Soundproofing Basement Ceiling

Soundproofing Basement Ceiling

Soundproofing Basement Ceiling

What's the best way to create a small soundproof room?


My boyfriend rents a studio space in the basement level of an older commercial building. He gives classical guitar lessons, which isn't loud at all, but he wants to build some soundproofed practice rooms (there is a LOT of space in this studio!) so that he can bring in other teachers (piano, drums). Since he's in the lower level, sound traveling sideways isn't really a concern - it's the sound that will travel upward to the other tenants that we need to cushion. The ceiling isn't very high, and it's a drop ceiling. We're guessing that first we'll need to build some 2x4 frame walls. What are some good soundproofing techniques/materials?

Check the Owens-Corning web site. They sell soundproofing panels that can be used on exposed surface or as wall boards.

Welcome Winter by Eliminating Excess Furnace Noise

The arrival of colder temperatures is evident everywhere you look—sweaters and scarves have replaced shorts and sandals, the colorful leaves of autumn are long gone from the trees, and breezy open windows have given way to the familiar roar of the home furnace. But for some, starting up the furnace on that first chilly night of the winter season brings a grim reminder of a problem that has been pleasantly absent over the past few months: a disturbingly loud furnace.

Furnace noise originates from several sources. A loud furnace motor can be a major nuisance, and is the sound source targeted in most furnace soundproofing projects. Airflow through ducts can also be a source of unwanted noise, particularly when components are old or otherwise in poor condition. Even with a furnace situated in a basement or remote mechanical room, unwanted noise can travel easily through walls, ceiling and openings and carry throughout the home.

Furnace rooms are usually surrounded at least partly by a system of ducts and pipes within the walls and ceiling of the room. At the inception of any furnace sound reduction endeavor, it is important to realize that the presence of such openings makes it impossible to completely eliminate the transmission of furnace noise into other parts of the home. Therefore, the goal in controlling furnace noise is to minimize unwanted sound transmission by isolating the furnace room from the rest of the home as much as possible. If your furnace is particularly loud, it may be a good idea to rule out any mechanical defects before implementing a sound reduction treatment. Performing preventative maintenance, if needed, is better than an emergency repair on a frigid day.

Fortunately, combating noise from a furnace can be accomplished inexpensively and with minimal effort. Controlling furnace noise involves containing noise within the furnace room, a task that can be approached in a couple of ways. One option for blocking the transmission of furnace noise is lining all wall surfaces with a heavyweight soundproofing membrane such as dB-Bloc, and establishing a disconnected surface by adding a layer of drywall onto a set of horizontal furring strips that have been attached atop the vinyl membrane. The added density coupled with the disconnected wall surface serves to collapse a majority of sound waves before they have the chance to enter adjoining rooms. An even simpler and more popular solution is to line walls with sound control blankets, which can be custom cut by a soundproofing supplier to match the dimensions needed for optimal sound control in your furnace room. Such blankets are a simple and cost effective solution, and can even be customized with openings to fit snugly around pipes and ductwork to optimize results. Such sound control blankets may also be affixed to a ceiling for added noise control.

An important aspect of sound reduction treatments aimed at decreasing unwanted furnace noise is ensuring that adequate protection is afforded for the application. An experienced soundproofing consultant and supplier can provide recommendations as to what treatments would be most effective based on the individual characteristics of your project.

LG LHB335 1100-Watt Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, Black
LG LHB335 1100-Watt Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, Black
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LG has redefined what to expect from home theater. This isn't speakers and a receiver in a box. With the LHB355 Network Blu-ray Home Theater System, you get unrivaled Blu-ray technology, out-of-this world sound and instant entertainment...all in one. More than making the most of your Full HD with Blu-ray, NetCastâ„¢ Entertainment Access lets you directly tap into instant streaming movies, music and videos direct from the Internet to your TV.

Features

  • NetCastâ„¢ Entertainment Access
  • Blu-ray and DVD disc playback
  • Silk Dome Speaker Technology
  • HDMI Input
  • Standard DVD Up-Scaling
Sony BDV-E370 Sony 5.1 Blu-ray Disc System [3D Compatible]
Sony BDV-E370 Sony 5.1 Blu-ray Disc System [3D Compatible]
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Enjoy Full HD 1080p and powerful 5.1 channel HD surround sound with the Sony BDV-E370 3D Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System. Minimized wait times means you can start watching your movies faster than ever. Plus, with this great system you can take your entertainment experience to the next level in 3D. You can instantly access a wide variety of movies, music and more from: Netflix, Amazon on Demand, Pandora, Slacker, and YouTube.

