20 Best Handheld Ham Radios Of 2018

20 Best Handheld Ham Radios Of 2018

If you are in the market for a ham radio to use as a hobby, it will surely bring you hours of education, socializing and fun. If you are looking to purchase one to use during times of disaster, it will be your number one companion when disaster strikes. Whatever reason you are looking for a ham radio, we have taken the time to round up a list of the best handheld ham radios on the market.

 

Why Use Ham Radios?

If you aren’t an audiophile, then you may be wondering ‘why use ham radios in today’s modern age?’

Well, there are several reasons people still use ham radios. Of course, it’s a hobby for many people, but there are many other reasons:

• In the event of natural disasters such as a hurricane, earthquake or tsunami, when phones are out of service, ham radios will still work.
• Handheld ham radios are great for camping in remote areas where phones don’t work.
• Besides the joy of having a non-failing communication device, handheld ham radios are known lifesavers in case of emergencies.
• Handheld ham radios are great for hiking in areas where phones don’t work or would get damaged easily.
• It’s a good way to escape the modern gadgets while still staying in touch. Yep, handheld ham radios are a fun way to communicate while staying away from smartphones and the internet.

Having showed you all the benefits of ham radios, let look at the best handheld ham radios out there.

 

 

How To Choose The Best Handheld Ham Radio

Before we go on to the list of the best handheld ham radios on the market, let’s explain the critera we used to choose the best ham radios out there. When searching for best handheld ham radios, you will find that there are several makes and models on the market to choose from.

Ham radios not only come in different designs, but offer a variety of different features as well. Having said that, the ham radio you choose should depend on what you are looking for. Are you looking for a very long range ham radio or are you looking for a ham radio with a very long battery life? Think about these things before purchasing. This is why we have chosen to present the best handheld ham radios in different categories.

Regardless of what you are looking for, we have put together a list of the best handheld ham radios on the market. Take your time to go through the list and find the best handheld radio that suits your requirements.

 

1. Yaesu FT-60R Handheld Ham Radio

The Yaesu FT-60R handheld ham radio is the best handheld ham radio for hiking and camping. In fact, it is possibly the best handheld ham radio for survival.

This water-resistant portable ham radio features a plastic frame and a sturdy aluminium case that won’t crack easily when you drop it.

The battery life is also very good for those long days in the woods, with a single charge lasting for about 3-4 days.

This ham radio is inexpensive, yet it is one of the best handheld ham radios on the market offering 5 watts of raw power and comes with an audio alarm to notify you when the battery is low.

More importantly, the Yaesu FT-60R can receive about 1000 memory channels. In addition to that, its receiver has a wide coverage.

It also comes with a password feature to restrict unauthorized access and a backlit keypad to go with the alphanumeric display.

Pros

• Well-built, solid design
• Inexpensive price
• Excellent battery life
• Water-resistant casing

Cons

• The stock antenna could be a little better
• The volume knob is awkwardly positioned.

 

 

2. BaoFeng BF-F8HP Handheld Ham Radio

With a custom design that offers convenience and a delightful user experience, the BaoFeng BF-F8HP is a big step up from the UV-5R. The all-new state-of-the-art chipset comes with more transmission power, offering 6 watts on UHF and 7.4 watts on VHF.

This handheld ham radio has a 2000 mAh battery that allows you to enjoy listening to the built-in FM radio and still have enough power to last for a whole day.

The BaoFeng BF-F8HP offers 128 programmable memory channels. You can add or remove channels from the scanning list as you please using the free computer software.

This ham radio also comes with a flashlight and a handy manual to guide you through the customization options and its capabilities.

Pros

• A lot of power in a handheld device
• Compatible with all accessories used for the BaoFeng UV-5R
• Affordable price
• Great audio quality
• Built-in FM-radio and flashlight
• Bright and customizable 3 color display

Cons

• You need to download some information from a CD to the radio
• No water resistant cover

 

 

3. Baofeng Black UV-5R V2+ Handheld Ham Radio

The BaoFeng’s unique approach to making high-quality ham radios is evident in the UV-5R V2+. It is easily one of the best handheld ham radios on the market.

