Trying to quiet your drum room?

You purchased everything that you need to crush it on your drum set....but now you are left with the issue of controlling the sound energy that your drum kit makes.  Drums are so much fun, no one wants to practice quietly. 

If you are lucky enough to have the space (and money) to create a drum room, you are very fortunate.  Unfortunately, there are many steps to actually soundproof a drum room.  This will involve a contractor if you aren't handy enough yourself.  The good news is you have some strategies to assist.  Here are some of the options: 

You can treat the room, or treat the sound source.

Soundproofing the room can be an expensive and arduous task, so let's concentrate on the less expensive options first.  

The main goal is to reduce the sound energy created the drums. This is achieved by using sound absorption materials to absorb the sound energy. Reducing transmission of sound energy throughout a home's materials is the end result and will create a more pleasant atmosphere for anyone nearby.

Lets start with the least expensive options- 

Treating the Sound Source 

Totally eliminating sound is rarely an option in most scenarios so directly attacking the sound source might be the best route. A reduction of 10 decibels can seem up to 50% quieter by the time it reaches your ears.  Treating the sound source is one of the most effective approaches to reducing that sound.  

There are many options to start to absorb sound around the drums.  One such way is to add GOBO style sound absorption.  GOBO stands for 'Go-Between' which are sound isolating/reducing options that are used in studios and homes.  You set these up around the drums or around the wall perimeter to help reduce sound transfer.

Here are a couple of entry level options we offer- 

The GB2448X2-  This is sound absorption and reflection built into one portable kit.   

 

The S2466X2-  This is a 66" tall portable wall that will absorb sound.  

The next level of sound control- the Homepac line from ClearSonic.  

HomePac

Many people don't have a dedicated music space and need to utilize their room for other duties, so we designed a modular kit to best suit your needs.  Our idea was to build a drum sound absorption kit that could be set up at home in 10 minutes and torn down in 5 minutes.  This allows a level of flexibility that is unparalleled.  

Often times, people will use our Isopacs at home.  This is a combination of Acrylic Shields and Sorber to absorb the sound.  While these are great at isolating drums and reducing volume, acrylic only directs the sound and doesn't absorb the energy produced by playing on the drums.  

To maximize your sound absorption- we created the Homepac line of drum enclosures.  This increases the total surface area of sound absorption by removing the acrylic shield portion of the ISOPacs.  

 

What are some of the costs of treating the room. 

The most complete way to treat sound is to soundproof a room but soundproofing a room is likely more involved than most people initially believe.  Some factors to keep in mind are that everything needs to be renovated to really reduce the sound transmissions.  The floor, the walls, and the ceiling all need attention. This can include removing the drywall to add a staggered stud system, noise proofing glues and compounds, insulation, and many other approaches.  Simpler approaches to treating the wall include sound proof blankets and curtains and wall mounted acoustic panels.  

Simple things to start to with- 

Upgrading your door 

Your door is likely your largest area of opportunity to reduce sound transmission. 

Door Seal Kits, Automatic door bottoms, Door jam Seals, Acoustical Door thresholds, Cam Lift door hinges, or ultimately replacing your door with a Sound proof door. 

Checking for Vents or Air Gaps 

Blocking off vents, Air returns, and anywhere that air can move freely is a great inexpensive way to reduce the sound transmission.  Just keep in mind, it needs to be temporary for the vents and air returns to allow the air flow required by your house.   An option for this is Mass Loaded Vinyl barriers.

Treating The Windows 

Thick curtains or drapes will help cancel noise.  There are many options out there to not only help with sound, but also reduce the transfer of heat or cold.  

Weather stripping will assist with any gaps that allow air to flow freely. Seal the border of windows with adhesive rubber or plastic weatherstripping. Blocking holes or gaps prevents sound or air from coming or going. 

 Foam- You can simply cut acoustic foam to put into the windows frames to assist while you are drumming and then pull back out when you are finished.  

Don't forget about the ceiling!

There are two approaches- the quick and easy way or the more professional approach

Acoustic ceiling tiles are the quick and easy way to reduce the sound transmitted through the ceiling.  Most styles will install directly over the ceiling you already have. 

Cloud method-  This involves adding an acoustical ceiling or barrier made of acoustical fiberglass or foam to add an additional layer to prevent the sound energy from getting to the ceiling itself.  This is very common in professional studios and home recording studios.  It is a little more involved but typically very effective.  

A 10 decibel reduction will reduce the perceived sound by 50%

A combination of these approaches will greatly reduce the sound transmission of your drum kit.  Your neighbors will thank you after you apply some of these simple adjustments to reduce the sound that bleeds out of your room and your house.  

 Perceived sound reduction equations