VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Joniv · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 12:53 pm Post subject: Soundproof Windows

I'm working on ways of reducing noise in my studio. I live on a pretty quiet street, but am near enough to a train station and airport that I have to stop recording several times a day to let the planes/trains pass before I can resume. While researching ways to quiet the room I came across this site selling "soundproof windows". Here the link:

http://www.soundproofwindows.com/?s=gawc1g1

Has anyone ever heard of this? It's a new one on me. I'm guessing it's probably expensive. I may still opt to build a booth, which would also solve the problem of noise from the central air in the summer and pinging heaters in the winter. I thought this might still be worth looking into, though. Your thoughts?
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Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

Used something similar in my room. Big success.
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Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 4:42 am Post subject:

They mention cost here on their site:

How much do Soundproof Windows cost?
When compared to the cost of replacing your existing windows, Soundproof Windows are often less expensive. Soundproof Windows are priced according to size and most will range from $400 to $900. Sliding glass doors are $1325 and up.

If you only had, say, 2 windows in your home studio that needed to be treated, it might be more cost effective than building or buying a booth.
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Joniv · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:03 am Post subject:

I have 7 windows in my office, so price would be an issue for me.
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Monk · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:28 pm Post subject:

I read that real quick and thought you were using Windows 7....

7 windows!? yikes. That's a lot to try to fix.

There are simple things to try first. If the windows are fairly new, double pane, insulated glass kind of things, the first step is caulking around the window frame itself, making sure that sound isn't sneaking in around the moulding and trim.

If they are single pane windows, I would suggest it's time to upgrade to some new windows anyway. You are in CT, so I can't imagine that they wouldn't be something tighter.

A heavy drape can go a long way as well for a cheap fix, something you would find in a theater.

Is there another room in the house or in the basement you could use instead? That would be a lot easier! Smile

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Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

7 Windows? No chance. Booth is the only way to go. That's if I'm skimming this thread correctly...

Windows are almost always going to be the weak point.
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heyguido · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:45 am Post subject:

SEVEN windows? Wrong room.
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Joniv · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:03 am Post subject:

LOL! I had a feeling that you'd all respond the way you did. Alas, it's the only available space for me (although I have a beautiful view and love it Wink

I'm blessed enough to live on a fairly quiet street, other than the issues I've already mentioned. I'm also lucky enough to have enough space where I could build a good size booth and hopefully avoid the issues that come with being in a "coffin".

I've thought about the drapes, Monk, and will have to look into that. I'm not thrilled with some of the pre-made booth options I see on the market and may opt to design a diamond-shaped one from other ideas I've seen folks use. Could be an interesting little project.

Thanks, everyone!
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Ed Gambill · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:07 pm Post subject:

Consider window plugs. Many folks use then. This link goes to a movie about same http://www.buildthisroom.com/2010/acoustic-video/64-how-to-build-a-window-plug-and-stop-sound-leaks.html
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ballenberg · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:16 am Post subject:

Has anyone here ever tried his technique. at the end of the video, with angling and attaching sheetrock to serve as both sound reduction and acoustical treatment--So the room looks somewhat teepee-like? George, does this idea make acoustic sense? Haven't heard or read about this anyplace else--

Monk · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:48 am Post subject:

Wall angles help in cutting down on room reflections inside the room. Think of two mirrors that are facing each other, you get the infinity effect as you can see the reflection of each mirror for infinity.

Sound can bounce like that, if you're in a bare room and you clap your hands, you'll hear the slap ping off the walls till it finally fades when it looses it's energy.

Acoustical treatments in the room, drape, Auralex, Owens Corning 703, etc are designed to cut down on those bounces.

This is what is referred to as tuning or treating a room. This is NOT soundproofing. Soundproofing keeps sounds in or out. Once you're in a soundproof room, it can "Sound" terrible because of all of the reflections and the tone of the room. (sing a cascading tone in a stairwell, and you'll find the resonant frequency, it's where the room sings back with you creating a louder tone)

So, walls with angles will cut down on reflections, as will treatments with cool acoustic foam panels and bass traps. Even better sometimes is to use both! It all depends on the type of work you plan on recording in that room and budget. Angled walls may be a bit much for the sound levels of voice work, but for a cello recording space... wouldn't hurt.
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kgenus · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 8:13 am Post subject:

Bill, Arthur Noxon is a sage. I'll leave it at that.
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Monk · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 11:46 am Post subject:

You know, I was thinking as I was driving around on this wonderful day...

You could add a sunroom to the exterior of the house where those windows are. That is of course if the room is on the first floor and you have the space and budget.

That extra layer of glass, plus a place you can start a greenhouse!

Smile

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heyguido · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:11 pm Post subject:

Plus the added benefit of a spot to sip margaritas at the end of the day.....

Just sayin'....

Inoccent

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Joniv · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:41 am Post subject:

Thanks, Ed. Creative ideas in the video.

I happened across this article and video about "the most quiet room in the world" and thought, given the topic of conversation on this string, you'd find it interesting: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/how-long-could-you-last-in-the-worlds-quietest-room-the-record-is-only-45-minutes/

Joni
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