This handheld ham radio comes with a multiband FM transceiver that has huge frequency coverage and can support two-way communications. It also comes with a tough metallic casing that ensures its internal parts are well-protected if you drop it.

Another great feature that comes with the BaoFeng UV-5R V2+ is the all-new advanced auto-band detection that eliminates the need to use the band button. It also comes with a two-color LED screen that offers a high-quality display.

All these high-tech features and durability gives it unmatched superiority among its competitors.

Pros

• Advanced auto-band detection
• High-quality display
• Durable

Cons

• Only 2 frequency ranges
• Can’t access some stations without authorization

 

 

4. Baofeng-UV5RA Handheld Ham Radio

The UV5RA-Ham from Baofeng is a basic low-cost two-way ham radio that supports dual reception and perception.

Its power reaches up to 5 watts, and it offers a range of other delightful features at a low budget.

These extra features include a battery save function, a selectable frequency, built-in flashlight and key lock.

With the Baofeng-UV5RA-Ham, you can enjoy regular FM broadcasts, through special VHF receive band.

The casing is solid and you can detach the antenna.

Besides that, you will be impressed by the high-quality screen display that allows you to see the graphics from any angle. The keyboard is also easy to use.

Pros

• Its solid casing makes it very durable
• Great service at a budget price
• Largely simple to use
• 2-way communication

Cons

• It can be hard to program
• Not suitable for communication over long distances

 

 

5. Baofeng UV-82X Handheld Ham Radio

As a revamped version of the successful BaoFeng UV-5, the UV-82X is an awesome addition to this manufacturer’s line of radios. This handheld ham radio comes with a dual band transceiver and a LCD panel to display the menu.

The body is built with a heavy-duty plastic material that can withstand rough conditions and make the radio last for a very long time.

The BaoFeng UV-82X features a 1800 mAH rechargeable battery that lasts for about 3 days after charging. This ham radio comes with a built-in voice- operated transmit that gives you fantastic hands-free operation.

It also comes with an FM broadcast station, and you can still monitor other radio frequencies in the background.

Pros

• Has over 220 channels
• FM broadcast radio station
• Affordable price
• The antenna easily picks up the signals

Cons

• This handheld radio can be a little heavy
• Manual programming can be a bit tricky

 

 

6. Yaesu VX-8DR Handheld Ham Radio

If you are a survivalist looking for a ham radio that will help you in case of a disaster, the Yaesu VX-8DR is the one. This is really the best handheld ham radio for using during those tough times.

This handheld ham radio has an armored shell around it, allowing it to withstand a heavy impact. Its body is waterproof, and it features an optional GPS antenna add-on that will guide you to safety, in case of a catastrophic event.

Designed to be the perfect communication tool for a survivalist, the Yaesu VX-8DR has a wide frequency range. It can also pick up public service channels, AM/FM stations, audio aircraft and analog TV stations, as well as short-wave frequencies.

The best part is that you only need one hand to operate it, with the exception of a few commands.

Pros

• Integrated compass display
• One hand operation
• Extra-tough shell to survive disasters
• Built-in environmental sensors to monitor temperature and pressure

Cons

• The user manual is bulky and time-consuming to read.

 

 

7. TYT MD-380 Handheld Ham Radio

Although it’s TYT’s first DMR digital handheld ham radio, we have found that the MD-380 is one of the best handheld ham radios on the market. Kudos to them!

It is a two-way portable radio which comes with a revolutionary LCD display and a unique DTMF keypad.

This high-resolution display gives you high-tech graphics and clear text messaging. This handheld ham radio has the capability to receive about 1000 channels and is very easy to use.

As you can tell, the TYT MD-380 has a lot of great features, and they are available at a fraction of the price of its competitors. The audio quality is fantastic and you can program the radio using the keyboard.

These high-tech features are offered at a very attractive price.

Pros

• The antenna uses SMA connection
• Well-built body
• Excellent audio quality and volume
• Attractive price

Cons

• Needs a software polish
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• The desktop charger takes too long to charge the radio

 

 

8. Baofeng Yellow BF-F9 V2+ Handheld Ham Radio

As one of the most impressive handheld ham radios from Baofeng and one of the best handheld ham radios on the market, the Yellow BF-F9 V2+ comes with 8 watts of transmission power.

