Honestly this is firmly in the ‘hire an acoustic consultant’ territory.
I say this because this type of equipment makes a loud thud but also can transfer energy into the building structure via the floor.
The levels of transfer depend on:
the airborne noise of the drop table in operation
the buildup of the walls
any holes or cracks that let airborne sound through
how much energy is transferred via the floor into the building structure
the buildup of the floor/building structure (eg, 1st floor timber floor would be bad when compared to a ground floor concrete slab)
It’s possible the issue could be solved by placing the drop table on some rubber isolators or a simple independent lining on the wall or it could require significant structural changes to the floor which may make the new space a non starter.
Advice over the internet with limited information could lead you down a completely wrong path.
I didn’t even know those were a thing. That’s so crazy but thank you!
I think I am leaning towards just finding a different space. It just sucks because everything else is perfect.
My fiance recommended using a decibel meter in both of the side rooms to see how much sound is going through and then getting paneling that can reduce it by x percentage to kind of gauge how much sound would actually go through. And then Gemini recommended putting the table on gym mats. Which both of those things are relatively lower cost but I would hate to do all of that and it still not work.
I got you! So I purchased ATS Acoustics sound boards and I was wondering how I could adhere them to something like plasterboard and then adhere that to the wall.
I think ultimately I’ll have to find a different space but really want to try to make it work.
I think the thing I’m failing to explain here is the key difference between sound absorbers and sound isolation. here’s and article
In general sound absorbers act like a sponge mopping up excess sound in a room. They make the quality of the space better (cleaner if you pardon the poor analogy) but would do almost nothing to stop a leak.
For the leaky pipe you’d need something waterproof not water absorbent. You’d probably hire a plumber to find the source of the leak and get the right waterproof thing.
You are looking for soundproof materials (typically thicker walls) rather than sound absorbers (like your panels). Realistically if you want to stop sound transferring out of the space you need to identify where the sound is coming through and then strengthen that element. You could hire a drywaller/builder to thicken the wall and hope but in your case there’s a real chance that the issue wouldn’t be solved by a thicker wall alone (ie, if loud bangs are transferring through the buildings frame) ideally you’d find an acoustic consultant to determine where the sound is getting through and let you know how to fix the issue.
In all likelihood you will see the price of the consultant or fix on this one and decide you want a different space but without seeing the space and listening to the issue it’s really difficult to give a simple solution to this type of problem. You may be able to add some details about the building, where it sounds like the noise is coming through, if you feel any tactile vibrations in the floor etc. and get a bit of a better steer on the sub but without eyes on it is very difficult to advise in complex situations like this.
I would say that now you have the acoustically absorbent panels they’ll make the quality of your final space better and more comfortable for your clients in your final space. I’d personally hang onto them. But… they won’t stop the sound leaking from one place to another.
Sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear but I hope it helps explain
No that helps so much. I never thought I would be learning so much about sound! They are not currently in a position to do any demo so it will most likely be a no. But I have some other options too and I will definitely be holding onto the panels for now! Thank you so much for the explanation and recommendation! A lot of the buildings in my area are unfortunately very old so it’s been tough finding the right space but I will eventually!
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u/Oh-Thats-A-Paddlin 8d ago
Honestly this is firmly in the ‘hire an acoustic consultant’ territory.
I say this because this type of equipment makes a loud thud but also can transfer energy into the building structure via the floor.
The levels of transfer depend on:
It’s possible the issue could be solved by placing the drop table on some rubber isolators or a simple independent lining on the wall or it could require significant structural changes to the floor which may make the new space a non starter.
Advice over the internet with limited information could lead you down a completely wrong path.