Do you find yourself constantly struggling to focus or concentrate due to the constant noise around you? We’ve all been there.
You’re trying to study for that big test, or you’re trying to get some work done, but these low frequency noises are keeping you from concentrating.
But what if we told you there are many different methods to block out that low frequency noise? In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to block out low frequency noise and lead a happier, healthier life.
So don’t wait any longer – read on and start upgrading your quality of space today!
10 Ways to Block Low Frequency Sound Waves or Bass
You may have never realized it, but there are many ways to block low frequency sound waves or bass.
Low frequency sound can be irritating and even harmful to your health, so it’s important to take steps to minimize your exposure.
Add Another Layer of the Drywall as a Sound Barrier
Drywall can be an effective sound barrier to reduce low frequency sound and bass in your home. Adding another layer of drywall with green glue will help to absorb sound waves and create a more quiet environment. Green glue is a specially formulated adhesive that helps to improve the effectiveness of the drywall in blocking out noise.
You can also add two or more layers of the drywall to create an even more absorptive surface, which will be more effective in blocking the low frequency noise.
Be Sure to Seal All Gaps around the Home
Sealing the gaps and cracks is often neglected, but it can make a big difference in blocking low frequency sound waves. You may not know it, but your home has many tiny spaces that act like mini amplifiers for sound.
The gaps in windows, doors, vents and cracks between the walls are the most common place for sound to enter your home. If you want to decrease the level of bass noise coming in, you need to block all those gaps!
Weather-stripping is our top choice for filling gaps around windows and doors because it is a proven way of blocking low frequency sound.
You can easily apply weather stripping around the perimeter of your window. By doing this, you are not only helping to reduce low frequency sound waves, but also helping to insulate your room.
Another best option is acoustic caulk which not only blocks the noise but also converts it into heat. You can choose Green Glue for this purpose because it is easy to apply with a caulking gun and is more elastic in nature so that it can adapt to any movement of your building.
Insulate All Wall Cavities
Bass sound waves require more space to resonate than other types of sound waves, making them more difficult to dampen. But by insulating wall cavities in your home, you can help reduce bass noise.
The bass of a neighbor’s subwoofer vibration can be quite annoying, especially if you live in an apartment. But don’t worry, filling the empty cavities with fiberglass insulation is an easy and effective way to keep the noise out. The fibers come in a variety of densities, so you can choose the right one according to your preferences.
The density of the material is what allows it to effectively block low frequency waves and reduce echo or reverb. If you want the best possible outcome, couple it with Resilient channels or decoupling.
Mass Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl is an excellent way to reduce noise in your home without spending a lot of money. It also provides color or pattern to a room, and it is easy to install. A layer of Mass loaded vinyl will reduce bass and soundproof your home more effectively.
But take into account that this will decrease low frequency bass, not eliminate it completely.
Now you know that the MLV easily reduces noise from anywhere it is coming from.
Install Bass Trap Inside Your Room
Whether you’re looking to capture your latest gaming session or a music performance for your YouTube channel, recording in a quiet room with low noise levels is essential. Bass traps can help achieve this by absorbing low frequency sound waves, resulting in a cleaner recording.
There are many varieties of shapes and sizes of bass traps on the market, so it is crucial to select the perfect one for your exact needs.
Corner bass traps can help to improve the sound in smaller rooms by absorbing low frequency noise. On the other hand, for larger rooms, freestanding bass traps can be placed along the walls or in the corners.
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Use Soundproof Panels
Soundproofing panels are an effective way to reduce outside noises and improve the quality of sound inside your room. Numerous varieties of soundproofing panels are available on the market, so you’re sure to find one that will complement your home’s decor.
That’s why every studio owners invest in high-quality soundproofing panels to ensure that their recordings are of the best quality. It can handle both low and high frequency noise with ease.
Soundproofing panels can be used in a variety of ways to help improve sound quality. By mounting them on the wall or ceiling, you can help to decrease the level of low frequency noise that comes through. These panels are an affordable and easy way to reduce noise in your home.
Use an Isolation Box for Small Appliances
Isolation boxes can be very effective in reducing the noise from small appliances. By creating a barrier between the appliance and the outside world, sound waves are deflected and noise levels are significantly reduced.