It has an extended frequency range like the BaoFeng UV-82 and it offers a whole lot of other features. This includes a tri-color LCD display and a noise reduction feature that comes with the new chipset.

With an automatic scanning feature, the BaoFeng Yellow BF-F9 V2+ allows you to scan for a particular frequency and channel easily.

More importantly, this lightweight radio comes with a handy keypad lock feature that helps you avoid pressing the keys accidentally.

The BF-F9 V2+ can accommodate about 128 channels and it comes with a dual reception feature that lets the radio work with two different frequencies.

Pros

• Can be used a repeater
• Powerful 3800 mAH rechargeable battery
• Rugged and durable construction
• Simple to use and install

Cons

• Manual programming can be a bit challenging

 

 

9. Midland GXT1000VP4 Handheld Ham Radio

The GXT1000P4-2 is one of the finest ham radios from Midland and one of the best handheld ham radios on the market. This device offers a two-way radio communication system.

This system has a wide coverage area, reaching up to 36 miles (50 kilometers) in open fields. Aside from the normal 22 communication channels, this handheld ham radio comes with 28 more channels.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 comes with a standard rechargeable battery that gives you 2-3 days of battery life, but you can also use 4 regular AA batteries.

Apart from that, it comes with an automatic scan feature that displays all the available channels on a LCD display.

This handheld ham radio is suitable for treasure hunting, trekking, camping and other outdoor activities.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Excellent signal reception
• Superb audio quality
• The build quality is perfect for rough usage

Cons

• Heavy battery drain after several years
• The VOX button needs a little improvement
• Too many controls

 

 

10. Wouxun KG-UV8D Handheld Ham Radio

The Wouxun KG-UV8D is a nice dual band ham radio that will fit well in your arms, giving you a comfortable feel. This top of the line radio is powered by a 7.4V 2600mAH rechargeable battery that lasts for about 12 hours, while in use.

The unit also comes with a battery saver feature to increase the efficiency of the battery, allowing it to last longer.

Wouxun has designed the KG-UV8D to look quite cool (cool for a ham radio), allowing it look as good as it functions.

This ham radio comes with a big LCD display, a hands-free operation feature and a high illumination flashlight.

Other great features include 999 programmable memory channels, stopwatch, removable antenna, and a user manual.

Pros

• Easy to program
• Big screen LCD display with nice graphics
• Dual capability
• Cross band repeat

Cons

• The manual could be a little better
• Low output transmit audio
• The display can be a bit annoying during sunny days

 

 

11. Baofeng UV-5R Handheld Ham Radio

As one of the finest and most popular ham radios from BaoFeng, the UV-5R has a maximum power output of about 8 watts and a 700mw speaker output.

This unit loads up a lot of great features in a strong and lightweight handset, making it easy to use and carry around.

Asides from having an ergonomic design, the BaoFeng UV-5R rocks a rechargeable Li-ion battery, lasting for 2-3 days after charging.

This device has a nice coverage area, with the antenna transmitting within a 7 miles range.  Finally, it comes with a small LED flashlight that can be used in case of emergencies.

Pros

• Excellent frequency range
• High-definition 2-color LED display
• Inbuilt speaker and microphone
• Great frequency range
• Extremely strong and durable

Cons

• Manual programming can be a pain
• Scanning could be better
• No PPT lockout function

 

 

12. Wouxun KG-UV6D Handheld Ham Radio

If you are looking for a ham radio that gives you great features at an affordable price, the Wouxun KG-UV6D is your best bet. Its one of the best handheld ham radios on the market, that is relatively inexpensive.

This dual-band radio features 199 memory channels, an LCD display, and a backlit keypad. The radio also includes a voice prompt feature that allows you to enjoy a hands-free operation.

With a strong and water-resistant body, the Wuoxun KG-UV6D is excellent for camping and all sorts of outdoor activities. The radio also features a high illumination flashlight, FM radio, battery meter and a keypad lock to prevent changing the settings accidentally.

The power saver feature included comes in handy when trying to maintain long battery life (there is a battery-meter as well as a low battery alert).

