A soundproof box is a box that has been constructed with specific materials that block soundwaves from traveling either out or in. Soundproof boxes are used in various situations, mainly where there is a requirement to prevent stray sound from getting out into other rooms. A soundproof box can also help to keep noises inside.
Where Is a Soundproof Box Used?
Soundproof boxes have a variety of use cases. One of the most widespread uses has to be in the music industry. Typically, when a recording session is in progress, the sounds must be kept as distinct and clear as possible.
The various instruments, as well as the singers’ voices, need to stand out. When a soundproof box is unavailable, all the music you hear will become polluted by unwanted, external sounds. This is why a recording room is an excellent example of a soundproof box.
Additionally, soundproof boxes can also be used in scientific research and applications. Musical instrument dealers typically utilize soundproofed enclosures to keep their products. This ensures that the customers can seamlessly access the available products’ capabilities without causing a racket outside.
Moreover, soundproof boxes or enclosures can be utilized in religious environments where peace and silence are essential considerations. Lecture halls, conference rooms, entertainment arenas, gymnasiums, and restaurants are prime examples of spaces that can benefit from soundproof boxes.
Homeowners can also benefit from having a soundproof box. A lot of noise is generated from the typical home, whether a family member or sibling enthusiastically practicing an instrument or playing the latest album from their favorite band. Having a soundproof box can help provide the perfect environment to practice or listen to music.
Having a soundproof box can also be great if you have a home theatre system you would love to enjoy to the fullest. Additionally, if you want to have a quiet home environment, whether you are trying to do some work or practice meditation, a soundproof box can come in handy. Soundproof boxes can be helpful in apartment complexes, where some neighbors are a lot noisier than others.
In this article, you will discover how to make a soundproof box and find the types of materials you can use. Before starting, you need to know the size of the soundproof box you intend on creating. Depending on your usage, you could create a larger container to house a particular appliance or go more prominent to create a sort of home recording studio.
Before getting into the steps to make a soundproof box, we have to highlight the various soundproofing materials available.
Types of Soundproof Materials
Acoustic Fabrics
Acoustic fabrics are fabrics that are heavier and thicker than the regular types. These fabrics make theatre curtains, blackout curtains, and in-studio blankets.
Acoustic Boards/Panels
Acoustic panels or boards are sound insulation and sound-absorbing foam with a difference; they are also decorative. They typically come in various fabrics, colors, and patterns to serve dual purposes in a home or at the workplace.
Sound Insulation
Sound insulation and soundproofing material are batts that have been constructed from rock wool, mineral wool, and fiberglass. They have been designed to be placed in between wall studs. The batts can seamlessly fit between the studs to fill the airspace a sound wave is usually transmitted through.
Acoustic Foam
Acoustic foam, which is commonly known as studio foam, is a material that consists of a distinct wedge or pyramid shape, which helps in the effective absorption of sound. This type of soundproof material is typically attached to the walls as panels. However, they can also be placed in bass traps located at the corners of a room or hung as baffles from the ceiling.
Now that we have highlighted a few of the materials used for soundproofing, it is time to start making a soundproof box.
Step One – Collecting Your Materials
To create your soundproof box, you will need the following materials:
- Cardboard boxes (of your size)
- Blade, pair of scissors, or knife
- Newspaper
- Soundproof adhesive spray
- Foamboard
- Foam panels
The number of foam panels or boards you need for your soundproof box will depend on how many walls of the container you intend to insulate. For instance, if you want the cardboard box to be completely closed, you need enough foam panels and boards to cover all the walls. However, if you want an open box, you will need just five.
Step Two – Preparing Your Workspace
Gather some old newspaper and then spread it over the surface you intend to build your soundproof box. Doing so ensures that the surface remains in pristine condition and isn’t damaged by the adhesive spray or any material you might use to create the soundproof box.
Ensure that your workspace is large enough. This is essential to accommodate any adjustments or cutting you might need to make to the foam panels or boards before applying them to the box.
Step Three – Adhering the Foam Boards or Panels to the Box
To make your soundproof box, you will need six foam boards which will be attached to the inside walls, as well as the front flap. Depending on the type of soundproofing foam or panels you get, you might have to cut the boards to fit, so ensure your blade, scissors, or knife is available to make the necessary adjustments.
The foam panels should be attached to the box using the adhesive spray. For this, you will require any top brand heavy-duty adhesive spray like 3M styrofoam spray adhesive – one that can be used on different materials like foam and cardboard.
The most effective way to apply the foam boards to the soundproof cardboard box is to first spray the foam panels with the spray, pressing the board to the inside wall of the box. This process will have to be repeated a couple of times till every part of the wall has been covered with the adhesive spray.
Step Four – Adding the Foam Boards
The next step would be to add the foam boards or panels to the box. To do this, you can choose to use sculpted foam boards and flat foam panels. Sculpted foam panels tend to have raised surfaces with patterns of pyramids, egg crates, or ridges for sound absorption.
You can get eggs to create soundproof tiles that come in shapes of 12 by 12. They are usually half an inch thick and come in a pack of 12. They make a great soundproof box. Another foam board is the acoustic foam panel that measures 48 inches by 24 by 1. They are flat foam panels that can cover a large area, making them easy to add to the walls of your soundproof box.
Using the spray adhesive like you used before the foam boards were applied, you can spray the foam panels before attaching them to the box.
Step Five – Testing the Soundproof Box
Now that the construction of your soundproof box is complete, you have to test its level of sound reduction and sound isolation. To do this, you will place your soundproof container around any device you hope to quieten and listen to ensure the sound emanating from it has been substantially reduced.
Considering that you are making the soundproof box for the first time, you might need to adjust. It isn’t uncommon to realize that not every area of the foam panel has sufficient adhesive on it. You will have to remedy this by applying an additional sealant to some box parts.
If you have space to put in more foam panels, do so, as adding more foam panels to a soundproof box will only make it better. If you are using a flat foam panel, the application is easy. However, if you used a sculpted foam panel, the most effective way to apply it is to flip the panel on its side to be placed in the soundproof box.
One thing to note is that sculpted foam panels have been designed to reflect and absorb sound, so if you place a panel on top of another, then the inherent benefits of the sculpted foam panel are lost.
Conclusion
Creating a soundproof box is an easy process that anyone can do. When creating a soundproof box, you simply need to have the different materials you need on hand and follow the simple assembly process highlighted above.
Considering that making a soundproof box is easy enough, you need not hire someone to make a soundproof box for you. You should also refrain from overpaying for a custom-built soundproof box.
As stated earlier in the article, there are many applications for soundproof boxes. They can be used for audio equipment, boat motors, or generator covers. What’s great about them is that you can build them to size, making the possibilities endless.