In this blog, I’ll discuss bass soundproofing and look at some specific information regarding why bass frequencies are more difficult to eliminate, as well as the most effective remedies.
We all desire terrific sound in our home cinemas, gaming rooms, rehearsal spaces, and other areas where a lot of bass sound, or low-frequency sound, is present. Speciality rooms that generate a lot of bass sound, predictably, have unique design issues.
Controlling the low frequencies is, in general, the most difficult component of high-level isolation (bass). Remember that STC doesn’t measure bass since it doesn’t take into account frequencies below 125Hz, and we’re dealing with rooms that produce a lot of sound below that. We’ll describe how to deal with low-frequency sound, which can be a little sciencey. Having said that, we’ll also provide simple instructions for dealing with all of that bass!
Not only can you hear the bass, but you can also feel it as Structural Noise because low frequencies penetrate through walls, floors, ceilings, and almost anything else (Impact Noise). They can even penetrate concrete and brick.
Bass noise is perhaps the hardest to eliminate, and many traditional soundproofing solutions are ineffective in this regard. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for reducing and eliminating bass noise.
How to soundproof bass noise?
There are numerous possibilities, and the amount of time, money, and effort required for each differs significantly. Some of the most effective strategies to block bass noise are given below.
- Fill up the Cracks and Gaps
- Walls Soundproofing
- Soundproofing Doors and Windows
- Adding sound insulation to the floor
- Ceiling Soundproofing
- Make use of bass traps
Why Is Soundproofing Against Bass So Difficult?
Understanding bass makes dealing with it simpler, so before we look at the 10 ways of preventing bass, let’s examine what bass is and why it’s the most challenging sound to stop or regulate.
Bass is a low-frequency sound that may penetrate solid surfaces. The bass is often felt as vibrations on the walls and floors. The sensation of bass can be felt by people who are partially deaf or completely deaf since it is a physical representation of sound.
Sound waves are essentially energy that causes the vibration of air molecules. Higher frequency sound waves utilise more energy than lower frequency sound waves. They also transmit less energy to solid materials or air like walls.
As a result, they lose less energy when travelling through a medium, allowing it to move longer distances. High-frequency sound waves dissipate their energy more quickly, making it easier for heavier objects to block them.
Fill up the Cracks and Gaps
All sound is the same as air. Any break or gap in the wall will allow it to pass through. Bass sounds is no exception. It can pass through walls and other structural members, although it will move more easily through gaps in the wall. Use acoustic caulking to seal everything either before you start soundproofing or during the procedure when you have access to Heating and cooling and electrical penetrations.
These cracks and gaps are usually found on walls but don’t forget that windows and doors can also have them.
Here’s how to make your acoustic caulk, which will take you less than 30 minutes to accomplish.
- To begin, wipe the area and look for any small flaws or gaps in the walls, windows, or floors. If you have furnishings against the wall, you’ll need to look for spaces behind it.
- Apply the Acoustic Caulk to the gaps and seal them carefully. These acoustic caulks come in a variety of colours and tube sizes. These acoustic caulks are flexible and non-hardening. Acoustic caulks are simple to use and apply. It may be used everywhere, just like glue, and each cartridge is reasonably priced.
- Over time, this Big Stretch caulk stretches. If you’re working with a sensitive surface, you can spread the glue with your fingertips. After it dries, you may paint over it with any colour you choose, and it also becomes waterproof.
- This caulk can be used to seal gaps between walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as between windows and doors.
| Materials Needed |
| Acoustic Caulk |
| Big Stretch caulk |
Walls Soundproofing
Because bass noise easily penetrates through building structures, soundproofing the walls will be necessary. This isn’t the easiest answer because it requires time and work, but it is practical.
You’ll need to strip the wall down to the wooden frame to apply soundproofing material.
Then, to cut your material to size, measure the dimensions and give notice of electrical outlets and energy boxes.
