News

Movie Sound Expert Reveals Studios' Noise Control Secrets (31/10/2005)

Apartment, condo, and co-op dwellers can now employ the same soundproofing techniques used by the large motion picture sound facilities to reduce noise intrusion from family and neighbors, as well as contain their own sound. Bruce Black, a twenty year veteran of post production sound engineering and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has authored a booklet outlining methods used by major studios that he has adapted for use in the home. ΚΚΚ

"Noise Control Tricks Used By The Big Studios" is offered free of charge as a public service. This booklet is available by visiting www.1stSoundOutfitters.com, and scrolling down to the "Noise Control Tricks" link. ΚΚΚ

Black's booklet is particularly timely; noise pollution is a serious growing problem. The World Health Organization blames excessive noise for increased heart disease and hypertension. The world's urban population is growing a nearly twice the rate of the rest of the population, according to United Nations' figures, as home theaters and stereos get louder and more affordable. ΚΚΚ

More people are crowding into the same space and making more noise. The need for each of us to reduce our "sonic footprint" is undeniable. Many of us have experienced the health and psychological problems that a noisy neighbor can cause; now Black offers his expert professional advice for free to help out. Noise tricks include:

*ΚΚΚ Move the furniture that your home theater, stereo, or TV sits on away from the wall, so it isn't touching. Sound, especially bass frequencies, travel easily this solid structural contact into other rooms, this can reduce or eliminate the sound migration.

*ΚΚΚ Seal all the gaps and holes in walls. Sound can easily travel through these openings without losing much power.

*ΚΚΚ Hang heavy curtains or rugs on walls common to your neighbors to help absorb your sound. ΚΚΚ

The booklet also includes an explanation of why you should be concerned about noise intrusion, sources for soundproofing materials, and a description of how sound penetrates into unwanted areas to help readers understand how sound works.

www.1stSoundOutfitters.com