What most people do not know is that STC Ratings only go from 125 Hz to 4000 Hz. Any frequencies that are below 125 Hz (such as sub-bass frequencies) are not accounted for in the STC ratings. Yes, you can compare it to Green Glue when it comes to STC ratings and they will perform very similarly. However, SONOpan has not tested its products in the sub-bass frequencies. It is unfortunate that SONOpan has not tested its produces for home recording studios, because the low frequencies of bass drums and bass guitars are the HARDEST frequencies to soundproof against.
Hi Matt, Yes it's true that STC only measures down to 125 hz. We measure this way because that is the measurement required by inspectors and the "language" that builders and architects use to determine wall and ceiling assemblies. The industry needs a paradigm shift in order to better understand soundproofing. We do however understand and communicate the best soundproofing solutions for all frequencies. For low bass, it is best to also incorporate a decoupling mechanism for improved soundproofing. Please visit SONOpan.com for more information.
I tend to agree, since there is very little mass, I dont know how it would perfom with TVs etc. I cant see it doing better than two layers of 5/8 drywall which is quite dense.
Hey @grizzlyinvesting, to purchase SONOpan in the US, email us at info@sonopan.com with your location and the number of panels you wish to purchase, and we will help coordinate the order.
This wasn't to specific on what each one was. The green glue was two layers of drywall? Or two with the existing drywall in place? Its saying these are the same? So if space is a concern, go with two layers of drywall (as sonopan is 3/4 inch)?
That's true they didn't explain well enough but it doesn't matter that much anyway. The extra (likely 1/2") dw would only add 1-2 pts of sound control. Also 5/8ths is .625 so only an 1/8 thicker for SP. My personal strategy on my new sound control project is going to be adding a layer of Sonopan to the ceiling followed by a layer of 5/8ths DW. According to this video that should get me an STC of 50. If that proves insufficient, I will add a second layer of 5/8 DW with green glue. Think about your options and your plan b!
At 4:53, you're right, SONOpan is between 2 layers of drywalls. This is a frame taken from an installation video on our website and it's showing a different assembly from the one that has been used for the experiment in this video. At 1:02, SONOpan is applied right on the joists, then the resilient channel and then drywall, which is the assembly tested in this video.
