Due to a combination of not having the cash/time (for planning consent) to build a permanent studio in the garden, being located in a conservation area and maybe not needing a permanent building, I'm once again considering the shed option.

I've read many postings on the subject, and noted advice from some who have built in wood that it should be avoided due to noise problems, but it's looking like being my only option.

Thinking of a self-design/build, probably using ply for exterior strength/security, rockwool insulation and double drylining boards, plastered. Roof-wise, may end up being felt. Will have double glazed windows and strong door/metal gate.

My uncle, who's a bright chap - industrial engineer - swears that lead foil placed on an absorbent surface (ie rockwool) will cut a huge amount of sound leakage: he's used this method to silence noisy factory machinery.

I've never heard of this before and wondered if anyone here had come across this idea?

Also be grateful for any pointers/tips others may be able to offer.

Thanks

lining a shed in lead = squashed shed - also works out very expensive!

JP

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Mac Pro, Logic Pro, lots of software and 17 hard drives!

Quote Jonnypopisical:

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lining a shed in lead = squashed shed - also works out very expensive!

JP

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Lead foil - quite thin/light. I was sceptical, but he's adamant it would work. If we can source a small quantity, I'm going to test the theory with an enclosure for a guitar amp.

surely there's just not enough mass in foil - plate maybe, but then i wouldn't have thought that wood could support that amount of weight.

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hourglass | random thoughts | doubledotdash!? collective

I thought so too: he was unequivocal that it works.

Factory machinery is pretty noisy.

Factory machinery rarely needs low frequency attenuation - most of the sound is in the midrange which is much easier to attenuate than bass.

Whatever you do, you will need to build the shed on a good concrete base and treat the outer shell simply as decoration. The real soundproofing will be taken care of by your substantial inner shell.

Cheers

James.

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JRP Music - Audio Mastering and Restoration.
http://www.jrpmusic.net

Quote James Perrett:

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Factory machinery rarely needs low frequency attenuation - most of the sound is in the midrange which is much easier to attenuate than bass.

Whatever you do, you will need to build the shed on a good concrete base and treat the outer shell simply as decoration. The real soundproofing will be taken care of by your substantial inner shell.

Cheers

James.

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I made that point, but he's sure it'd work. Then again he's always right about everything, so I'm going to take it with a pinch of NaCl until he proves it to me...

Thanks James: it was reading about your experiences (and I think your reply to my previous post a while back?) that stopped me considering a shed. Back on the agenda, and I will definitely be starting with a concrete base. It's a compromise, but I'm spending less and less time recording/mixing at high volume. It's as much about having some quiet space away from the house and a permanent home for my office/records/studio kit: somewhere I can make a bit of noise at night, but maybe not a great deal of noise...