Put the Cell Phone Away

October 28th, 2009

There have been lots of recent news stories about cell phone usage while driving. While talking while driving is certainly distracting, and a major cause of accidents and injury, there is another reason why you shouldn’t be talking and driving that we haven’t seen many people point out.

Many of today’s cars are soundproof. You can see that in some of our recent posts, where we’ve taken a look at some of the newer models coming out with even quieter cabins. The problem is that the quieter the inside of your car is, the harder it is to hear emergency vehicles approaching – and that only gets more difficult if you’re distracted by a conversation.

Get off the phone, enjoy your time in your soundproof passenger cabin, and pay attention to your surroundings so that emergency vehicles can get by without coming so close to running you down. Act like you care!

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Soundproofing a Shed

October 27th, 2009

Want to put that empty shed in the backyard to good use? We occasionally hear from acoustical artists looking for a quiet place to practice – a place where they won’t disturb family or neighbors. If this is you, and you have an empty shed (or one that can be emptied), you may want to consider soundproofing the shed and then doing your creative work out there.

Soundproofing a shed is pretty easy. All you’ll need to do is apply a layer of Green Glue damping compound to the existing walls and ceiling and then install new drywall over top. Since you’re in a shed, you may want to put a layer of Green Glue on the floor as well, under either drywall or tiles. Before you know it you’ll have you’re own sound absorbing box and your neighbors will never know you’re out there!

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I-595 Soundproofing Work Begins

October 22nd, 2009

When route I-595 opened 20 years ago, sound wasn’t a problem. The road carried drivers through miles of farmland where commuting wasn’t top priority.

Today, however, the community has grown and the state of Florida has approved projects to begin soundproofing the highway, protecting nearby homes from the drone of passing motorists, of which there are more than ever before.

The problem? The public can’t seem to figure out just how the government is deciding which communities will receive their sound wall panels first (if ever). Some have accused the government of targeting the higher-value homes of millionaires first, possibly for political reasons. Those accusations  have been denied. The Florida DOT insists that they use a formula to determine how many homes will benefit from the construction of each wall, comparing it to the cost to determine which area goes first.

More than 21 neighborhoods qualify for sound barriers. Only time will tell how many will be completed – and in what order.

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Skidmore Prepares to Open New Music Center

October 20th, 2009

In January of 2010, Skidmore College will officially open its new Zankel Music Center. The culmination of a $32.5 million budget and years of work, the 55,000 square foot building will become the new home for every music program Skidmore College offers.

The building was funded partially by the now deceased Arthur Zankel, the parent of two alumni and partially by some government grants.

The Zenkel Music Center has a 600-seat concert hall, a flexibile stage, and three separate and unqiue wings. Our favorite feature, of course, is the set of specially crated doors designed to keep sounds within the center. The entire building was built with sound in mind but the 600 pound soundproof doors located in some parts of the building are simply amazing.

The Zenkel Music Center will be open to students in January and a formal dedication will take place later in the year when the building is 100% complete.

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Air Force Prepares to House F-35

October 14th, 2009

The United States Air Force is currently reviewing a list of air force bases at which it may house the newest figher plane, the F-35.

While bringing the F-35 to any base promises huge positive econimic impact, neighbors have a more pressing concern. Noise. Lots of noise.

Despite the fact that some really appreciate the sound of a figher aircraft, the Air Force does recognize that the F-35 is 12 times noisier than the currently used A-10. Some claim we shoudn’t complain about the noise made by aircraft used to protect our freedoms while others beleive in their rights to live in a pleasant environment.

It’s not fair to label those who are concerned about noise unpatriotic. Noise levels, when ridiculously high, can have a huge impact on the health and well being of any individual.

So will the US Air Force offer soundproofing alternatives to those around the bases they choose? Only time will tell.

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Do I Need Soundproof Headphones?

October 13th, 2009

So you want to enjoy your music in peace and quiet? Don’t want to be distracted by the sounds of the outside world? Soundproof headphones may seem like the best solution when you want to drown out noise from exterior sources but are they really the right choice?

Soundproof headphones may give you a great opportunity to listen to music without distraction but they are doing two things. First, the sound reverberating directly off of your eardrums can cause hearing problems later in life and, second, you can’t hear the voices of others trying to contact you – especially important in the event of an emergency.

Soundproof headphones may be the right choice every once in a while but if you regularly listen to music you might want to consider soundproofing your bedroom or music studio instead. In the end you’ll appreciate the quality of sound and ability to stay in touch with the world a whole lot more!

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Illegal File Sharing

September 24th, 2009

As this site started out as music site it is only proper for us to continue filling you in on the latest music news. Illegal files haring is a sore topic among artists and producers alike. As millions of profitable dollars dissapear . The digital age has caused the problem to increase ten fold. As studios and producers spend big bucks in their production including utilizing the latest technology available in the acoustic and soundproofing field. We can understand their frustration of constantly having to spend even more money in order to thwart attempts of unscrupulous characters. maybe they should pool their money together and launch a campaign, mandating all schools to teach the children that all their actions will be accountable before G-d. That may bring an air of honesty into the world.

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Airtight Soundproofing

September 17th, 2009

You might expect it to be easier to install a lot of soundproofing material in order to make your room or home quiet. The simple truth is that it is easier and less expensive to make a room airtight than it is to purchase a lot of insulation or drywall.

The best way to do this is by filling in any gaps or cracks with acoustical caulk. The problem with this is that you can’t necessarily seal all of your heating or cooling vents with caulk. In these types of situations you’ll have to purchase creative magnetic covers to put over the vents when they’re not in use!

Airtight soundproofing is very easy to achieve and in many cases is the only solution you need. Check your home or room for cracks through which sound can enter or escape – then seal them up!

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Separating Yourself from Noise

September 15th, 2009

As with any life situation, reacting emotionally to your sound problems can end up being costly and unproductive. We highly recommend you take a day or two to step back from your noise problems to clear your head before conquering your new project. So how can you do this?

  • Consider going on a mini-vacation for a day or two. Do something relaxing or enjoyable and recharge your emotional batteries.
  • Get a good night’s sleep. Use earplugs or a while nose machine if you are able to stay a home to do so. Consider staying at the house of a friend or family member for a night as well.
  • Come to terms with the way you feel about the cause of the noise. If, for example, the noise is being caused by a neighbor you’ll want to put your negative feelings aside so that you can have a civil conversation with him before you take soundproofing action.

Taking the time to separate yourself from your noise problems will give you a clear mindset. You’ll be better able to attack your soundproofing project without wasting money on a hastily put together project created out of desperation!

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Recording Studio Soundproofing

September 10th, 2009

The first trick to effectively soundproofing a recording studio is to carefully build the interior walls. You will, of course, need to use soundproof materials to enhance sound absorption but the building techniques here are invaluable. Check out what the experts have to say!

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