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What can you guys suggest for cheap sound insulation? I do a lot of mixing in my room and hope to be recording some spot FX.My room is small and hard walled.

All the best

Daniel

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3 Answers

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Rock wool covered with cloth works well. But you don't want to just make the room dead or you will find that you mix everything a bit too live to compensate.

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I Second that! Molton-cloth is also a good supplement. – Christian van Caine Jun 7 2012 at 1:12
I third Iain's comment. ianpalmersound.com/2011/06/06/d-i-y – ianjpalmer Jun 7 2012 at 13:15
Thank you :) iain – dcowell Jun 7 2012 at 13:21
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Are you trying to deaden the room acoustically, or reduce external sounds from outside?

In terms of reducing exterior sounds, 2 materials of different density will provide a good start, as the above answer said.

Also consider the sounds you are recording, and whether you can use dynamic mics which will pick up less room 'sound' and more direct sound. And make sure you record/mix from the right position, to avoid the problems with small boxy rooms and standing waves/bass problems/muddy imaging etc.

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Preferably both. Obviously i cannot completely treat the room due to finance but to improve the recording environment. My room is situated near my living room which is quite noisy.If I was to choose between the two I would say to reduce exterior sounds? – dcowell Jun 7 2012 at 13:24
@dcowell Unfortunately, reducing exterior sounds is the most costly and difficult to achieve of the two I'd say. The only real effective way to reduce outside noise is to add mass with airtight, physical barriers (i.e. a solid wall). Whatever you do, the weakest point in your construction will negate any other efforts you make -- i.e. the hollow core door to your bedroom with no gasketing and lots of air gaps. Why is your living room so noisy? The cheapest thing would be to tell your roomies to pipe down! – schwartzsound Jun 7 2012 at 16:20
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As far as treating the room for interior acoustics/reflections, I also second fabric wrapped mineral wool. Just did this for my own bedroom studio, used this product from Lowes:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_89017-1278-RXSS323_4294769460_4294937087_?productId=3285120&

The eight 2'x4' batts go a long way. They are thicker than the traditional 1" or 2" thick fiberglass traditionally used in acoustic wall panels (which you can also get in panels from your local insulation supplier), but a quick frame made from 4-by (3.5 inch) 3/8" thick craftboard (pine), fabric to wrap it, and a staple gun, makes for some nice lightweight panels. It's really easy to cut with a serrated bread knife. You could use masonite on the back of the panels for a complete finish, but I opted for 1/16" thick cardboard/illustration board (kind of like matte board) instead for less weight.

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Another option away from fiberglass these days is the recycled bluejean insulation material. This stuff is so touch friendly that you don't even need to wrap it if you don't want:

http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Insulation-Fiberglass-Free/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbvev/R-202710055/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053

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