Plexiglass works really well AND it's practically impossible to break/smash especially when you get beyond 3mm-4mm thickness. I made some inner windows with double panel 4mm plexiglass (about 8mm gap between the panes) and it blocks out noise almost completely from outside.
Interesting! i am just going off what Rod Gervais taught in his book. But I just did some more quick research and I think it may have to be another youtube video to go more in depth with it. If you have any video examples of your studio I would love to see them. DM me if you are down to share!
@@soundproofyourstudio Sorry I spoke too soon. I watched some of your other videos and it seems like you are a real pro so I defer to your expertise! Also it's not a studio per-se, just our crappy rented house with terrible single-pane windows that were making our lives a misery (in terms of both sound and almost non-existent insulation). We weren't in a position to spend thousands on professionally-made windows so I decided to throw together some of my own. Walls were a write-off, but treating the windows made a massive difference on both counts. I guess my method was a bit more rudimentary than your seemingly very high-grade finish but it got the job done. Also I read some stuff that suggests plexiglass can become discolored from prolonged exposure to the sun but I cannot be sure (haven't had any issues for 12 months at least). Plus, I really like your idea (or Rod's idea?) of using different thickness/different types of glass/material. My two plexiglass panes are the same thickness so I imagine there's a loud of "internal bounce" or whatever the scientific term is. Anyway I already moved out of that hellhole into a new(ish) build with proper windows so no photos unfortunately. Just want to say I really enjoyed your videos so far and I've subscribed!
@@bluetech2809 Yeah I think plexiglass is certainly the budget option. One thing I have learned about everything with soundproofing is it is not cheap, but I am so happy to have done things right and spent the money in the end rather than having any regrets. I appreciate you watching the videos and subscribing. It is this amazing community that keeps me inspired to keep learning and teaching.
I love these videos - I have already watched 7 of them in just one day. I was wondering why you aren't using a vapor barrier, or maybe I just didn't see it?
Great video, thanks for the info and for keeping it simple! Maybe a dumb question but I’m wondering if the soundproofing works in either direction? I’m planning a build as an add on to my house and would like to not only block out sounds from outside like planes, sirens, cars and screaming children, but would also like to contain the sound of drums and amplifiers so as to not disturb neighbors and get complaints. Would love to be able to have natural light in the space. Do you think windows can block those sounds out as well? Or is it primarily for outside sounds not getting in?
If I want maximum noise, isolation, would you recommend I put two layers of laminated glass of different thickness to avoid coincidence issues? Would it be better than one layer of laminated and one layer of tempered? Cost is fortunately not an issue on this one. 😊 thanks
Yup thickest glass you can afford. Change thicknesses for coincidence frequency and laminate or tempered works. I used two different ones and I don't think it matters one way or the other. If you can match the mass of the windows with the mass of your walls that is a bonus too for extreme soundproofing needs. TBH my window design works extremely well and I don't think I would need much else. Best of luck!
Talking about your contactor, hearing "you guys should definitely work with him", thinking to myself "probably not able to do that thoug...." *"If you're in Nashville". 😶🤯
Can you please tell me what that nice banjo music is in the background? It's very similar to the music I'm trying to create if I ever finish the studio
For windows between a studio and a control room, it's also helpful to have the angles of each panel offset or different, e.g. one at 90 degrees vertical and the other at 80 or 100 degrees vertical. This helps discourage standing waves that might occur within the air gap.
Great point and it also helps with direct reflections back in the room. If you angle the two panes so the top is wider than the bottom then the sound will reflect back toward the floor. Another benefit is it won't cast reflections when you look through it. All great reasons for angling the observation window.
Is there any approximate equation to calculate the resonant frequency of two glasses, depending on the mass and the distance between them? I have a 10mm float glass and a 6mm float glass, which are separated by a distance of 10cm. Do you know approximately how many decibels are generally reduced when reaching that frequency? thanks.
You know I would over think it too much. If you use thick glass with the right type of glass and get the largest airgap you can afford you will be happy. So many people never build anything because they get stuck on numbers and research.
Plexiglass works very very well. You need 2 panes separated by at least 1”. And use acoustic glue and/or acoustic tape to isolate the plexiglass. Also, you forgot Polycarbonate.
