Soundproofing A Room…

Ok, so slightly misleading title for this article, however the subject of soundproofing is often confused with acoustic treatment.
They are very different things, and in some circumstances, both will apply.

However, as you are here, dear reader, we shall assume that you actually want to find out more about how to apply acoustic treatment to your home studio.
Soundproofing your space, as well, requires far greater effort, especially if you are adapting an existing room in your home, as this generally speaking, requires adding mass and density to provide effective soundproofing, and this will add thickness to your walls (and possibly floors and ceilings).

Acoustic treatment is about attempting to reduce the effects your space will have on the sound you are producing, bringing the space back to a neutral influence.
Most small spaces, again, generally speaking, will have greater issues with bass frequencies. When I say a small space – an average bedroom size would be an appropriate example of that.
To do this will involve absorption and diffusion techniques.
Bass traps in room corners (usually made from acoustic foam) will help soak up those lower frequencies, whilst strategically placed tiles or panels will help with the higher frequencies.
Diffusion helps scatter the sound energy using multi angled shapes, and uneven surfaces, and helps the middle and upper frequency range.

There is quite a science as to where to place room treatment, and a simple guide for a home studio involves using a mirror to spot reflection points, as explained HERE.

You also don’t need to completely fill your room with treatment – only around 40% needs to be considered, and in that 40%, an approximate split 50/50 of absorption and diffusion.

Sound On Sound have a great article on this as well, so worth checking that out HERE.

Well, that concludes this little article, I hope it helps you out.