Nope, Can't Hear You.

In any recording situation background noise can quickly become a problem. Completely removing background noise from a recording can become a chore that is best avoided. For example, in the previous sound design class I attended many of my fellow classmates had to redo their entire recording because the background noise from the air conditioner in the next room was too great to be removed manually. Luckily I was reminded to turn it off. Soundproofing is a vital part of any sound designer's set up that can remove headaches and future stress. I am going to touch on a few techniques and materials that can greatly reduce the amount of sound that enters or leaves a room.

The first step to effectively sound proofing a room is to take a through look at where air enters and leaves a room. This includes air vents, spaces under doors, as well as any cracks that allow for air to travels through. The trick is to make a room as air tight as possible while still allowing for needed oxygen to enter it. Next it is important to understand what materials a room is constructed from. Thin walls, floors, and ceilings can create easy access points for unwanted sounds. Oftentimes if the room is not constructed with soundproofing in mind a multitude of access points for sound to enter through are going to be present. If one is constructing a room to be sound proof extra thickness can be added to the walls as well as constructing an air chamber between two walls or two doors in order to more efficiently reduce sound.

If you are like me, the room you wish to sound proof was not built specifically for it. A plethora of sound proofing materials is available including mass loaded vinyl and "Green Glue". Mass loaded vinyl works by absorbing the sound and softening it in the process. This vinyl as well as other dense foams can be installed anywhere on a wall or even inside of one. Rubber underlayments can also be installed under the carpet or under the entire floor. Recently Green Glue has come onto the market which instead of just absorbing sound actually completely deadens it. When applied to drywall, the glue stops the drywall from resonating effectively killing the mobile sound.

Soundproofing can be quite the home improvement project but it is vital in recording excellent quality sounds. Not doing recording in a soundproof environment is just not smart in the long run. It also makes that long run a lot longer since removing background noise is a tedious and oftentimes ineffective process.

Kivi, R. (n.d.). How does sound proofing work?. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4683237_sound-proofing-work.html

Soundproofing. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.soundproofingamerica.com/