Pros

• Audible button beeps
• Customizable display options
• Hands-free operation using the VOX feature
• Backlit keyboard and LCD display

Cons

• Scanning speed is a bit slow
• Modifying an existing entry can be a bit hectic

 

 

13. Yaesu Original VX-6R Handheld Ham Radio

The Yaesu Original VX-6R is one of the finest handheld ham radios that features several beneficial features. This tri-band radio is waterproof and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing.

It has an emergency function that will convey your call signal on a UHF channel.

When it comes to functionality, the Yaesu Original VX-6R features 1000 memory channels. This gadget mainly transmits 430 MHz as well as 144.220, while the receiver gets 0.5-999MHz.

More importantly, it comes with a good speaker and a readable screen display. This small unit also has a great power output (5 watts) and an excellent airband scanner.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Great power range selection
• Emergency automatic ID
• Password lock feature
• 1000 memory channels

Cons

• Long alpha tags (six letter tags)
• Manual programming can be a pain
• Poor quality belt clip

 

 

14. BaoFeng BF-888S Handheld Ham Radio

The BaoFeng BF-888S is a full-featured handheld radio that has a coverage range of up to 6km on open ground. This two-way unit comes with a high-quality antenna, charger and a user manual. The rugged construction gives the radio a very attractive look.

Its exterior is made of dense moulded plastic to make it durable.

Aside from having a great construction and a comfortable design, the BaoFeng BF-888S has a 1500mAH Li-ion battery that gives you a full day’s worth of charge. Even better, it takes only 3 to 4 hours to recharge the battery.

The sound is crystal clear and you can enjoy a broadcasting range of about 2 miles under optimum conditions. You can also boost the range by installing a higher quality antenna.

Pros

• Fantastic sound quality
• Compact and comfortable design
• Great broadcasting range
• FM radio reception after you reprogram

Cons

• Not compatible with other FRS radios
• No automatic beep or alert after transmission

 

 

15. TYT UV8000E Handheld Ham Radio

The TYT UV8000E is one of the best handheld ham radios on the market, with a maximum transmission distance of about 6km.

This unit not only comes at an affordable price, but it also includes a whole range of unique features that many of its competitors don’t have. That includes a cross-band repeater function, dual display, and 128 channels.

This radio offers a tri-color background light which you can customize to suit your taste. The emergency alarm function also comes in handy in case of a disaster. Its 3600 mAH battery lasts about 2 days.

It also includes a VOX transmitting function, FM radio, hands-free scanning and reverse frequency function.

Pros

• Can store up to 25 radio channels
• Pocket-friendly price
• Tri-color background light
• Cross-band repeater function
• Easy to use

Cons

• Tends to overheat while on use
• Bulky user manual

 

 

16. Hesenate HT-UV8R Handheld Ham Radio

Built with a very classic design, the Hesenate HT-UV8R is an upgrade version of the HT-UV5R and it comes with more advanced features. The upgrades make the HT-UV8R best handheld ham radios out there right now. This small ham radio is easy to hold.

Moreover, it comes with a belt clip as well as a hand strap. The unit also comes with an 1800 mAH battery that lasts for about 2-3 days, without the need for a recharge.

The Hesenate HT-UV8R is a great two-way radio that comes in three power levels, with the maximum being about 8watts. This tri-power radio comes with a nice dual display and an attractive keypad that makes it easy to use.

The HT-UV8R also features a flashlight, mic and a high-tech speaker.

Pros

• Long lasting battery life
• 8watt high power output
• Excellent display
• Dual-band antenna
• Small and strong build

Cons

• Programming can be difficult

 

 

17. Btech GMRS-V1 GMRS Two-Way Handheld Ham Radio

The Btech GMRS-V1 is a top quality ham radio that features a tri-color adjustable display and a superb dual watch receiver. That means that the GMRS-V1 can monitor two different frequencies, giving priority to the one that receives a call.

You can also listen to an FM broadcast station, while still ensuring that you don’t miss an incoming call. With these features, it has earned its place on this list of the best handheld ham radios out there.

For those who like having a lot of information about a specific channel, the Btech GMRS-V1 is just what you need. You can easily synchronize the displays and configure them to show the frequency and channel name.

Finding a new channel is also very simple and you can add or remove the ones you don’t like from the list.