There are a variety of materials and ways for soundproofing walls, and you can combine 2 or more of them for even greater results. The most important factor is to use noise-absorbing materials to enhance mass:
Acoustic panels
Acoustic foam panels are the most affordable alternative, and they’re commonly used in recording studios and clubs to eliminate echoes and reverberation.
Remove any air gaps between the timber frames of the wall by installing acoustic panels in the vacant stud cavities.
Mass loaded vinyl
MLV is thin, flexible, and long-lasting. It has a high bulk, which allows it to suppress sound. The sheets will have to be cut to size and nailed to the frame, with the sections ideally overlapping one another by 2 inches. In contrast to the acoustic panels, mass loaded vinyl can be employed.
It’s recommended to start from the top of the frame and work down to ensure the leading layer is flat with the ceiling while installing them.
Drywall and Green glue
If you’re going to use drywall as a soundproofing measure, you should either use two layers of drywall with Green Glue between them or buy dampened drywall with a soundproofing coating sandwiched in the centre.
The quantity of noise that passes through the wall will be greatly reduced with two layers. Green glue is a dampening material that is both inexpensive and simple to use. It will aid in the sealing and airtightness of the drywall.
How to use Green Glue?
This is a three-step procedure for using green glue.
- On the backside of the second drywall, apply many coats of green glue; preferably, 1-2 tubes should suffice.
- Now press down this drywall on top of the existing wall, keeping in mind that it will dry in 15 minutes.
- Attach the second drywall to the existing drywall with screws.
As a result, green sealant can help us damper soundwaves and minimise resonance indirectly and is the most appropriate method for soundproofing existing walls.
| Materials Needed | Tools Needed |
| Green Glue | Dispensing gun |
| Acoustic foam panels | |
| MLV |
Soundproofing Doors and Windows
This is a genuine recommendation for anyone interested in blocking sound from both sides. Yes, soundproofing your home from the inside is possible. This is the ideal answer, and here are some of the most effective techniques to soundproof your doors and windows.
Bass, as previously stated, can move from anywhere. It only requires a small amount of vacuum to travel quickly. Doors and windows provide excellent vacuum gaps for bass.
How to Make Your Doors Soundproof?
Clean the door’s surface with available solutions first, then look for cracks and gaps. The doorknob may have fractures and openings from the walls, at which time you should begin soundproofing.
- To fix the holes and cracks in the door, apply the acoustic caulk.
- Installing a door draught, which usually works as a noise blocker, can also block the bass.
- Soundproof paint from your neighbourhood store can also be used. Choose the best sound-absorbing paint and a hue that complements the existing door and wall colour.
- Getting high-quality weather-stripping tape is just another way to make it a more soundproof gateway. Put it on the door or door frame with the right pressure and alignment.
The total cost of soundproofing a door might range from $300 to $500. The door is the biggest gap in the wall that creates a great vacuum for sound to go through. Air pollutants and temperature regulation are also improved by soundproofing your door.
| Material Needed |
| acoustic caulk |
| door draught |
| Weather-stripping tape |
How to soundproof windows?
A window is the 2nd most hole in the wall, and it’s a fantastic vacuum for bass, light, and air. You should also try soundproofing your windows in addition to the doors. The majority of individuals are unsure where to begin, and if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can save dollars by doing it yourself.
You must soundproof the windows not only to manage your bass, but also to eliminate noise levels, air pollution, and excessive sunlight concerns.
The purpose of soundproof window curtains is to keep light and noise out. When we have curtains in the room, there is a very slim probability that the bass will escape through the curtains.
You can use acoustic caulk to cover gaps and fractures in the windows, much as the door.
The correct materials and glass are essential. Because you won’t have to pay for labour, spend some money on some high-quality supplies to get the job done.
| Material Needed |
| Soundproof window curtains |
Adding sound insulation to the floor
People who live in apartments should be aware of the soundproofing floor and ceiling in general. Because you don’t want your downstairs neighbours to hear your bass, here are some easy ways to soundproof your floor.
