If you are indeed looking for better soundproofing between the two floors, I'd recommend using something like Quietrock 530 or Soundbreak XP. Standard drywall solutions leave quite a bit to be desired as far as STC ratings are concerned. I used both products in constructing my new sound room, and the differences are not subtle. Combined with an insulating product such as Roxul Safe N' Sound, you significantly decrease sound transmission without resorting to more expensive framing solutions (staggered stud, double walls, etc - although these add yet more isolation for excellent STC ratings). Have fun, and remember the work will be worth it in the end!
Ceiling tiles using rigid fiberglass
So I'm in the process of finishing a basement to include a dedicated audio space, which will be 35' x 23' x 8'6". Walls framed and electrical mostly done. I am trying to determine the most effective method of creating an acoustically absorbent ceiling while maintaining a nice look.
I have looked into 'acoustical' ceiling tiles but the data is obviously not promising. The idea that I favor right now is to buy the rigid fiberglass, cut it into 2' x 2' squares, wrap them in an acoustically transparent cloth, exact type TBD, and drop them into a standard grid. In effect, I'd be creating my own ceiling tiles, the benefit being that they'd actually be of acoustic benefit, instead of the off-the-shelf tiles which don't work all that well.
The main questions I have are:
(1) Is this a reasonable approach? Has anyone here tried this?
(2) If so, what to do with the gap between the rigid fiberglass and the main level floor (joists are 2x10s)? Is it best to use 1" rigid and stuff the rest with fluffy, 2" and stuff, 4" and stuff, or will they yield similar acoustic results? If I use 4", will stuffing the gap even make a difference? I think the 1" rigid plus fluffy is the least expensive option, but performance is more important that cost here.
I'm also very open to ceiling tiles which are acoustically transparent enough to let the incident waves penetrate to fluffy fiberglass underneath. This would be a very attractive option, as it may yield great performance with less effort (I'm doing all the construction work myself, so anything that saves time is welcomed!).
Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere, but I searched for quite a while.....
Thoughts?
I have looked into 'acoustical' ceiling tiles but the data is obviously not promising. The idea that I favor right now is to buy the rigid fiberglass, cut it into 2' x 2' squares, wrap them in an acoustically transparent cloth, exact type TBD, and drop them into a standard grid. In effect, I'd be creating my own ceiling tiles, the benefit being that they'd actually be of acoustic benefit, instead of the off-the-shelf tiles which don't work all that well.
The main questions I have are:
(1) Is this a reasonable approach? Has anyone here tried this?
(2) If so, what to do with the gap between the rigid fiberglass and the main level floor (joists are 2x10s)? Is it best to use 1" rigid and stuff the rest with fluffy, 2" and stuff, 4" and stuff, or will they yield similar acoustic results? If I use 4", will stuffing the gap even make a difference? I think the 1" rigid plus fluffy is the least expensive option, but performance is more important that cost here.
I'm also very open to ceiling tiles which are acoustically transparent enough to let the incident waves penetrate to fluffy fiberglass underneath. This would be a very attractive option, as it may yield great performance with less effort (I'm doing all the construction work myself, so anything that saves time is welcomed!).
Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere, but I searched for quite a while.....
Thoughts?