Features

  • 850W watt 5.1 channel surround sound (142Wx5+140W)
  • BRAVIA Internet Video: Access movies, music, videos & more
  • WiFi Ready & 3D Blu-ray Disc playback capability
  • Quick Start/Load to watch movies faster than ever
  • Enjoy music, photos and video via front USB slot
Samsung HT-C5500 Blu-ray Home Theater System
Samsung HT-C5500 Blu-ray Home Theater System
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Be surrounded by superior sound with the Samsung HT-C5500 Blu-ray home theater system.

Features

  • 1000W Output Power
  • Crystal Amp Pro
  • Intelligent Power
  • Advanced Auto Sound Calibration
  • Eco Power Management System
Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible]
Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible]
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Experience movies in full HD 1080p resolution and powerful 5.1-channel HD surround sound including wireless rear speakers with the BDV-E770W 3D Blu-ray Disc home theater system. This great system minimizes movie wait times so you can begin watching faster than ever. You can also wirelessly stream Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Slacker, YouTube and more.

Features

  • 1000 watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system with Blu-ray Disc player
  • Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p, including 3D Blu-ray Discs
  • BRAVIA Internet Video for instant streaming of content from Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and more
  • Wireless S-AIR rear speakers minimize wire clutter
  • Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote with a free app
Samsung HT-C6930W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System
Samsung HT-C6930W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System
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Description

Be surrounded by superior sound with the Samsung HT-C6930W Blu-ray home theater system.

Features

  • 3D Added, 2 tower speakers
  • Ad wireless rear included
LG LHB535 1100-Watt Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, Black
LG LHB535 1100-Watt Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, Black
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Description

If you want to make the most out of your HD entertainment, the LHB535 Network Blu-ray Home Theater System more than delivers. Instant streaming movies, shows and music direct from your Wi-Fi connection to your TV. Full HD video and superior audio performance with Blu-ray. Crystal-clear, dazzling sound from state-of-the-art speakers. It's the total package.

Features

  • Integrated WiFi Connectivity
  • NetCastâ„¢ Entertainment Access
  • Blu-ray and DVD disc playback
  • 2 HDMI Inputs
  • Silk Dome Speaker Technology
LG LHB975 1100-Watt Blu-ray Home Theater System, Gloss Black
LG LHB975 1100-Watt Blu-ray Home Theater System, Gloss Black
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LG's NetCast Interface lets you easily access a vast array of internet content. This model comes with two tower speakers.

Features

  • NetCast Entertainment Access Delivers access to Netflix Instant Streaming and Pandora Internet Radio, BD-Live to access real-time extras
  • Blu-ray Disc Playback Pure HD audio, video performance with Full HD 1080p, uncompressed audio technologies, BD-Live access to real-time extras
  • Pure HD Audio Performance Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and dts-HD Advanced Digital Audio Out technologies
  • Tower Full Size Speakers deliver broader spectrum of audio sound
  • Two HDMI Inputs Deliver convenience and all-digital quality for connecting to your high-def sources such as cable boxes and game systems
Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible]
Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible]
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Description

Bring your movies to life with this 3D Blu-ray Disc home theater system, which features pristine 5.1-channel surround sound and wireless streaming capabilities. Experience full HD 1080p and powerful 5.1-channel HD surround sound, and enjoy expanded entertainment options as you wirelessly stream Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Slacker, YouTube and more.

Features

  • 1000 watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system with Blu-ray Disc player
  • Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p, including 3D Blu-ray Discs
  • BRAVIA Internet Video for instant streaming of content from Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and more
  • Share your home videos or photos on the big screen or listen to your favorite music with USB Input
  • Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote with a free app
Panasonic SC-BT730 Blu-ray DiscTM 5.1 Home Theater System
Panasonic SC-BT730 Blu-ray DiscTM 5.1 Home Theater System
List Price: $599.95
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The rear speakers come wireless right out of the box (no additional purchase necessary). The Blu-ray player is wireless ready, and compatible with the wireless LAN adapter DY-WL10 (sold separately).

