Is there such a thing as eco-friendly soundproofing?
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I’m looking to build my own recording studio in one of my spare bedrooms and need some absorption products to get rid of the reverb. Any suggestions are much appreciated!
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If you are looking for acoustic conditioning to reduce re-verb for a recording studio you can build a bass trap to minimize the boominess and a refractive phase grating to improve presence.
For sound absorption the California Manual of Sound Transfer Coefficients for Building Assemblies can give you a lot of good information. A double-stud wall with 1" air space between the studs and rock wool insulation between the studs with a one inch air space between the insulation batts works well if all flanking paths are addressed with low-VOC sealant (Bostik Home makes a good one)
I hope this gives you a good start. I may have some old drawings around here somewhere. It's been a while since I built recording studios and I don't know where my STC book has gotten off to so I probably have the title wrong on that.
Acoustiblock - kind of expensive but a very good product and 100% recyclable.
http://www.acoustiblok.com/
If you'd really like "eco-friendly" materials, you might consider a thick coat of earthen plaster (clay, sand and chopped straw), with perhaps a top coat of lime, sand, horse manure plaster (no shit, it makes a wonderful finish). Lots of sound-attenuating mass and good surface texture to break up reverb.
I've heard that audimute also has eco-friendly products...their sheets are supposedly made with cotton and recycled paper and their insulation product is made from old tire rubber..i saw their videos on youtube..might be worth checking out?