Pros

• Easy to add channels
• FM radio broadcast
• High-quality belt clip and wrist strap
• Can monitor two channels simultaneously

Cons

• No programmed NOAA channels
• GMRS locked to 23 channel locations
• Slow scanning

 

 

18. Amcrest ATR-22 Baofeng Two-Way Handheld Ham Radio

The Amcrest ATR-22 BaoFeng is a two-way radio and a handheld receiver that gives you excellent service in different climatic conditions. This 16-channel radio comes with a high-tech Li-ion battery that lasts for about 12-24 hours.

The unit also features a built-in LED flashlight that will help you survive in the dark.

Boasting an ergonomic design, the Amcrest ATR-22 Baofeng is easy to hold and use for a long duration. Its sturdy design allows it to withstand roughness, bumps and scratches.

All these features will comfortably meet your personal and professional needs at a very friendly price.

Pros

• Automatic battery saver function
• Hands-off monitoring while scanning
• Bright flashlight
• High pitch Emergency alarm/ siren
• Multiple color options

Cons

• No screen display
• You need a programming cable

 

 

19. BaoFeng UV-82HP Handheld Ham Radio

The BaoFeng UV-82HP is a great update of its predecessor, the UV-82 model. This unit retains the original rugged design of its predecessor and comes with a whole lot of improved features to make the user experience much better.

With these upgrades, the UV-82Hp is worthy of this list of the best handheld ham radios available. That includes a 7watt transmission power, 12hour battery life and an improved antenna for good reception.

With the UV-82HP, you can listen to FM radio, while your favourite repeater is idle. Like other BoaFeng products, this lightweight ham radio comes with a nice LCD display and a backlit keyboard that makes it easy to use at any time.

The unit also comes with a power saving feature all at an affordable price.

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• Rugged construction
• High-quality antenna
• Simple keypad buttons
• FM radio reception
• Superb receiver sensitivity

Cons

• No clock
• Doesn’t come with a USB programming cable

 

 

20. BaoFeng UV-82L Two Way Handheld Ham Radio

As one of the latest products from BaoFeng, the UV-82L two-way radio comes with a nice circuit-design, anti-inference ability, and strong stability.

This fine ham radio features a high-tech SMP speaker that delivers perfect audio quality, similar to major brands like Motorola. Its performance is as good as the design and you won’t be disappointed with the way it feels on your arm.

The BaoFeng UV-82L two-way radio comes with a dual push-to-talk button and a 18cm booster antenna supporting a longer distance of coverage.

It is also very stable when it comes to receiving signals, and comes with two signal indicators, one for sending and the other for receiving. The unit also comes with an LED flashlight and a large LCD display.

Pros

• Manually programmable
• Large 2-line LCD display
• 128 memory channels
• FM radio reception
• 1800mAH rechargeable battery

Cons

• Boring user manual

 

 

Bottom Line:

There you have it, the best handheld ham radios on the market. Though buying a handheld ham radio can be a little tricky, you can easily find one that you will truly appreciate. All you need to do is to ensure that the device suits your needs ranging from the design to the coverage range. After going through the list, we hope you found the best handheld ham radio for your own needs – one that offers beneficial features that you will enjoy.

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Acoustic Speaker Cloth : The Complete Guide

Acoustic Speaker Grill Cloth (Speaker Cloth)

Speakers are a valuable part of your sound system and you always want them to maintain a high level of clarity, throughout their useful life. However, they tend to easily get damaged by dust and other contaminants around your house. With acoustic speaker cloth, you can protect the most delicate parts of your speaker, without affecting the sound level.

 

So, What Is Acoustic Speaker Cloth?

Before going to the definition, it’s important to state that acoustic speaker cloth is also known as grill cloth, speaker fabric, speaker mesh or just acoustic cloth.  This useful speaker protection tool is a thin piece of fabric that is specifically designed to allow all sounds to go through. They are an excellent compromise between the safety of your speakers and the sound quality.

Speaker manufacturers make grill cloth with synthetic threads or 100% polyester material. The threads are put together in an open pattern, leaving huge spaces in the pattern. That allows sound to smoothly go through, without any hindrance. The fabric comes in different colors and it adds a beautiful look to your speakers and your house.

 

Why Use Acoustic Speaker Cloth?

