Studios require quiet environments to allow quality sound recording and production efficiency. Vibrations and other unwanted noises may take a lot of time to edit out and can interfere with the quality of the recorded instruments and vocals. One way to muffle noise and reduce sound transmission is through acoustic floor mats. Here are three ways to soundproof your studio with a sound mat:
1. Soundproof Your Studio Floor
Acoustic underlayments are used in floor-ceiling systems to absorb and dampen impact noise. Impact noise occurs when an object makes direct contact with your floor. Examples include sound produced by footsteps, moving fixtures, and falling objects. The contact creates vibrations that travel through the floor’s system into other spaces. Installing a sound matbeneath the floor finish reduces the transmission of impact noise, resulting in quieter environments. You can use rubber mats, which offer dense, flexible installations that absorb more vibrations from impact noise. Underlayment providers also have foam and cork mats.
Some mats feature extra layers of fabric to enhance soundproofing. The mats also have unique designs, including engineered filaments and continuous threading. Acoustic mats primarily reduce impact vibrations but also prevent airborne noise from bouncing off the floor. Airborne noise comes from television sets, speakers, and monitors inside the studio. Human chatter and external noises like thunderstorms or traffic can also interfere with recording. Installing acoustic floor mats allows you to prevent sound vibrations from traveling through the floor into your booths and microphones. You can also use the mats to reduce noise from other rooms if your studio is surrounded by other businesses in a multi-story building.
2. Soundproof Your Studio Ceiling
Noise can enter your studio through the floor system, walls, or ceiling. Installing underlayment takes care of unwanted impact noise from the floor but doesn’t keep away vibrations from rooms above your studio. If you work in a multi-story building with neighbors above, you need to soundproof your studio ceiling. The mats can reduce airborne noise from above and absorb impact noise caused by your neighbors. Installing ceiling mats also prevents sound from your studio from traveling upwards. Without adequate dampening, sound can bounce off hard ceilings back into your microphones, creating unwanted echoes.
Attach acoustic mats directly to your studio ceiling to provide a barrier against sound transmission between floors. Use thicker mats made from recycled rubber or foam. Thicker and heavier mats are suitable for ceilings because they absorb more noise and vibrations, reducing reverberations. You can install mats under the ceiling panels or tiles to dampen sound without sacrificing aesthetics. Consult your mat provider to determine the ideal material, thickness, and mass for your needs.
3. Prioritize IIC and STC Ratings
Impact insulation class, IIC, and sound transmission class, STC, are ratings used to indicate the mat’s ability to reduce noise. IIC rating denotes the mat’s ability to reduce impact noise, while STC ratings measure how well the material dampens airborne noise. Higher IIC and STC ratings indicate better soundproofing performance. Your acoustic floor mat should have a higher IIC rating to reduce noise transmission to the spaces below. High IIC mats can dampen the heavy bass vibrations coming from your monitors.
Mats with higher STC ratings also absorb airborne sounds, preventing reverberations. Sound attenuating system providers will help you determine the ideal ratings for your studio. Check the building codes and standards before installing acoustic mats. Some buildings require renters to meet specific noise reduction standards. Prioritizing IIC and STC ratings allows you to reduce overall noise and create a quiet, isolated space that supports production.
Install a High-quality Studio Sound Mat Today
Studios require a higher level of silence during production. Acoustic floor and ceiling mats will block noise from outside and manage internal vibrations. Contact a sound attenuating system provider today to find out more about sound mat options for your studio.
