Whether the sheer orchestral beauty
of Beethoven or the grungy kaleidoscope of psychedelic rock draws you in,
cranking up the stereo and giving in to complete aural surrender is nothing
short of bliss. If music doesn’t immortalise our memories, captivate our minds
and souls, then what does? Music gives us that happy place we can escape to,
whether it’s on the go or relaxing after a long day at work.
Sound and
space
If you covet your sound system, you
will most likely arrange your space to accommodate your musical passion. If
you’re a musician or DJ, you’ll no doubt have your own room or corner studio
set up. How can you construct the perfect musical space?
Many of us are fairly limited in our
possibilities, partly because we tend to live in small accommodation. A massive
stereo system will not have optimal sound in a small space because it requires
specific physical measurements and characteristics to work acoustically. That
isn’t to say you can’t soak up the modal goodness of the jazz greats, however. Wooden
floors, panelled walls and limited objects and clutter allow better sound, but
it’s also important to consider what happens on the exterior of the room as well.
If you’re living in a quiet
neighbourhood – or even a noisy one – keeping your sound system contained is a
courtesy you owe all your neighbours who may not share your affection for Adam
Ant at 3 in the morning. Soundproofing is not only about being kind but also about
getting to enjoy your greatest hits albums with peace of mind. Here’s what you
need to do:
· Make sure floors are well
insulated. Carpets and thick underlay do an excellent job of absorbing sound. You
can also purchase special acoustic sealant to use around floors and walls.
· Walls can be soundproofed
by cavity wall insulation, or for smaller budgets, blown mineral fibre
insulation. You can also find soundproof panels to install directly on the
walls.
· Acoustic mineral wool,
acoustic plasterboard and soundproofing mats can also be used to reduce
“flanking noise” (the indirect path of sound waves which escape into nooks and
crannies).
Windows are another big issue with
soundproofing, and should also be sealed properly. Ideally, homes should be
fitted with double-glazed windows, which also offer the added bonus of keeping
the heat in during winter and saving on energy. When properly installed,
sealed, and shut, with the help of solid shutters, sound will remain contained.
Comfort
Just as importantly, optimising your
music experience also means setting up a layout that is comfortable and
welcoming – a cosy seating area, storage for your CDs, vinyls, tapes, and other
media as well as the entertainment system you’re using. There are all kinds of
dynamic ways to rearrange a room – with a little incentive; you can bring into
fruition your own little space you can escape to every day. Your ears and your
neighbours will thank you.
