Soundproofing for Home Cinema installations

This blog looks at concepts that ensure daily household routines can continue without a hint of disturbance even while one is indulging in a full volume viewing or listening experience.

One thing that we all readily know and recognise about the nature of sound is that it travels even more than Phileas Fogg. Any spaces or cavities within a building will make any sounds travel all the further. This is why soundproofing, which is often ignored as an important part of creating the perfect home cinema or setup, is undoubtedly significant. In this blog we look at the soundproofing techniques that can help to ensure that even while someone is indulging in a full volume, Dolby Atmos, subwoofer powered viewing or listening experience, that the rest of the household can get on with their daily routines without a hint of disturbance.

Soundproofing and/or Sound Absorption?

Although soundproofing is most often used as a blanket term that covers any and all interior acoustic solutions, it is generally accepted that there are two ways by which you can prevent sound from travelling; soundproofing and sound absorption. Both can be highly effective, either individually or in combination. Soundproofing is specifically defined as any method by which you block sound, while sound absorption is defined as the application and use of appropriate materials to surfaces such as walls and ceilings that have the ability to absorb sound within the room from which it is being produced. Much also depends on the type of material that the walls and ceilings are made of, and whether they are solid or have space or cavities within them.

Sound absorption is more frequently utilised than actual soundproofing and concerns soft materials and products that have been designed to control noise or lessen the echo within a specified area, soaking up any sounds when they reach the particular surface. When carefully placed, an appropriate selection of sound absorbing material or materials on or in walls and ceilings can reduce or even fully eliminate any issues arising from excess noise or sound. Soundproofing prevents sound from entering or leaving a specific room through the use of sound insulating materials that are most often dense and heavy in order to reflect or physically block sound, keeping it enclosed within a given space. This is considered the most suitable method for home cinemas and studios.

The general principles for reducing sound transference are through increasing mass and density and creating separation, also known as ‘mass, damp and decoupling’, something which is often achieved through the frequently implemented box-in-box system, whereby your soundproofing is both insulated and isolated from the structure of the room.

Without imposing too heavily on the aesthetic of the room, absorbent acoustic panels and pyramid foam frames  are a consistently popular choice for home cinema rooms, improving sound quality within the room whilst offering a degree of sound absorption before it can travel through the walls. Wall lining systems that make use of high density building boards, soundbreaker bars and stud work wall kits are also popular, blocking sound and potentially increasing acoustic performance. Adding bass traps will further absorb acoustic energy and improve the sound quality. Insulating between the floor joists with material such as mineral wool is often considered the best way to reduce flanking sound, while double or triple glazed glass effectively works as a solid soundproofing option for windows.

Mayflower London’s time honoured relationship with sound & soundproofing

Mayflower London’s expert acoustic technicians, including sound designers and sound engineers, will not only guarantee that your new sound system and home cinema setup is designed, installed, and works perfectly, but they can also ensure that any adjacent or nearby rooms are protected from any audio disturbances through installing properly fitted soundproofing completed with the highest quality, cutting edge soundproofing materials.

So whether it’s for blocking out the surround sound of your home cinema setup, background noise outside of your office, the consistent booming of a basement studio, or even the drilling, clagging, and banging emerging from the garage or awkwardly situated man cave, Mayflower London’s AV specialists have the knowhow, expertise, and experience to help you fully enjoy audio as well as to protect you from being disturbed by it.