RTP-area local music and culture

[Chris Rossi <chris AT christophermrossi.com>]

Gary Miller wrote:
> p.s. After doing this, then go tell the neighbors to stop being such
> douchebags.  :)
I think this is the key issue here.  The kid isn't bashing away at night 
while they're trying to sleep, and while audible, the drums are probably 
not what most people would consider to be disturbing.  The neighbors, in 
short, are assholes.

Actually soundproofing a room is really hard.  I have all sorts of 
acoustic treatment up at the studio, but that's for taming internal 
reflections, not for soundproofing, really.

A choice that I would look at is moving the drums to a different room in 
the house--one without a window that faces the asshole neighbors.  A 
room with as few outside walls as possible is preferable.  This is far 
easier than trying to soundproof the wall that faces the neighbors.  If 
you must sound proof, the main thing you'll want to do is cover the 
windows as that's where most sound is going to leak from.  Unless the 
walls are just not insulated, they shouldn't be transmitting too much sound.

I would also maybe look up noise ordinances and know what the law 
actually is.  If there is a statutory SPL limit, buy a Radio Shock sound 
meter and measure the actual sound and see if you're over the limit.  If 
you're not, have a lawyer write a letter telling your neighbors to fuck off.

Another option, that's not cheap, but is no more expensive than a 
Quixotic exercise in soundproofing a room, is get a set of electronic 
drums for practicing.  Then the teenager in question can practice with 
headphones and save the loud acoustic drums for band practice.  A 
prominent and very well respected local drummer absolutely loves his 
electronic drums.  He can practice at midnight and no one is disturbed.

I can't remember if it's Sam Ash or Guitar Center that took over the old 
Mars Music building on Capital in Raleigh, but last time I was there 
they literally had like a dozen different electronic drums kits, ranging 
from the very basic introductory kits to full blown high end stuff.  The 
way technology is these days, the sound the produce can be as realistic 
or not as you like.


Chris
--
Spacelab Recording Studio                                +1 919 403 5502
http://spacelabstudio.com   --   My email address is 'cr' at this domain