Re: Soundproof Wall for Recording Studio - Sand?

Yes, there was a company making prefabricated studios in the UK that used to
do this. It works well as the wall is very highly damped.  However to get
enough insulation you normally need a double partition.  So unless one of
the partition leaves already exists you will need two walls, possibly each
filled with sand.  Things to watch: The sand must be very dry.  Protect
against any conceivable water leaks as the sand will become extremely heavy
if wet.  The sand exerts great pressure at the bottom of the partition as it
partly acts like a fluid, so the partition must be strongly built.  I have
also seen (and measured) sand filled doors.  They can be very good, but
again really solid construction is essential.

As regards feasibility, it is a non-standard solution that builders will not
be used to so the costs will go up.  But, weight for weight, it will be
better than a block wall.

Tony Woolf
www.tonywoolf.co.uk

Hi ,

I recently had a client propose building a double stud wall and
filling the cavity with sand in order to minimize sound transmission.
The application is for a small recording studio.  Has anyone heard of
something like this before?  If so, do you have any comments on the
feasibility or effectiveness as compared with other solutions?

Thanks,

Matt