Help With Decision on Sound Proofing Dedicated Audio Room


Hello all,

I am in the process of building a dedicated audio room in my basement, and need help with reasonable sound proofing. I already have: 3 dedicated lines, whole house ground solution, network optimized, excellent room dimensions, solid doors, acoustic putty pads around electrical outlets, room treatment plan (with GIK Acoustic design), in wall floor to ceiling bass traps, etc. etc.

I am also decoupling the interior walls by using 6" plates, and staggering 2 x 4. I do need input on the sound proofing though. Here is what I am considering for both the walls and ceiling:

(Option 1) Double 5/8" drywall with Green Glue between sheets, screws not nails, and Rockwool Safe & Sound 3" insulation

(Option 2) Double 5/8" drywall with 1 pound mass loaded vinyl between sheets, screws not nails, and Rockwool Safe and Sound 3" insulation

(Option 3) Double 5/8" drywall with 2 pound mass loaded vinyl between sheets, screws not nails, and Rockwool Safe and Sound 3" insulation

(Option 4) 5/8" QuietRock 530, screws not nails, and Rockwool Safe and Sound 3" insulation

I am leaning towards either option 1 or 2, as option 3 is approaching unaffordability; and I have very little knowledge with option 4 and QuietRock 530. Input from anyone with experience here would be greatly appreciated.

vthokie83

Mechanically ground the room from the top plate to the floor with plate steel at the top and the bottom. Would tell u more but don’t want to start a fight.

Most rooms are designed around mass loading. The more mass the greater the storage potential just like a big ass capacitor except in this case with a poor result.

TomD

bigtwin and theaudiotweak

I appreciate the input, but that is a bit more than I am willing to do; I know it would be better, but it's not in my plans. I'm mostly concerned with simply getting into the STC 55 or better range. In talking with a couple of different suppliers (including GIK

My main question revolves around the wall and ceiling relationship between the two layers of 5/8" drywall, and what to install between the sheets. Some camps suggest Green Glue used at a rate of at least 1/2 a tube per sheet, or the 1 pound MLV, and some go further and suggest the 2 pound MLV

and what to install between the sheets. 

I was going to make a bad joke, but I'll refrain. 

These: 

https://www.acousticsciences.com/product/walldamp/

Might just be mass loaded vinyl, I don't know, haven't used them. 

I thought there was a good review of options on website soundproofingcompany.com. They do not recommend MLV for some reason, but recommend 2 separate walls, with space between them, each studbay filled with insulation of choice.