It's more expensive, but not MLV-plus-green-glue more expensive. You can also get MLV with a closed cell foam back to add at least some of the isolation you'd otherwise get from green glue. I might be inclined to use one layer of green glue, for the isolation, and one layer of MLV. Sound damping drywall is $50-something per sheet, at least last time I looked, so it's a little cheaper, and less installation labor to boot.Ī layer of 1/8" MLV instead of the green glue would give you an STC 26 barrier at around $35 per 4x8 sheet plus the drywall. You need 3 tubes per 4x8 drywall sheet, at about $17 each, for a total of over $50 plus your drywall. Thing is, green glue is great stuff, but expensive.
![mass loaded vinyl on wall mass loaded vinyl on wall](http://www.quietglue.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mass-loaded-vinyl-wall.png)
I'm far from an expert, so I don't know if it would be enough difference to warrant losing a layer of drywall, or the labor of tearing it out. Others with their own experiences and observations may have further or better ideas for you. The idea is to leave a dead space a few inches wide between the existing wall and your new one, then add sound absorbing panels between the layers.Īgain, I'm not an expert, just suggesting soundproofing methods that I've seen used in studio construction. The ultimate sound control solution (that I can think of) would be to build a second complete studwall in front of the existing wall and not attached to it. I'm not so sure that would be building code compliant, though.Īnother quickish fix is to use "green glue" (a resilient damping compound that comes in caulking gun tubes) on the back of the new drywall, instead of hanging MLV This helps to isolate the new drywall layer, but the green glue doesn't have MLV's density and sound blocking ability. I saw one home studio where the owner had hung big, heavy, lined floor-to-ceiling drapes in front of it instead. Normally the MLV is then covered with another layer of drywall. Typically it's stapled to furring strips. You can buy it on rolls, usually 4 feet or a little more wide. A quick and easy approach is to cover the wall with mass loaded vinyl (MLV). Don't forget to remove receptacle and light switch cover plates, and squirt the caulk into any gaps around them.įrom there you can go in several different ways. I'd start by caulking gaps and openings in the existing wall with acoustic caulk.
![mass loaded vinyl on wall mass loaded vinyl on wall](https://www.goodsoundproof.com/uploads/20199729/soundproof-materials-mass-loaded-vinyl-for45464993864.jpg)
However, I think that what you really need here is not absorption, but a barrier of sound deadening material. Some of them look quite nice, if a little cubicle-y. For that I'd recommend fabric-covered fiberglass acoustic panels. My understanding is that foam and other soft surface materials are best used to absorb and control noise that's already in your room. So I'll throw out a few suggestions based on what I've observed. I'm not one of those, but I've worked in audio production studios for many years, and I've watched studios being built.
![mass loaded vinyl on wall mass loaded vinyl on wall](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ejNqX1Jj-2M/maxresdefault.jpg)
![mass loaded vinyl on wall mass loaded vinyl on wall](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9d/8d/ba/9d8dbaf491f016d4e22fe9b1c05b58ea.jpg)
Your best bet would be to bring in an acoustical engineer. If you can't get your condo association to go for that, you'll have to block the sound on your side of the wall. I don't know anything about the control panel you mention, but maybe the component generating the hum (big transformer? contactor?) could be isolated with resilient sound control mounts. I would start by looking into whether the noise can be stopped at its origin. Options, such as installing dry wall, MLV is a softer, thinner and moreįlexible material that is proven to diminish sound vibrations and noise. MLV comes in multiple weights and thicknesses that are ideal for blocking noises through wall and ceiling linings in any location. MLV isĭurable in that it will not rot or shrink, and is resistant to manyĮnvironmental factors such as weak acids, oils, and alkalis it is non-toxic.Somebody wasn't thinking about residents when your condo was designed! In comparison to alternative sound proofing When sound waves hit loosely installed MLV, the energy in the sound waves is absorbed while moving the barrier, reducing the amount of energy remaining in the sound waves. Specifically desired to be sound proofed, such as media rooms, meeting rooms,Īnd conference rooms. MLV is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quieter home and work environment inĬity dwellings, along with maintaining the space and dimension of rooms that are It packs a large amount of mass in a minimal amount of thickness. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is the traditional solution for sound proofing interiors easily and effectively.