Sound Isolation Simulator
Instructions:
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Click Play on the “No Partition” audio file below
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Turn the volume up until it is slightly uncomfortable (very loud) while ensuring that you don’t damage your speakers. You are trying to mimic the loudness of being in a room with a live band.
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Do not adjust the volume as you listen and compare the audio samples of the various wall structures.
Welcome to our sound isolation simulator which is designed to compare ten unique wall structures for their effectiveness at blocking sound, and provide you with an understanding of the cost benefit of implementation. Each wall is accompanied by an audio sample to simulate what you would hear if you were in a room adjacent to the sound source.
No Partition
Wall A/STC 33
Wall Thickness: 4.5"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation:
Finishing: 1/2" Gypsum
Wall B/STC 39
Wall Thickness: 4.75"
Studs: Steel
Insulation: Fiberglass
Finishing: 1/2" Gypsum X
Wall C/STC 41
Wall Thickness: 6.5"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation:
Finishing: 5/8" Gypsum X
Wall D/STC 43
Wall Thickness: 6.5"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation: Fiberglass
Finishing: 1/2" Gypsum
Wall E/STC 45
Wall Thickness: 6"
Studs:
Insulation:
Finishing: 6" Concrete Wall
Wall F/STC 49
Wall Thickness: 7"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation: Fiberglass
Finishing: 1/2" Gypsum X
Wall Thickness: 9"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation: Fiberglass
Finishing: 1/2" Gypsum
Wall Thickness: 8"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation: Fiberglass
Finishing: 1/2" Gypsum X
Wall Thickness: 7.375"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation: Fiberglass
Finishing: 5/8" Gypsum
Wall J/STC 69
Wall Thickness: 10"
Studs: 2x4 Wood
Insulation: Fiberglass
Finishing: 5/8" Gypsum X
FAQ
Transmission Loss is simply defined as the loss of sound as it passes through the wall. It represents a loss of decibels through the wall and is also frequency dependent. The higher a TL rating is for a certain frequency, the more isolation will be accomplished at that frequency. As a rule of thumb, TL ratings will increase with frequency. However, this is theoretical, and actual TL ratings do not increase exactly as theory would predict. The STC, meanwhile, is a single number used to assess the quality of sound isolation done by a wall. It is calculated by using a best fit of standardized STC results to TL measurements. Because it is not frequency dependent, one shouldn’t only look at STC to judge the isolation quality of a wall.
We have based these simulations off real-life measurements to create as accurate of simulations as possible. However, room aspects other than wall type will affect sound isolation. Floor/ceiling description, quality of construction, faulty material, doors or windows in the wall, and countless other factors will affect the sound isolation of a room. Our simulation does a good job of showing a rough idea of the isolation one can expect from a certain wall, as well as showing the differences between different walls and their effectiveness.
The simulations were made using WaveLab software by Steinberg. We manipulated the file to reflect the TL data. All wall TL values used in this simulation came from testing done at NRCC Laboratories. For more walls tested by NRCC, visit http://nparc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/view/fulltext/?id=04ac8069-a5d2-4038-8787-da064b073e7f
The music used in this simulation is the song, “Swagger & Sway,” provided by our friends Henry French & The Shameless. Check them out!
We recommend using decent quality speakers or headphones (preferably not simply your laptop/phone speakers) as low frequencies will not be replicated well in low-quality sound systems, and low frequencies are the most difficult to isolate.
Set the volume based on the, “No Partition” file. Turn volume up until it is loud enough that it is slightly uncomfortable, and do not adjust the volume as you compare to the other walls.
Type X Drywall is drywall that has a fire rating, while regular drywall is not fire-rated.
The standard studded wall with half-inch drywall and 2x4 wood studs is very common. As the walls become more complex, however, they become less and less common. Our experience has shown that each project comes with its own unique needs, and our design for isolation specifications vary accordingly.
Airborne noises are transmitted through the air and through barriers, while structure-borne noises come from impacts on the structure itself. An airborne noise can manifest itself in ways such as shouting from adjacent rooms, dogs barking, or music playing loudly. Structure-borne noises come from vibrations transmitted through walls or even footsteps on the floor above.
Particularly for sound isolation, planning is key to maximize results. Many problems can be fixed before construction even begins, and many problems can be avoided by planning room layouts well. However, if a room has already been constructed and is found to have sound isolation problems, it is still possible to attenuate the problem! This will typically require construction work, which is unfortunate, but can be done. Be sure to work with a consultant to ensure best results!
The cost/ft2 amounts are estimates, and should not be taken as exact values. Many of these materials can be found at common “big box” hardware supply chains. As material costs often vary by location, we recommend that you develop your own materials estimates based on costs, including shipping, from your own preferred vendors.