In the 1950s, Americans collectively made the move to the new place called the suburbs. It was in the suburbs that people could have their own detached homes, where they could do and say just about anything at any volume level and not have their walls pounded on by neighbors who thought the music was too loud.
This was obviously something very important to people like musicians, who experimented with electric sounds that called for high volume and lots of passion. Things like soundproofing wall panels were not needed in the suburbs in the same way they would be needed in the big cities, where people lived immediately next door.
In recent years, many people have made a return to the cities of our country, living once again in close quarters with their neighbors. Often times, people will share walls will their neighbors next door. It is amazing how thin these walls can sometimes be. One can typically hear what is going on in the next apartment or townhouse without even trying. Conversations bleed through the plaster and wooden studs causing embarrassing moments and angry retorts.
While it is not a situation exclusive to musicians specifically, it is very difficult for a musician of any sort to practice and perform in their home if the walls bleed the noise into the next dwelling. While surfaces do hinder sound from one room to another, they might only do so partially. Soundproofing walls takes more than simply turning the music down or playing more softly.
The basic rule of thumb when considering this is called the 1% Rule. The 1% Rule provides that for every 1% of opening or area that is unobstructed on a surface, 50% of the sound that is being produced will make it through to the other side. Soundproof wall panels need to be assembled just right.
As recently as 2014, two out of every five musicians were self-employed. Many of these musicians live in a city and have some kind of setup in their apartment or home where they share a wall or floor with at least one neighbor. Soundproofing wall panels are the only way for these musicians to be able to ensure they are not bothering their neighbors with the noise that is inherent to their work.
It is very important to keep in mind the consequences of community noise when setting up a studio or other type of work space in the home. Noise can be quite detrimental to the health of people who are not wanting to be exposed to it. Cardiovascular problems, learning deficits, and even greater risks of heart disease have been associated with prolonged exposure to consistent unwanted noise.
Soundproofing wall panels can virtually eliminate the noise that comes between your musical workspace and the ears and health of your neighbors. Sound insulation panels or an acoustic wall covering might be just what is needed, depending, of course, on the situation. When you work with a high decibel level on a consistent basis, you will need to have the proper type of sound barrier between your work and the wall itself.
The wall is made up of materials that are basically made to protect each side from the sight of the other. Looking at a wall obviously does nothing to be heard by your neighbor, no matter how hard you might be staring at that wall with the intent of having them stop doing one thing or another.
Find the best soundproofing wall panels you can find and save your relationship with your neighbors. Your work will be more enjoyable and you can ask for a cup of sugar without having to face your neighbor’s ire.