Hey everyone,
I'm new to this board, but I wanted to post my solution to the problem a lot of people have had with their electronic kits causing "structural-born vibrations". I did weeks of research to determine the best way to cover my required riser size, without spending an obscene amount of money, or buying one of those Auralex floors.
These websites helped me a lot in determining the best techniques and the best materials for this floor.
http://www.mikedolbear.com/story.asp?StoryID=3807 |
http://www.soundproofingschool.com/archives/153/nggallery/thumbnailsI did not have the tools to construct the "tennis-ball riser", nor did I think it would really solve the issues properly. I also required a 5'x5' square FT riser, which fortunately, Mike's website above, showed me the best way to get the space needed with only losing 1sq FT on 2 corners of the riser.
I used the following materials:
-(2x) 6' by 4', 3/4in thick rubber "horse-stall mats".
-(6x) 4' by 2' 3/4in thick MDF boards
-(2x) Box of Cap Barbell 1/2in thick 12" x 12" gym flooring puzzle pieces (each box contains 12 square tiles)
-(1x) 6' by 4' rubber backed, outdoor floor mat (maybe 1/4in thick, just a soft top layer to avoid skidding)
-(5x) 8 Pack of "Sorbothane Anti-Vibration Pads" (each disc is 1/4in thick, with a 2.25in diameter)
-(2x) 28oz tubes of Green Glue "Compound" (not the "Sealant")
-box of MDF screws, 1-1/2in length
Tools:
Exacto-Knife
Powerdrill
Caulk gun
Gloves
Paint or spackle spreader
Scissors
So first step was to have two of the MDF boards cut in half length ways, leaving you with 4 total 1' by 4' pieces. Next was to cut a 1' by 4' strip off of each rubber horse-stall mat. That will give you a double stack of one 4' by 5' base level, with an added 1' by 4' side strip to fit the drum throne.
Once you have the base level of stacked rubber horse mats, you need to layer the MDF boards across each other making one large 4' by 5', double stack, and one smaller 1' by 4' double stacked piece to mirror the rubber bases. How you do this is fairly simple, just place two of the 2' by 4' pieces facing one direction, adding one of the smaller 1' by 4' pieces at the end, giving you one layer. Lay the remaining larger MDF pieces across them the opposite way, filling in the remaining open section opposite the smaller bottom layer with one 1' by 4' MDF piece, creating the main section of the riser. Stack the two remaining 1' by 4' pieces together for the side stack.
Now before you do the 2nd layer of MDF, you will want to cover the entire base MDF layer in an even coating of the Green Glue "Compound". This is designed specifically to remove low frequency vibrations, and does a good amount of the work in getting rid of the kick pedal issues. Once you have it spread out cleanly and evenly, you will sandwich the MDF layers together. (Do this quickly because the Green Glue will set within 15 minutes) Once you have your main section and side sections together, you will want to use 1-1/2in long, MDF screws every 6-12 inches or so, in key points to screw the MDF layers together. Once everything settles and feels dry enough, you can move onto putting this (now very heavy, you will most likely need another person to help) double stacked layer on top of the rubber horse-stall mats.
Before you do so, this is the time you want to mark out and place down the "Sorbothane" discs. These add another thin layer of isolation, and work very well to further reduce vibrations. They will also have a silicone like stickiness to them, which makes them easy to apply and not slide around. I used a total of 30 of the 2.25in discs in an even square pattern (6 down the 5ft side, 5 down 4ft side = 30 discs) on the main platform, with another 8 spread evenly in a diagonal pattern on the smaller 1' by 4' section. Once these are in place, they should cover enough area to not leave any issues with weight distribution, and the platform should be very solid, but have enough give to channel vibrations properly.
You may then layer the MDF sandwiches on top, careful not to move any of the discs, and line everything up properly. Once the MDF is on top, cover the boards with the 24 SQft of Gym Mats, and then lay the large rubber/carpet mat on top. I cut mine the same way I cut the horse mat to fit, but it is up to you.
This seems to remove all of the issues I was having with the kick pedal, and while it seems like a little bit of work, and may be expensive for the need, I feel this is the best solution given my situation. Home Depot cut the MDF, and I used a small Razor knife to cut the rubber mats. Hardest part was carrying those 50lb mats up 2 flights of steps.
All said and done, I spent about $400 for a very solid solution. While the Auralex options were available for similar cost, the issues with stability and inferior results convinced me to go this route. I also have a large enough platform that does not move or sway at all. You may have great results with less materials, but I felt the combination was what worked for me.
Let me know what you think.