5 Soundproofing Myths That Can Cost You Thousands!
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When you're building a home recording studio, the last thing you want is to waste money on materials and methods that don’t actually improve sound isolation. Unfortunately, many beginners fall into common soundproofing traps, usually because of misleading marketing, confusing terminology, or outdated advice.
In this guide, we’ll break down the five most expensive and misleading soundproofing myths, so you can avoid costly mistakes and build a quiet, truly isolated studio without blowing your budget.
1. Myth: Green Glue Is the Secret to a Soundproof Room
Green Glue is often marketed as a “magic soundproofing solution,” but the truth is:
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It costs around $400–$500 to cover a single 365 sq ft room.
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It increases labor time because it's sticky and messy.
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Misapplication leads to wasted tubes and poor performance.
A smarter approach?
👉 Use additional layers of Type X drywall
At about $0.62/sq ft, multiple layers of drywall increases sound isolation at a fraction of the cost and without the installation hassle.
Unless you’re working on a very specific wall assembly, Green Glue simply isn’t worth it.
2. Myth: Rockwool Performs Better Than Pink Insulation for Soundproofing
Rockwool (mineral wool) has benefits like mold resistance, fire safety, and easy cutting, but when it comes to sound isolation, studies show:
👉 Pink fiberglass insulation performs just as well.
Both exceed the required airflow resistivity needed for effective soundproofing inside stud cavities. What matters most is filling the cavity, not which brand or color it is.
So instead of paying more for Rockwool expecting better soundproofing, choose the insulation that best fits your budget.
3. Myth: More Layers of Drywall Automatically = Better Soundproofing
Adding too many layers, especially incorrectly, can actually hurt your soundproofing.
This is known as the triple leaf effect, which happens when:
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You create multiple separated air cavities
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The resonance between layers makes your isolation WORSE
Proper soundproof wall assembly looks like:
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Two layers of drywall per side
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Insulation in between
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Decoupling with an air gap or acoustic clips and channel
Avoid unnecessary cavities or adding drywall inside your double wall system.
4. Myth: Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) Is a Must-Have Soundproofing Material
Marketing makes MLV sound like a miracle mass layer, but here's the reality:
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MLV costs around $3.60 per sq ft
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Drywall costs $0.62 per sq ft
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Adding one layer of drywall provides more mass for far less money
MLV only makes sense if:
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You have zero space to add wall thickness
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You're dealing with a very unique application
For most home studios, MLV is simply an expensive detour.
5. Myth: Soundproofing = Acoustic Treatment
This confusion is a big one.
Soundproofing
➡️ Stops sound from entering or leaving a room
➡️ Uses mass, airtightness, and decoupling
Acoustic Treatment
➡️ Improves sound quality INSIDE the room
➡️ Uses bass traps, panels, and diffusers
Foam panels, curtains, and “soundproof blankets” don’t isolate sound, even if they’re marketed as “soundproof.”
Before spending money, make sure you're buying the right product for the right purpose.
Final Thoughts
Marketing hype around soundproofing materials leads a lot of people to overspend on products that don’t deliver. If you understand the real science behind sound isolation—mass, airtightness, and decoupling, you’ll save money, reduce frustration, and build a studio that truly performs.
If you're planning a build, renovating a room, or trying to upgrade your current setup… the next steps below will help you avoid expensive mistakes.
🎧 Before You Start Building — Get These Free Resources
📞 Book a Free Soundproof Clarity Call
Get personalized advice for your specific studio dimensions, walls, neighbors, and goals. Avoid the mistakes that cost most DIY builders thousands.
👉 https://www.soundproofyourstudio.com/Step1
🎥 Watch the Free Soundproofing Workshop
Learn the correct materials, wall assemblies, and proven techniques used in professional studio construction.