Your downstairs neighbours may be disturbed if you dance to the bass. We want to enjoy music as loudly as possible, but upsetting your neighbours is not a smart idea.
Using thicker and denser Carpets on the floor is one technique to soundproof it. Because sound frequencies have a hard time travelling through hard surfaces, thick carpets can block bass.
Rubber floor mats, on the other hand, can be used below carpets for greater results. This Rubber-Cal floor mat is inexpensive and attractive, yet it performs better. These mats are commonly found in gyms, cellars, and fitness centres.
Another option is to lay soundproofing materials under the carpet, such as Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV). MLV is a high-density substance that sits between you and the floor. These are used by studio owners to adjust the bass and treble values.
There are other low-cost options for soundproofing your floor, but they only work for a portion of it. If you only need to soundproof a small area, you can use regular exercise mats made of foam or underlayment made of foam or rubber.
| Material Needed |
| Carpet |
| Rubber floor mats |
Ceiling Soundproofing
There are two main methods for soundproofing your ceiling. The first step is to put up a coat of drywall. You can achieve the best results by using double drywall and green glue.
Another alternative is to place acoustic foam panels on your ceiling; these panels come in a variety of forms, sizes, colours, and designs, so you should be able to find panels that match your apartment’s aesthetic. The ceiling panelling must next be installed to act as a sound barrier against the bass noise.
Make use of bass traps
The purpose of a bass trap is to suppress low frequencies. They take in the sound energy and convert it to heat.
This means that when bass vibrations collide with the bass trap, they lose amplitude because the trap absorbs the kinetic energy and converts it to heat energy through friction.
Bass traps are commonly used in home recording studios, and they perform best when placed in corners or against flat walls. The traps should be placed in corners or on flat walls to minimize low-frequency build-up while taking up the least amount of space.
Bass traps are a potential alternative for reducing bass, but they must be used in conjunction with other strategies because bass traps alone are unlikely to produce an effective outcome.
| Material Needed |
| Bass trap |
Conclusion
It’s not easy to soundproof your house against bass, but it is feasible. Constantly hearing bass can make you want to rip your hair out, but this list of ten ways should assist you to sort it out.
Remember that your neighbours may not realise how their music’s bass affects you, so speaking to them in a calm, respectful manner could be the solution.
Some of the solutions provided are simple, inexpensive, and take little time to implement, while others involve a huge amount of time, effort, and money.
Some solutions don’t require any structural adjustments, while others are long-term improvements that will soundproof your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Bass Soundproofing.
Is it true that bass traps can aid with soundproofing?
If the goal is to prevent excess low-frequency noises, which are the most difficult to control, bass traps can aid with soundproofing. Bass traps are intended to smooth out the sound in a room and to make a significant acoustic difference in terms of numbers, measures, music production, and sound mixing.
Is it possible to hear the bass from your neighbours?
You may both hear and feel your neighbour playing the bass guitar or playing bass-heavy songs. It’s easier to ignore loud melody music than it is to ignore the sound of the bass. Wearing earplugs or listening to music can help, but soundproofing the entire flat may be necessary.
Is it against the law to play music with a lot of basses?
Most drivers will receive an alert rather than a fine or a citation when it comes to their music systems. It is not unlawful to have a system with the ability to be loud; nonetheless, it is criminal to use it.
Is bass able to pass through walls?
Low bass frequencies penetrate right through walls, but midrange and high-frequency sounds are more easily confined. Home-theatre bass can also bother other relatives within a house or apartment, so it’s not just a noise concern from the neighbours.
What’s the deal with bass traps being so expensive?
As previously said, the main reason bass traps are so expensive is that they’re a niche product with a smaller market than, say, a television or other home theatre equipment. While every home theatre will almost certainly have a television, not all will have bass traps.
Is it worthwhile to invest in bass traps?
Bass traps make music sound better, whether it’s in a standard stereo or a cinematic sound mix. In most settings, the improvement is perceived as greater bass, with less variation in bass volume and quality across the room.
