VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Ed Fisher · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 9:29 am Post subject: FIXING WINDOWS***

***If you're here is this thread because your computer is giving you issues...sorry. This is about REAL (look outside at all the little birdies) WINDOWS.

The weak link in my very quiet home recording environment (which is at least partially below ground) is two windows. Both capable of allowing outside noise (trucks passing, lawn mowing, chain sawing) into my otherwise serene place of VO worship.

I'm considering the best way to seal these against the outside. I know that George W has recommended closed cell foam as a solution, although I'm not sure how well it would do against low frequencies. Perhaps the "brain trust" that is here has had to solve this issue in the past? I would be most interested in any "real world" solutions. (or random suggestions)

Merci.
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vkuehn · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:37 am Post subject:

I also have a window in my recording space. I could cover it over with whatever materials the rest of you suggest in response to the question by Clutter Ash. But in my case, I would like to include some glass in the "whatever" to let some daylight in. How thick does glass need to be to become something of an adequate sound barrier. We know the broadcast and recording industry studios have windows to isolate sound... usually involving TWO panes of glass.

How thick should I ask for?

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 1:30 pm Post subject:

Maybe this will help....

http://soundproofwindows.com/recording_studio_windows.html
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Bruce · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 1:31 pm Post subject:

I'm lucky in that I'm up against some forest so I have little noise that makes it through my windows here. Occasional low-flying jets on heavy overcast days, and ravens that park right outside my window are a problem. For those I can usually wait. I have heavy velour curtains over the windows to keep most smaller noises out and they work great at cutting down on reflections in the room.

In my previous studio I had two casement windows and on one wall I just built a second stud and drywall wall over everything with lots of fiberglass insulation. For the other window I used a thick piece of styrofoam cut to fit with a layer of softer foam glued to the window side and I covered the exposed side with a nice fabric. It worked for 99% of the noise I encountered.

B
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George Prince Voice Overs · Joined: 01 Mar 2014 Posts: 6 Location: London, UK

I think you've preempted my question, Bruce. I'm considering picking up some velvet curtains and lining them with foam to block out external, window noise. That way I get to enjoy sunshine when the mic's off, and silence when the red light flashes.

Is this a realistic solution? Or am i putting interior design before effective sound exclusion?
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 7:24 pm Post subject:

I think the ideal solution is a window plug -- a wooden frame that fits snugly into the window opening and is filled with some form of sound-resistant insulation (such as Roxul Safe 'n Sound) then covered with the decorative fabric of your choice. You can remove it when you don't need it and stuff it in the opening when you do. I think you pretty much have to choose between the daylight and the silence; you can't have both at the same time. If you were to attempt to make a window plug that you could see through, I think some form of thick, clear plastic of the sort they used to use to make the rear windows of convertables would be a better option than glass, but you still wouldn't be able to back it fully with insulation and be able to get the light through it.
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Frank F · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:07 pm Post subject:

To get what you desire: "...enjoy sunshine when the mic's off, and silence when the red light flashes"... consider Clearsorber DeAmp from RPG: www.rpginc.com/product_Clearsorber_DeAmp.cfm‎

I have used Clearsorber DeAmp and/or foil for several home and professional studios where major modifications were costly or just not in the cards. It works. Not quite as good as a window "plug" (however there is a lot less hassle between sunlight and red light), and I do recommend Clearsorber.

Frank F
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heyguido · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 9:03 pm Post subject:

And this works in an existing residential window? Tell me more....
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Frank F · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 12:25 am Post subject:

Simply order the size you require. There are some hardware pieces which are used to attach the Clearsorber DeAmp poly or plex or, for that matter; film.

The real key is having at least 2" of air space between the window and the Clearsorber (and yes;, a bit more is better). One would expect this to become a big resonant chamber such as a drum, but the micro-perforations allow the "air space to capture air and sound coming from BOTH sides and dampen if not eliminate the sound passing through. Thus the clear "glass" becomes an absorber and not a resonator.

Keeping sound from passing through a window involves more than just the obvious fix of plugging the hole. There are so many variables in a residential window casement, it becomes imperative the studio "fixer-upper" person takes the time to seal around the windows, the casement, and other openings which might allow sound to pass.

Make sure ANY, and I mean; ANY way sound can travel into the studio area from outside is observed and dealt with post haste.

So the answer to your question about residential windows is a resounding: YES!

Frank F
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George Prince Voice Overs · Joined: 01 Mar 2014 Posts: 6 Location: London, UK

Great tips, chaps. Thank you.
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Pam · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 8:35 am Post subject:

Great idea Frank! And since they are at this moment, putting security fences around the building across the street to start tearing it down, a very timely tip. I too don't want to lose my link to the outside world so this might do the trick.
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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

excuse me for asking here, but I thought this seemed to be an appropriate thread:

In my case the problem is the sliding glass door to the outside in my (rented) apartment in the room where I usually record. Specifically on windy days when the windows and latch rattle a bit, and seals squeak. Any tips, suggestions or products that would be useful?

Ed Fisher · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 12:10 am Post subject:

chrisvoco · Club 300 Joined: 14 Mar 2014 Posts: 380 Location: Local

Quite frankly, I'm jealous of you people who have the window problem: I'm in a basement, nicely acoustically treated, but with *no natural light*.

You are lucky to have the window problem in the first place. Smile

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DeadDillo · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 3:59 am Post subject:

I like the window plug idea as well, but my first thought was to replace the window with double (or even triple) pane glass. The window systems I have in my house have two panes of glass and are filled with argon (I believe) to help with heat retention. But this would also definitely help with sound deadening.

Doing double-pane glass with a plug would be pretty perfect.
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