Luxury Theater Soundproofing

theater soundproofing

One of the most ideal uses for soundproofing membranes is when low-frequency reduction is critical to the performance of a system. This is especially true with entertainment and industrial venues, where low-frequency noise is generated from equipment and amplified speakers.

A recent case study with a luxury cinema in Dallas, Texas serves as a prime example. The client required an STC of 65 for the wall performance, but more importantly, needed attenuation above 20 dB in the 50-80Hz range. This is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with conventional methods, including multiple layers of drywall on double metal-stud walls.

With gypsum-only assemblies an STC of 65 may be reached, but the attenuation (transmission loss) at 50 Hz is often around 8-12 dBs. Furthermore, this data point is not factored into STC performance, since STC only incorporates performance between 100-4000Hz.

Instead, we worked with the client’s architect to implement a hybrid solution with 1 layer of drywall on each side, and 1 layer of membrane applied directly to the studs behind the drywall. We used the INSUL software to model the system, and determined that this should provide a significant improvement in the low-frequency and broadband attenuation characteristics for the wall.

Once confirmed, we scheduled a test with Riverbank Acoustical Labs to run a custom test for this system, and received the results within 2 weeks. As expected, attenuation at the critical lower frequencies was 60-70% higher than the gypsum-only design. This is primarily due to the resonance of the wall, as the membranes provide a damping of the system while gypsum transmits sound energy through multiple layers if directly attached.

33 foot rolls were custom-produced and delivered to the job site to optimize the installation and maximize schedule recovery. Each roll was hoisted on the scissor lift and attached via 4 screws along the header track of the stud system. The lift was then lowered while the roll unspooled from the lift bar. This allowed the membrane to be installed at 3-4 times the rate of standard drywall.

Cinema Soundproofing Results

The results were excellent – our client received a benefit in each of the cost-schedule-technical legs of the typical construction triad.

Cost: Significantly reduced drywall labor out-paced the increased cost of the soundproofing polymer membrane. Furthermore, the lighter-weight wall allowed further stud spacing, saving further material and labor costs.

Schedule: Since the drywall construction was on the critical path, it was essential to reduce it where possible. The membrane installed in each auditorium in less than 1 day, compared to 2 days for drywall. This allowed significant schedule recovery on the project that had been affected by inclimate weather.

Technical: Low-frequency attenuation was improved by 60-70%, especially in the “problem range” from 50-200 Hz. Furthermore, the STC was improved by 3 points overall. The STC improvement of the wall underscores why Wall Blokker and other soundproofing membranes may be an excellent alternative to Soundbreak and QuietRock, or several layers of drywall.

Summary
Luxury Theater Soundproofing
Article Name
Luxury Theater Soundproofing
Description
Use advanced and cost-effective methods to improve STC and Soundproofing in your Movie Theater or Entertainment projects.
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Publisher Name
Commercial Acoustics
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