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How to Make a Sound Proof Room for Recording

Soundproofing a room is the first step toward making great-sounding music. A variety of tools and materials are available to the recordist, depending on the kind of room and the way you want it to sound. For instance, live rooms use little soundproofing; dead rooms use a large amount of soundproofing. Noise reduction involves stopping sound before it arrives at your ears. Noise absorption -- more likely what you are trying to achieve -- involves changing the characteristics of a room to effectively handle sound.

Things You'll Need

  • Drywall
  • Silicone caulking
  • Screws
  • Acoustic panels
  • Carpets
  • Upholstered furniture
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Instructions

  1. Soundproof a Room

    • 1

      Apply drywall to the walls. Apply a layer of silicone caulk to all the stud surfaces, then attach the drywall with screws. Apply a second layer of drywall following the same process to get the maximum sound reduction.

    • 2

      Apply one to two layers of drywall to the ceiling following the same process outlined in Step 1. Alternatively, floor the attic space directly above the ceiling with a layer of drywall to achieve soundproofing.

    • 3

      Apply a layer of drywall over the windows and seal tightly with silicone. A more expensive but effective alternative is to install a double-paned recording studio window in place of your existing window. The inside pane can be slanted to achieve maximum noise reduction.

    • 4

      Attach acoustic panels at strategic points on the walls for extra noise absorption. Screw the panels where sound is most likely to reflect off the walls. Leave a small amount of space between the panel and the wall to achieve maximum noise absorption.

    • 5

      Lay carpets at different points on the ground to prevent noise reflection off the floor of the studio.

    • 6

      Use upholstered furniture that will not reflect sound.

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Recording Music

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