Get your home theater going right out of the box with the Panasonic SC-BT730 home entertainment system, which includes a Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier plus a complete 5.1-channel surround sound speaker system. The Kelton subwoofer adds impact to your movies and music with dramatic deep bass, while the two tallboy front speakers add dramatic visual impact to your home theater. Additionally, this system comes with two wireless rear speakers--enabling you to cut down on the cords--plus It also features 1000 watts of total power, Panasonic's VIERA Cast streaming video, 7.1-channel virtual surround sound (from the 5.1-channel speaker set), an FM radio, SD memory card slot of medial playback, and bamboo cones in the speakers. And you'll be able to play music and video stored on your iPhone or iPod thanks to the included iPod dock. Key Features VIERA Cast: Enjoy Great Web Entertainment on Your HDTV VIERA Cast's assorted online content just keeps getting better--in addition to the popular contents such as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums, it now offers Pandora Internet Radio, movies streamed from Netflix (unlimited membership required) and Amazon Video on Demand, exciting sports from FOX Sports, and tweeting web communications with Twitter. And no PC is required. Connect to your home network via Ethernet or go wireless using an optional Wi-Fi dongle that connects to this home theater system via one of its USB ports. VIERA Cast streaming content. Wireless Rear Speaker: Smart Layout for Rear Speakers The wireless system transmits the audio signals by radio waves, so there's no need to run cables from the main unit to the rear speakers. Cinema Surround: Reproduces Realistic Movie Theater Surround Experience By using a combination of real speakers and virtual speakers, a more natural and smoother sound can be enjoyed. You'll notice the difference, especially in an action scene--you'll feel like you're sitting in the center of a true cinema theater. Advanced Bamboo Cone Speaker: Clear, Beautiful Vocals With the new bamboo cone speakers, the sound becomes much more responsive. Vocals are more pure and cleaner, and the dialog is crisper and easier to understand than ever before. Audio Return Channel: Simple Connection with HDMI Cable The SC-BT730 is compatible with a new feature of ARC (Audio Return Channel). ARC allows receiving audio signals from the TV, on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This new feature will simplify the connection by eliminating an audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit's audio input. (ARC compatible TV is required.) Specifications Total power: 1000 watts RMS (125 x 2 for front speakers; 250W for center speaker; 125W x 2 for surround speakers; 250W for subwoofer) Dolby Digital decoder: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital DTS decoder: DTS-HD Master Audio Essential, DTS HD High Resolution Audio, DTS DVD+R/RW/R(DL) playback formats: Video, AVCHD DVD-R/RW/R(DL) playback formats: Video, DVD-VR, AVCHD, JPEG, MP3 CD-R/RW playback formats: CD-DA, MP3, JPEG BD-RE/RE DL playback formats: BD-MV, JPEG SD memory card slot: Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; plays AVCHD, MPET2, and JPEG media Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone: Integrated VIERA Cast: Yes Wireless LAN system: Ready (requires optional USB dongle) FM radio: Yes, with 30 presets Main unit dimensions: 2-1/8 x 16-15/16 x 11-5/16 inches (HxWxD) Connections HDMI output: 1 Digital audio input: 2 (optical) USB port: 1 (for optional Wi-Fi dongle) Ethernet: 1 Audio input: 1 (stereo minijack, 3.5mm) Speakers Front speakers (x2): 2-1/2-inch full range, cone type; 40-5/32 x 10-1/32 x 10-1/32 inches (HxWxD) Surround speakers (x2): 2-1/2-inch full range, cone type; 4-11/16 x 3-5/32 x 2-11/16 inches (HxWxD) Center speaker: 2-1/2-inch full range, cone type; 3-11/32 x 5-23/32 x 2-13/16 inches (HxWxD) Subwoofer (Kelton Type) : 6-1/2-inch woofer; 10-inch passive radiator; 12-11/16 x 7-1/8 x 13-13/16 inches (HxWxD) What's in the Box Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier, 5.1-channel surround sound speaker set (subwoofer, center channel, two tallboy front, two wireless surround), wireless speaker system digital transmitter, remote control (with batteries), speaker cables, video cable, operating instructions

Features

  • Home theater system in a box, with Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier plus 5.1-channel speaker set; 1000 watts of total power (RMS)
  • Kelton subwoofer adds dramatic deep bass; two tallboy front speakers; wireless rear speakers (with included transmitter)
  • VIERA Cast Internet streaming video and music from services including Netflix,
  • Connects to your home network via Ethernet or using optional Wi-Fi dongle (connects to USB port)
  • Plays Blu-ray discs plus full array of DVD and CD formats; SD memory card slot for playback of music, video, and photos
Sony HTS-S370 Surround Sound Home Theater System, Black
Sony HTS-S370 Surround Sound Home Theater System, Black
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Description

Complete your entertainment experience with 5.1 channels of high-quality surround sound and 1000 watts of power with the HT-SS370 surround sound system. Connect multiple HD devices using a single HDMI cable per device and turn this great system into your entertainment hub, plus operate all your compatible BRAVIA Sync devices using one remote control. Add optional S-AIR accessories and enjoy the convenience of wireless rear speakers or multi-room streaming.

Features

  • 1000 watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system ideal for Blu-ray Disc players
  • HDMI Repeater lets you connect multiple devices and send to your HDTV with just one HDMI cable
  • BRAVIA Sync compatible for controlling multiple devices with one remote
  • Wireless S-AIR support for adding wireless speakers with multi-room capability
  • Digital media port for iPod (iPod cradle sold separately)
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