Soundproof Drywall
As we outline in our course on Sound Transmission, structure borne vibrations are the true medium through which sound waves will pass through a common surface. By adding density to the surface, and disconnecting the assembly, you are able to impede the wall's ability to vibrate, and can force the collapse of the transmitting sound wave. This process can trigger a dramatic drop in sound bleeding through common surfaces, triggering luxury grade STC ratings.
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Soundproof drywall is often referred to as pre-engineered drywall. It is one technique used to reduce sound bleed through a common wall or ceiling assembly. The added weight of the material will help impede the surface's ability to accept vibrations. Kill the vibrations, kill the sound.
The flaw in the treatment comes from a lack of disconnection. Unless you are working with a double framed wall, the connection points (studs and joists) will still pull vibrations back and forth like a string pulled tight between two cans. Even with pre-engineered drywall, so long as there is a direct connection point, sound can still transmit through.
Your Soundproof Drywall Alternative
Your better alternative is to separate the density from the drywall and introduce a new dead-air pocket. This is a layering approach that starts with the use of dB-Bloc. dB-Bloc is a thin, mass loaded vinyl membrane that deadens a wall's ability to vibrate, just like pre-engineered drywall does. Anchor dB-Bloc to your surface with a staple gun, then install a firring strip spacer, then your drywall. This procedure creates that dead-air pocket you need to for the collapse of the sound wave, and will still maintain the density you need to impede vibrations. Your advantage is twofold: you trigger a better result at a lower price.
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The lower price comes from the fact that this treatment uses standard drywall, not pre-engineered drywall. No longer do you need to pay $40-200 per sheet to trigger luxury grade STC values. This layering approach will do it for you.
For stronger STC values at a lower price, remember that this dB-Bloc treatment can trigger up to 90% collapses in sound bleed through a common wall or ceiling assembly. But you must layer that dead air gap into your equation to maximize results, or start with a double wall or staggered stud assesmbly.
The entire treatment will thicken your surface up by only 1.5". You do not have to tear anything out, just layer this approach to whatever your starting point is. And all for a lower price. Remember, standard drywall can run $5-8 per sheet, while the pre-engineered drywall can run $40-200 per sheet. Control your costs. Control your noise.
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