If your computer fan is creating noise, you can use an isolation box to block out the noise. You should use an isolation box that provides at least 30dB of noise reduction to ensure that low frequencies of sound waves are properly decreased.
This isolation box is perfect for smaller appliances that create a lot of noise. Since it is smaller, it will not be as effective for bigger appliances.
Use Soundproof Curtains or Blinds
If you’re hearing a low frequency bass in your room, windows are a weak spot that you’ll need to account for. Having gaps in your window frame around the edges can easily allow sound to travel through and disturb your concentration.
In order to get rid of the noise, you’ll want to purchase some soundproof curtains. The thick material will absorb and block any unwanted noise, so you can enjoy peace in your home. Eventually, you’ll be able to see a drastic change in the overall noise level in your room.
Just like curtains, you can also buy soundproof blinds which will have the same effect in blocking out the noise. There are two best options for materials in soundproof blinds; either an extra-thick material or a honeycomb design. Both of them are effective in stopping sound from coming through.
If you want to bring the bass dampening to more perfection, you can choose to combine both the curtains and blinds.
Hang Soundproof Blankets on the Wall
If you are looking for a temporary solution, the soundproofing blanket is a perfect choice. It is not a difficult task to install these blankets, as they come with fittings that enable you to hang them easily on the walls. You can also transfer them from room to room if you need to, making them a versatile and convenient option.
Don’t feel like you have to sacrifice style for function either – the soundproofing blanket comes in many different designs and patterns, so you can find one that matches your home décor perfectly.
The portability of the soundproofing blanket makes it ideal for renters or people who move frequently. Unlike other soundproofing methods, installation and removal of soundproofing blankets is simple and leaves no damage to the walls or ceiling.
Build a DIY Window Plug
There is one best method you can do to soundproof your windows, which will help to lessen the low frequency bass that enters your home space.
With just a few supplies, you can make your own soundproof window plugs to help block out unwanted noise. That is MDF (Plywood or OSB will also work but it is not heavier than MDF), MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl), Acoustic Foam, Green Glue (Noise damping product), Nails, and Handles.
- It is necessary to calculate the dimension of your window before starting making any cuts, to ensure a proper fit. Also, ensure to leave a 1-2 inch gap between the plug and windowpane.
- If you want to ensure a tight seal around the window frame, make sure your plug is 2 mm wider on all sides. This will prevent any leaks when it comes time for installation.
- Next, you will need to measure and cut pieces of MDF to match the size of the back and sides. By doing this, you will have a base of the Window plug to start with.
- Now you need to cut a piece of MLV that is exactly the same size as your MDF board. Make sure to measure twice and cut once to avoid any mistakes.
- Sandwich your MDF board and MLV with Green Glue or other bonding material for extra reinforcement. We highly recommend you to use Green Glue as it is one of the best soundproofing compounds on the market.
- After that, you have to cut the acoustic foam of the right size and stick it on top of the sandwich you’ve just made. This step is important as the acoustic foam will help in absorbing the sound. Make sure to leave little space around its edge so that you can fix your board in place.
- For added security, put the nails in place so that the acoustic foam is firmly secured to the board. You can also use a stapler for this step if you prefer. Fit the window plug into the depth of the window section so that the plug is snug against the window.
- At last, attach some heavy-duty handles on the back so that the window plug can be easily removed when needed. The handles must be securely in place so that there is no possibility of them disconnecting during use.
Between the plug and window, the sound is trapped in a small space and unable to reverberate. It is a good idea to consider using window plugs during the night so you can sleep better, but they might not be ideal during the day for some people because they block out sunlight.
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The Bottom Line
Low frequency noise or sound waves, also known as bass, can be a real annoyance and even cause health problems over time.
It can be tough to get work done or relax in peace when there’s a lot of bass pounding away, but with a little know-how and some handy tools, it’s definitely doable.
However, there are various methods to lessen the impact of these sound waves. We’ve provided 10 DIY fixes that should help you get started in minimizing the effects of low frequency bass on your daily life.
From something as simple as installing a bass trap to constructing a soundproof window plug, there are many ways you can reduce the amount of bass in your home.