording environment by reducing reverberation (echo). Our Soft Sound® Studio Foams are professional grade sound improvement products for use in commercial or home recording / listening settings. Excellent acoustic performance combined with a variety of architectural textures, sizes and colors offers endless design potential. Soft Sound® Studio Foams are designed to absorb sound from low to high frequencies and will improve the sound quality of any environment that suffers from poor acoustics. Soft Sound® Studio Foams are available with a Class A™ flammability rating that will pass most building code requirements for exposed materials. All of our Studio Foam products are made with the highest grades of acoustic foam.
Features & Benefits:
Engineered for performance - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are manufactured with a variety of textural patterns that increase surface area, ultimately increasing the acoustic performance. Soft Sound® Studio Foams absorb sound generated at low, mid and high frequencies.
Quality - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are made with flexible, professional grade acoustic polyurethane foam. The foam keeps its color better and longer then other lower quality foams. Soft Sound™ Studio Foams are firmer then other studio foam products on the market which adds protection against rips or tears.
Ease of Installation - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are light weight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. No special tools or materials are needed.
Personalization - Soft Sound® Studio Foams are available in a variety of colors and sizes. Choose the color that best matches your personal décor.
Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels
Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are a light-weight, thermally-bonded acoustical pad.
Features & Benefits:
Acoustic Performance at a Great Price - Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are one of the most cost-effective sound absorbing materials available. The natural cotton fibers are acoustically superior when compared to other man-made fibers, such as fiberglass. The noise reduction performance of Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels matches other higher priced material on the market.
Keep it Green - Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are 80% recycled cotton and do not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Quality - Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are a thermally bonded cotton panel made from high quality recycled fibers. The thermal bonding makes Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels tear and impact resistant. Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are also resistant to fungi and mold/mildew.
Easy to Install and Handle - Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are lightweight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. These panels contain no fiberglass and do not itch or cause skin irritation. Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are attached to substrates with construction-grade adhesives. For cutting or trimming, use a sharp utility knife. Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels are available as a ceiling hung Baffle.See Echo Absorber™ Hanging Baffle.
Excellent Flammability Rating - Echo Absorber™ Acoustic Panels have a Class A™ flammability rating. This product passes most building code flammability requirements for exposed materials.
Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panel
Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels are manufactured from acoustic grade polyurethane foam, in an "egg crate" design which is designed to have an increased surface area, giving you better sound absorption performance. The material is flexible and easy to cut. Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels are a cost effective solution for improving sound absorption by reducing echo and reverberation. Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels aren't just for recording environments. They can be used in equipment and machine enclosures to reduce vibration and airborne noise propagation. This product is perfect for any applications where acoustics are poor and budgets are tight. Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels have a UL94 HF-1 flammability rating and the color is charcoal.
Features & Benefits:
Good Sound Absorption Characteristics - The convoluted or "egg-crate" design increases surface area, giving you better sound absorption performance. Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels absorb sound generated at low, mid and high frequencies, making it perfect for recording or listening environments.
Quality - Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels are made with flexible, professional grade acoustic polyurethane foam. The foam is consistent in density and firmness so sound absorption performance will also be consistent.
Value - Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels are our most cost effective, studio grade sound absorption product. They are high performance sound absorption acoustic panels at a great price.
Ease of Installation - Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels are lightweight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. No special tools or materials are needed for installation.
Fiber Free - Convoluted Acoustic Foam Panels are safe to use in clean room, medical and computer equipment environments.
Acoustic Foam Panels
Our Acoustic Foam Panels share all the same great acoustical sound absorbing properties as most of our other foam products, but at a lower price. Acoustic Foam Panels are designed to provide good sound absorption in a minimum thickness. Made of flexible polyurethane foam, the acoustic foam is manufactured to optimal uniform cell structure, maximum airflow resistance, as well as good heat, humidity, flame, and chemical resistance. Acoustical Foam Panels are UL94HF1 fire-rated and flat on both sides. Acoustic Foam Panels are available in a variety of dimensions, with a variety of protective facings and with or with out Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) for an easy peel-and-place application.
Features & Benefits:
Engineered for performance - Acoustic Foam Panels are engineered to be an excellent sound absorption product at a low cost. Acoustic Foam Panels absorb sound generated at low, mid and high frequencies.
Quality - Acoustic Foam Panels are made with flexible, professional-grade acoustic polyurethane foam. The foam keeps its color better and longer than other lower quality foams. Acoustic Foam Panels are firmer than other acoustic foam products on the market, which add protection against rips or tears. The foam is consistent in density and firmness so acoustic performance will also be consistent.
Ease of Installation - Acoustic Foam Panels are lightweight and can be attached to a variety of surfaces. No special tools or materials are needed. Acoustic Foam Panels are available with a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) backing for an easy peel-and-place application.
Fiber Free - Acoustic Foam Panels are safe to use in clean room, medical and computer equipment environments.
Flammability - Acoustic Foam Panels are manufactured from polyurethane foam that has a flammability rating of UL94 HF-1. Before choosing this product, be sure the flammability rating passes your local building code for exposed materials. For the best flammability rating, see our Class A™ Acoustic Foam Panels.
Recording Studio Soundproofing Products
There are four common approaches used for recording studio soundproofing. The four ways are: adding mass, increasing or adding air space, decoupling or creating a structural break within the wall assembly, and adding sound absorption material within the wall/ceiling cavities. Click here to learn more soundproofing basics.
To be able to compare the performance of different recording studio soundproofing products, we rate them by how much sound they can block. This rating is called STC, which stands for Sound Transmission Class. Click here to learn more about STC ratings.
The following is a list of our recording studio soundproofing products. Materials are typically applied behind drywall or sandwiched between existing and new drywall. As with sound absorption, there is a variety of products available to fit any size project.
Click on product titles for more details.
IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System
IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System is one of the most effective products to block sound. With its Complete Sound Isolation System, it creates a structural break within the wall/ceiling, isolating the sound. Also, IsoTRAX™ Soundproofing System adds airspace, improving its overall soundproofing performance. This product requires a basic understanding of common construction techniques.
Features & Benefits:
Ease of Installation - isoTRAX™ Soundproofing System requires a basic understanding of common construction techniques. This product was engineered for the do-it-yourselfer and contractor alike.
Affordable - One package covers up to 64 SqFt. Total installed cost is lower than comparable soundproofing systems. Everything you need to soundproof your environment is included and delivered to your door.
Versatility - isoTRAX™ Soundproofing System will reduce sound transfer on existing and newly constructed walls or ceilings. isoTRAX™ Soundproofing System can be installed on wood or steel studded walls.
Fast Shipping - Most orders placed before 3pm during weekday operation hours ship the same day and typically arrive at your door 1 to 3 days later.
Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material
The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material blocks sound while its flexible material dampens sound energy. It can be used behind drywall in wall and ceiling assemblies or sandwiched between existing and new drywall. It can also be used under flooring.
Features & Benefits:
Dual soundproofing function - The mass of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material blocks sound while its flexible nature dampens sound energy, giving improved acoustic performance over competitive rigid products.
Value - Pound for pound, Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material products have better noise reduction characteristics than steel and other building materials.
Low Profile - Valuable square footage is maximized. Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is only 1/4 inch thick, saving space and money.
Variety - Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is available in a variety of lengths and widths. Also, Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material is available with a peel-and-stick pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Custom shapes and sizes available upon request.
In-stock - We stock all advertised sizes and configurations of Quiet Barrier® Soundproofing Material in large quantities. Most products are shipped the same day they are ordered and arrive at your project in 3 business days. Custom shapes and sizes available upon request.
Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation
Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is a premium acoustical and thermal insulator. A tight friction fit between wood and metal studs minimize the movement of sound and heat from one space to another.
Features & Benefits :
Excellent Sound Absorption Performance - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation absorbs sound within wall and ceiling cavities, reducing the sound transfer from one space to the next. Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation has the highest NRC obtainable of 1.00.
Environmentally Friendly - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is manufactured with 80% recycled natural cotton fibers.
Easy to Install - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is friction-fit between 16 inch and 24 inch on center studs and does not require any special tools to install. Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation can be used between wood or steel studs.
Easy to Handle - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation is itch-free and does not contain formaldehydes or other harmful chemicals.
Energy Savings - Quiet Batt® Soundproofing Insulation helps keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Floor Joist Isolator
Floor Joist Isolators are a U-shaped isolation product constructed from a medium density thermoplastic which is designed to isolate vibration and structural noise transmission. This product is used to create a floating floor system, which is a key component in constructing high-performance home theaters, residential and professional-grade studio environments. This product will reduce noise from airborne sources, such as voices, TV's and stereo equipment as well as structural borne sources, such as footfall and floor mounted monitors. Floor Joist Isolators improve a flooring assembly's Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) by decoupling the flooring from the structural supports which provides a reduction of sound transmission, especially the hard to control low frequency sounds. The Stud Beam Isolators are sized to fit any 2X lumber product, are very easy to install, and are best used for new construction when floor joists are exposed.
Features & Benefits:
Good Soundproofing Performance - Floor Joist Isolators are attached to floor joists in order to structurally isolate floor surfaces, including substrates, from the structural support elements. They are a cost effective product that reduces sound transmission through floor or ceiling assemblies. Floor Joist Isolators are perfect for applications that use the "Box in a Box" or "Room in a Room" construction methods commonly used when building a professional home theater or recording studio environment.
Quality - Floor Joist Isolators are made from a medium density thermoplastic that is commonly used to make vibration isolation feet or vibration damping pads for large industrial machinery. The raw material is a time tested vibration isolating material.
Ease of Installation - Floor Joist Isolators are friction fit over any wood with a 2 inch width (actual width equals 1.5"). No messy glues or adhesives are needed to install is product. No tools required!
Cost Effective Soundproofing - Floor Joist Isolators are our most cost effective sound isolation product due to the ease of installation. Labor costs are minimal to install this product.
Light Weight and Low Profile - Floor Joist Isolators are designed to provide effective soundproofing performance with minimum added weight and thickness. The low profile maximizes valuable square footage.
Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments
This heavy-duty automobile soundproofing solution was designed to improve sound quality and stop noise. As an underlayment, or padding, it reduces transfer of sound from the road into your car. It's made of a composite of an extremely durable, yet soft recycled cotton pad and a heavy barrier material. Its vinyl barrier is resistant to most acids, mild alkalis and oils/grease. It can also be used as a trunk liner, a popular place to add automobile soundproofing because of the speakers.
Features & Benefits:
Dual soundproofing function -Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments will significantly reduce noise from impact, such as foot fall, and reduce airborne sound transmission, such as noise from voices, TV's and stereos. Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments have an Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating up to 78 and a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating up to 50.
Extends life of Flooring Material - Under normal conditions, Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayment products dramatically extend the life of the finished flooring material. The materials used to create this product are tough and long lasting.
Ease of Installation - Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments are available in a convenient 48 inch by 96 inch sheet (32 sq ft) and are placed in a "Running Bond" pattern on the sub-floor. A professional quality Duct Tape should be used over the seams where the sheets meet. Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments cut easily with a sharp utility knife.
Comfort Factor - Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayment products make any carpet "feel" plusher and more luxurious. Foams and cheap fiber pads break down and lose the comfort factor within a few years after installation, depending on the amount of traffic. Impact Barrier® Flooring Underlayments will keep your carpeted floor plush and comfortable for many years.