FAQ
TL;DR: 30 cm mineral-wool walls cut noise by ≈36 dB [Elektroda, WoŹnY, #4916020]; “There are no miracles” [Elektroda, WoŹnY, #4916020]. Egg cartons tame flutter-echo but hardly stop bass. Real isolation needs mass + absorption.
Why it matters: This FAQ helps home-studio owners pick affordable, proven materials that actually work – and avoid wasting time on acoustic myths.
Quick Facts
- Egg cartons cost ≈0.10 € each and absorb <20 % of mid-band energy [Elektroda, gr86, #4167064; *Acoustic Myths*].
- 10 mm pyramid acoustic foam weighs ~1.8 kg / m² and adds 15–20 dB high-frequency loss [*Sonitech Data Sheet*].
- 30 cm rock-wool + double drywall partition is rated Rw ≈ 36 dB [Elektroda, WoŹnY, #4916020].
- Neutral-cure silicone holds ≈300 g per point and releases cleanly [Elektroda, Helmans, post #4168717]
- Doubling amp power raises loudness by 3 dB; 250 W can hit ~120 dB SPL on 96 dB/W speakers [Elektroda, wiezlak, post #4935518]
What’s the cheapest way to cut echo in a small basement booth?
Cover hard surfaces with free or low-cost absorbers such as thick blankets, old duvets, or egg cartons; they reduce mid-to-high reflections enough for clearer vocals [Elektroda, myslaw92, post #4170577] Add a rug on the floor and a bookshelf for extra diffusion [Elektroda, Tremolo, post #4173001] Expect minimal bass control.
Do egg cartons actually soundproof a room?
No. Their paper shell is light and porous, so they absorb only a narrow high-frequency band and block almost no transmission [Elektroda, Tremolo, post #4170023] Lab tests place their transmission loss below 5 dB at 500 Hz Acoustic Myths. Use them only for echo control, not isolation.
How can I attach egg cartons or foam without drilling walls?
Neutral-cure silicone dots or solvent-free construction adhesive work; they grip porous paper yet peel from plaster with minimal damage [Elektroda, Helmans, post #4168717] For rented spaces, mount cartons on lightweight plywood sheets first, then hang the panels with picture hooks.
Is window-sealing foam tape good for mounting acoustic materials?
It sticks but lacks shear strength; heavy foam may sag within weeks [Elektroda, Jasiek690, post #4167896] Use tape only as a temporary test, then switch to silicone or Velcro strips rated ≥0.5 kg per pad.
What thickness of acoustic foam should I buy for vocals?
For small booths, 50 mm wedge or pyramid foam gives a flat 0.7–0.9 absorption coefficient above 250 Hz, enough to tame comb-filtering [Sonitech Data Sheet]. Thinner 20 mm sheets help but need extra layers in corners [Elektroda, myslaw92, post #4170577]
Can I stop bass from leaking to neighbours in a block of flats?
Full bass isolation needs mass-air-mass layers: double stud walls, 12–15 mm drywall on both faces, and 100 mm ≥45 kg/m³ mineral wool inside. This adds 200–250 kg per wall and ≈36 dB reduction [Elektroda, WoŹnY, #4916020]. Anything lighter gives marginal improvement; headphones remain the fail-safe option [Elektroda, WoŹnY, #4916020].
Why do small rectangular rooms sound boomy?
When two dimensions share a 2:1 ratio, standing-wave harmonics reinforce, causing 6–12 dB peaks at low frequencies [Elektroda, Tremolo, post #4173001] Uneven bass leads to muddy recordings. Break symmetry with shelves, angled panels, or bass traps in corners.
How do I build a removable mineral-wool panel?
- Build a 60 × 120 cm wooden frame, 10 cm deep.
- Insert dense (≥45 kg/m³) rock-wool slab and cover with breathable fabric.
- Hang using French cleats or picture-rail hooks.
This portable panel absorbs down to ≈125 Hz and costs about €25 [DIY Acoustics].
Do speaker spikes or felt pads cut floor-borne bass?
No. Spikes couple speakers to the floor; low frequencies still transfer through the structure [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #4915363] A 5 cm concrete plinth plus rubber isolation mat gives 3–6 dB bass reduction, a modest but measurable benefit.
Could loud music before 10 p.m. still bring the police?
Yes. Disturbing the peace is enforceable at any hour if neighbours complain [Elektroda, wiezlak, post #4934299] Repeated offences may lead to fines or civil action under neighbourhood-law statutes.
Quick 3-step plan to treat a booth for under €150?
- Line three walls with 20 mm pyramid foam offcuts (€60 for 8 m²) using silicone.
- Hang a thick duvet on the fourth wall and door (€20 thrift store).
- Build four 10 cm rock-wool corner traps (€70 materials).
Expect audible echo control and 6–8 dB overall isolation [Elektroda, myslaw92, post #4174600]
Does upgrading my microphone or sound card matter if the room is untreated?
Room reflections imprint first 80 ms of the recording; even a €1000 mic captures the same comb-filtered tone. Basic treatment improves clarity more than swapping from an onboard card to mid-range interface [Elektroda, Tremolo, post #4175942] Aim for RT60 ≤0.3 s before gear upgrades.
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