Best way to acoustically tame a gym

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Permalink Reply by Rob Facelli on July 6, 2009 at 9:43pm

The ceiling could be covered in some kind of spray on insulation. I've seen a few products like this, my thinking is that it would provide some diffusion due to the uneven surface.

For the walls, 703 would be the best bet. Of course, it may be expensive due to the large space.

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Hestla on July 6, 2009 at 9:46pm

I will check on the spray on stuff. Good idea. 703 rocks and I wouldn't use anything else. $.66 sq ft

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Permalink Reply by Dave Martin on July 7, 2009 at 10:01am

While I've used 703, I prefer the thicker 705 and more than that, I use mineral wool. It's cheaper and easier to work with (in my experience).

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Mixer on July 12, 2009 at 4:59pm

+1 on the mineral fiber. Check with Insulation Supply Co. here in Nashville (615.425.2700). They've got great stuff at a great price.

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Hestla on July 12, 2009 at 9:22pm

That's where I shop :)

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Permalink Reply by Rolff Zwiep on July 7, 2009 at 3:49pm

Heavy fabric banners hanging from the ceiling act like baffles and break up any bounce. I have seen big rooms (sanctuaries and gyms) use this trick and double as decorative appointments.
Also curtains made of similar fabric for the walls. Still might want to leave some live surface though.

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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on July 8, 2009 at 8:42pm

to add to what Rolff has said, I would be weary of making the area where the source of music is too dead. The musicians and singers will absolutely hate it but not really be able to tell you what is wrong. They need some "liveness" to accurately hear and perform. Your best bet is to deaden areas and walls to the sides and back of the room to prevent bounce. The great thing about hanging panels is they can be decorative AND movable. You will be glad you have a flexible, movable and removable solution in the long run.

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Permalink Reply by Rolff Zwiep on July 8, 2009 at 8:51pm

exactly Bret. Its beneficial to study other large format performance venues and see how a very live area can be tamed. Especially 'utility/multipurpose' spaces. Also, look at how orchestra shells and choral risers can be used to benefit acoustics. It's amazing what happens when you 'deaden' the house and make the stage as live an area as possible. Without sounding too redundant, you make the audience area the quietest space and the stage or area of the actual performance as bright and reflective as possible (all within reason of course). One last thing, bodies are great acoustic treatment so hope for a sell out every night! I think you get the picture.

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Permalink Reply by Garrett Hestla on July 8, 2009 at 9:02pm

I can assure you guys there is no danger of over deadening the acoustics in this gym. At least with my budget :)

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Permalink Reply by Randy Gardner on July 8, 2009 at 8:55pm

703 and fabric is good, but the balls will tear it up over a short time. 703 will dent and break apart under the fabric.
Send me a pm and I can give you some options. I've been doing some acoustic consulting and I have some sources for the materials you need.
Randy Gardner

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Permalink Reply by Bret Teegarden on July 8, 2009 at 8:57pm

so when are you going to come and consult me? I can only trade you lunch.

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Permalink Reply by Randy Gardner on July 8, 2009 at 9:02pm

Are you talking to me? I'll be out of town for a week starting sat. I still want to...

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