How To Block Out Low Frequency Noise

One of my blog readers from Seattle approached me via contact page requested me to suggest some of the best ways to dampen low-frequency sounds. The question on how to block low-frequency sound noise has also popped up in several forums where I’m a member. Because I know you genuinely value silence, I will show you different hack you can implement right now to sound deaden those low-frequency sound waves.

Because low-frequency sounds are hard to deal with, soundproofing projects targeted towards these sounds can be quite expensive. Fortunately, I have some affordable hacks that you can implement to reduce the impacts of low-frequency sound waves drastically.

1. Try Superchunk bass traps (corner bass traps)

Superchunk bass traps also known as corner bass traps (Click here my guide on how to build one) are placed on the four corners of a room and extend from the floor to the ceiling. They use fluffy insulation and are highly efficient in blocking bass sounds.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty building bass traps, you can purchase already made bass traps on Amazon.

These are easy to use and install. Actually, no installation is needed– you only need to place them at the corner of the walls. The one I recommend is the NEW LEVEL Charcoal Acoustic Foam Bass Trap. (Click here to see current price and reviews on Amazon).

However, you should note that these bass dampeners are highly effective in blocking low-frequency sounds from leaking outside the room than leaking inside the room.

2. Try Acoustic Panels

Acoustic foam panels are highly effective in blowing bass noise and other low-frequency sound waves. They are great drywall alternatives and ideal if you don’t want to do major structural changes to your walls.

If you live in an apartment or a rented structure where your landlord doesn’t allow major structural changes to the unit, acoustic panels are the way to go.

If you’ve visited recording studios or night clubs, you’ve probably spotted acoustic panels. They are affordable and help reduce bass, reverb, echoes, and low freq sounds. However you should know that acoustic foams are not designed for bass absorption, so you should expect some slight difference is you use them.

3. Install Bass Blocking Curtains

Windows and doors are the biggest culprits when it comes to the noise problem. Windows have gaps and often are made of a single thin glass layer.

For this reason, windows are prone to leaking in not only low-frequency noise but also sound waves of different frequencies.

One of the efficient and effective ways to deal with bass noise coming through the window is by the use of noise dampening curtains. Even though these curtain dampeners are designed to reduce noises and echoes, they will also help in dealing with low-frequency sound waves and expect some noticeable difference after installation.

One of my recommended curtains is NICETOWN Blackout Curtains. (Click here to see the price on Amazon).

Not only will the curtains block unwanted noise, but they will also add aesthetic beauty to the room where you install them.

4. Create a sound barrier using drywall and green glue

Low frequencies sound such as bass can travel through the walls through vibrations. To deal with a noisy neighbor playing loud bass music, you can add a layer of drywall.

For effectiveness in reducing unwanted noise, it’s recommended that you add two layers of drywall and apply green glue in between. Here is my simple guide on how you can accomplish that.

Green glue will absorb all the vibrations and convert the sound energy into heat before traveling the sound waves reach the next layer of drywall.

5. Soundproof ceiling and the floor

To deal with noise problem to the maximum, do not forget the ceiling and the floor after you’ve sound dampened the walls, windows, and the door.

In my previous guide, I detailed explained eight different DIY hacks you can implement to soundproof a ceiling. (Click here to see the article). This guide will also help you deal with footfalls, which can be quite a menace.

If you’re dealing with low-frequency sounds from the room upstairs, you can request those living upstairs to add some thick carpet. (Here is the carpet I recommend from Amazon). Thick carpets and rugs placed on the floor will help reduce foot stomps, and bass menace.

6. Seal all the gaps and cracks

Doors and windows often have gaps that leak outside noise in our rooms. In addition, over the years, ceilings, walls, and floors may develop cracks- which could also leak outside noise inside.

One of the ways to deal with these culprits is by sealing them for good.

You can use weather-stripping to seal the gaps on your door and windows. My recommended product is Kanzzy weatherstrip. (Click here to see user reviews and price on Amazon).

In addition, to seal cracks on the walls, ceiling, and floor, you can use green glue sealant. (Click here to see price). Remember its green glue sealant and not green glue compound- same manufacturer but different uses.

 Final thoughts on how to blow low-frequency noise

Implementing one or a combination of the above methods will significantly help in reducing low freq sound waves.

While you won’t see a 100% difference, you will notice some noise reduction from 40% up to 50%.