[ebag4]

This question is more about sound isolation than it is room acoustics but I thought this would be a good place to ask none the less.

A friend of mine is about to finish his basement.  There will be a pool table, ping-pong table and a media room (not a dedicated HT but similar use).  The master bedroom sits directly above a portion of this space.  I recommended that he somehow try to reduce sound transmission between the basement and the main floor.  I mentioned hat channel (drywall ceilings) and possibly fiberglass between the joist.  I told him that I would ask here to verify that these were reasonable methods to reduce the sound transmission and that there would probably be other recommendations.  Cost is a concern.

So what do you guys think.  What are some good ways to allow the wife to sleep while the basement is in use.  BTW, the basement is an open floorplan and the ceilings are currently 9' in most places.

Thanks in advance!

Ed

[orthobiz]

I used R13 insulation between all joists. Then double drywall 5/8 with green glue. No cans in the ceiling, used wall sconces. Great isolation overall.

Paul

[bpape]

Insulation in the joists above is a must.  Also, be very very very careful cutting any holes for can lights, etc. as you're defeating the isolation unless you box them.

If he wants to take the next step, build the walls 1/2" short and use PAC DC-04 clips to decouple the walls from the structure to help with bass transmission.  Add hat channel or RSIC-1 and hat channel for the ceiling.

Pay attention to HVAC as that is a direct path to the rest of the house no matter what else you do.

One more level - add a 2nd layer of drywall with Green Glue between layers.  This helps significantly in the low frequency transmission which is the hardest to deal with.

Bryan

[ebag4]

Bryan/Paul,
Thanks for your responses.  I know that can lights in the ceiling are part of the plan, can you clarify "boxing" them in?  I will point my buddy here to read up.

Thanks again,
Ed

[bpape]

He needs to build an enclosure for the can light out of 3/4" MDF where the only opening is for the Romex to enter.  Seal that and the box to the drywall with caulk.  He'll need to use IC rated cans.

Bryan

[ebag4]

Thanks for the clarification Bryan, it is appreciated.

Best,
Ed