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Insulating for Sound
PI've decided to document sound readings in the van as I build it out.
While not being completely scientific, I have aimed to take each reading in circumstances closest to the first reading so that my baseline remains the same (or as close to it as possible).
Later on, I will document everything in more detail (probably on a blog or vlog). In the meantime, here are the readings I have to date.
Testing Info
Considerations
I don't have professional audio equipment. Using a phone app makes me realize that the readings are likely not calibrated. At least if my other paramters are the same, then I know my readings will be consistent. Example: If my phone app is off by +5dB and I get a reading of 75db instead of 70db, then that's OK because all of my other readings will be at +5db as well.
My goal was to record a tangible change and not necessarily get the exact number according to sensitive equipment.
To ensure that the phone app was working, i took a recording in my apartment (37dB) and Toyota Camry (42dB). Wow! What are they insulating the Camry with?!
Parameters
Vehicle - 3500 Promaster Extended Window Van
Average speed - 70mph
Road - Each road was cement. No asphalt was used as I wanted to get readings from rough/loud surfaces
Readings - Sound Meter app was used found in the Google Play Store
Location - Phone was held about 10" in front of me with the mic facing my chest for each reading
Readings
Completely empty van
This is the "vanilla" reading of the van. It is completely empty and sounds like a big tin can.
Feeling: The van is basically a giant, metal cavern that echoes at high frequencies. If I yell into the back of the van, there is an echo. I can barely hear the stereo. Forget about talking to passengers.
Insulation Installed with Loose Materials on floor
This reading was taken after the van had polyiso boards, Great Stuff foam and Reflectix installed.
Since these materials are not rated for sound, it is not surprising that the levels remain relatively unchanged.
At the time of taking this reading, I also had a lot of other build materials in boxes, bags, etc. on the floor
Feeling: The same echo exists but feels a little more compressed. Listening to the stereo is a little better.
Noico Sound Deadening Mat Installed
As pictured, I laid a vibration killer on the floor and wheel wells. Keep in mind that the Maxxfan has been installed in the roof and it does contribute to noise.
Feeling: While the dB range didn't move at all, I could tell a big difference. The echo was completely gone. Any sound coming through was more of a "thud" than a "ping". Conversation would now be possible with a passenger.
Polyiso and Sound Barrier
The 1/2" polyiso and Audimute Peacemaker 3.2mm has been added.
Feeling: Boom baby! This is the stuff! Since the polyiso is not rated for sound insulation, I'm giving the credit for the 5dB change to the Peacemaker. The good, muffled feeling of being in a car is starting to form. I still hear a lot of road noise, but NONE is coming from the floor. I can hear it coming through door seals, windows, etc. which is still contributing to the 70dB reading. Conversation is definitely possible at this level.
I've read others talking about bigger sound reductions or quiter van rides. At this point, I attribute that to them having a much smaller Promaster and that my build is not yet finished.
I have more sound barrier to install on the lower walls. An insulation square will also be added to the Maxxfan opening in the roof as I can definitely hear sound coming from there.
Stay tuned for readings and data as I gather them.
If you have any suggestions on making sound insulation improvements, I'm all ears (ha! I made a dad joke).
PI've decided to document sound readings in the van as I build it out.
While not being completely scientific, I have aimed to take each reading in circumstances closest to the first reading so that my baseline remains the same (or as close to it as possible).
Later on, I will document everything in more detail (probably on a blog or vlog). In the meantime, here are the readings I have to date.
Testing Info
Considerations
I don't have professional audio equipment. Using a phone app makes me realize that the readings are likely not calibrated. At least if my other paramters are the same, then I know my readings will be consistent. Example: If my phone app is off by +5dB and I get a reading of 75db instead of 70db, then that's OK because all of my other readings will be at +5db as well.
My goal was to record a tangible change and not necessarily get the exact number according to sensitive equipment.
To ensure that the phone app was working, i took a recording in my apartment (37dB) and Toyota Camry (42dB). Wow! What are they insulating the Camry with?!
Parameters
Vehicle - 3500 Promaster Extended Window Van
Average speed - 70mph
Road - Each road was cement. No asphalt was used as I wanted to get readings from rough/loud surfaces
Readings - Sound Meter app was used found in the Google Play Store
Location - Phone was held about 10" in front of me with the mic facing my chest for each reading
Readings
Completely empty van
This is the "vanilla" reading of the van. It is completely empty and sounds like a big tin can.


Feeling: The van is basically a giant, metal cavern that echoes at high frequencies. If I yell into the back of the van, there is an echo. I can barely hear the stereo. Forget about talking to passengers.
Insulation Installed with Loose Materials on floor
This reading was taken after the van had polyiso boards, Great Stuff foam and Reflectix installed.
Since these materials are not rated for sound, it is not surprising that the levels remain relatively unchanged.
At the time of taking this reading, I also had a lot of other build materials in boxes, bags, etc. on the floor


Feeling: The same echo exists but feels a little more compressed. Listening to the stereo is a little better.
Noico Sound Deadening Mat Installed
As pictured, I laid a vibration killer on the floor and wheel wells. Keep in mind that the Maxxfan has been installed in the roof and it does contribute to noise.


Feeling: While the dB range didn't move at all, I could tell a big difference. The echo was completely gone. Any sound coming through was more of a "thud" than a "ping". Conversation would now be possible with a passenger.
Polyiso and Sound Barrier
The 1/2" polyiso and Audimute Peacemaker 3.2mm has been added.


Feeling: Boom baby! This is the stuff! Since the polyiso is not rated for sound insulation, I'm giving the credit for the 5dB change to the Peacemaker. The good, muffled feeling of being in a car is starting to form. I still hear a lot of road noise, but NONE is coming from the floor. I can hear it coming through door seals, windows, etc. which is still contributing to the 70dB reading. Conversation is definitely possible at this level.
I've read others talking about bigger sound reductions or quiter van rides. At this point, I attribute that to them having a much smaller Promaster and that my build is not yet finished.
I have more sound barrier to install on the lower walls. An insulation square will also be added to the Maxxfan opening in the roof as I can definitely hear sound coming from there.
Stay tuned for readings and data as I gather them.
If you have any suggestions on making sound insulation improvements, I'm all ears (ha! I made a dad joke).