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Soundproofing for Home Theaters & Recording Studios

microphone and sound system
From cathedrals to concert halls to basement recording studios, soundproofing is a science that is used across the world. The goal of any soundproofing project is to strike the perfect balance of sound technology, enhancing acoustics while keeping sound contained. The result is a sound experience that is perfect for your specific project or atmosphere. It may seem complicated to achieve such perfection, but with the right sound insulation materials and strategy, you can create the ideal sound space.

Two of the most common spaces for soundproofing projects are home theaters and recording studios. In both of these spaces, enhancing the quality of sound in the room is important, but this has to be accomplished while simultaneously decreasing echo and preventing any sound from leaking out of the room. Let’s dive into some strategies that can help you achieve this recording studio and home theater soundproofing paradox.

Isolate Your Sound

Isolating sound is especially important if you are recording music in a home studio. Make sure that when the recorders are on, the only sounds they’re picking up are your voice and your music – not your family members walking around the house or the neighbor’s kids playing outside. To keep this sound out, start with the low-hanging fruit of soundproofing. Doors and windows are often the noisiest parts of a room but can be easily fixed. For doors, add a Door Seals Kit along the sides and top. Install a Door Bottom Seal to close air gaps. A window plug might be a bit more effective for insulating window noise. After sealing doors and windows, you’ll immediately hear a difference within your studio or theater.

Don’t Forget About Ceiling and Walls

Sound can travel really easily through walls and ceilings, especially in older houses and buildings. To avoid spoiling your song or movie with the vibrations of commotion above you, invest in some good ceiling wall isolation clips. These easy-to-install devices attach to wall studs, ceiling joists or masonry and help eliminate any impact noise.

Wrap Exposed Surfaces

If you have a bit of exposed floor, wall or piping that’s too small for a large panel application, the effects on your sound experience could be major. A simple trick to fix these hard-to-reach places is our Soundproofing Mat, a high-density foam that efficiently blocks sound, absorbs sound and insulates in any space. Applying Soundproofing Mat is so quick and easy – just measure, cut, peel and stick the mat to the surface. This super-versatile product can fit anywhere and will keep the battle scene sounds from “Lord of the Rings” from leaking into the other rooms of your house.

Don’t Overdo It

It is easy to over damp your room in an attempt to cancel out any external noise and prevent internal noise from leaking. However, absorbing too much noise can detract from your cinematic or recording experience. Experiment with different soundproofing strategies until you find a method that strikes the perfect balance. No two rooms are the same, but every room has the potential to be a soundproofed paradise.