If you take a close look at a speaker cloth, you will note that there are lots of huge spaces in the fabrics for sound to pass. Unlike other fabrics, most grill cloth materials are flame resistant and they ensure that moisture doesn’t build up in your speakers. The material is also fade resistant and you can clean it with a vacuum brush.

The best thing about a speaker mesh is that it does not affect the strength of sound waves, also known as sound transmission. That makes it very effective in protecting the speaker while retaining the clarity of the sound being released into the atmosphere.  Keep in mind all types of fabric can allow sound to go through, but only grill cloth can work effectively on speakers.

 

Buying Acoustic Speaker Cloth

If you are thinking of making your own speakers, speaker grill cloth will be an essential part of your materials. This useful fabric is sold in linear yards, at the length of about 36”. The width varies from the brand you choose, but most of them are about 64 inches. This mathematically means that a piece of regular grill cloth measures 108” x 64”.

As you will note, speaker cloth comes in various measurements and they are great for making acoustic panels. For this use, you will need to use a significant amount of fabric. However, you will only need a small piece for your speakers, depending on their size. You should also know that they come in different types.

 

 

Types of Acosutci Speaker Cloth

When it comes to protecting your speakers against dust and other contaminants, you can choose between the two types of speaker grills.

 

Soft grills

Soft grills can be manufactured from fabric, foam, cloth and other similar materials. They offer protection against lightweight objects and are made from stretch materials.

Due to their soft texture, they can smoothly absorb sound vibrations and are less prone to rattling. Some of them can also absorb a certain amount of moisture, but they can get torn.

 

Hard Grills

Hard grills can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Holes are made in the materials used, allowing sound to freely go through.

This type of grill mainly protects your speaker against large objects and is highly durable. However, they may result in a rattling sound if they get damaged. This mainly happens when the volume of your speakers is high.

 

 

Five Best Speaker Cloths

When it comes to buying speaker cloth, you can easily make a mistake and end up with a very poor product. As such, we have taken the time to prepare a list of the best speaker grill cloths on the market. Whether you are looking for grill cloth for a new speaker or speaker cloth replacement, these products are excellent choices.

 

1. Zuiniubi Speaker Cloth

Made of dustproof material, this product can quickly restore the appearance of your speakers and allow them to look new again. The material is also scratch-resistant and it is suitable for your entertainment area or may be used as regular wall panels.  This fabric can stretch easily and has three layers, with an average size of about 55” x 19.7” (145cm x 50cm).

 

2. Speaker Grill Cloth, Black (or White) Grill Fabric

This speaker cloth made in the USA is great for custom wall panels and building entertainment speakers. These acoustically transparent fabrics are able to restore the appearance of your speaker and they have double layers for durability. Their size is about 55” x 20” per piece and you can choose between black and white colors.

 

3. XScorpion Subwoofer Grill Cloth

The XScorpion speaker grill is UV treated for durability and its size is about 36 x 66 inches. The product is very affordable and it does not muffle the sound coming from your speakers. It has a nice 3D appearance that looks great in subwoofers and car speakers. You can buy this product in black, red, blue, light gray, almond and other colors.

 

4. Dark Grey Stereo Speaker Grill Cloth

This high-quality multipurpose speaker cloth is suitable for subwoofers and other speaker cabinets.  It has a 3D extended design with an average size about 36×66 inches for each piece. This one-line yard fabric is also fade resistant and it has a wrinkle-free appearance. It comes in wide range of colors, including Dark gray, red, white, almond, burgundy, blue, black, light stand and brown.

 

5. Morning Rising Speaker Cloth

This speaker fabric has about 3 layers of material and is highly permeable.  It offers a great aesthetic decoration for your speakers and is easy to clean when dirty. The fabric portrays high-quality manufacturing standards and its size is about 144cm x48cm (44.9”x 18.9”) per piece. Luckily, you can use it for all kinds of speakers.

 

Bottom Line

Acoustic grill cloths are the best products to protect your speakers against dust and other substances that may cause them damage. Their transparency makes them ideal for covering your speakers, without affecting the quality of the sound. Most of them are affordable and you can find a product that fits right into your budget.

The post Acoustic Speaker Cloth : The Complete Guide appeared first on Boom Speaker.

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Soundproofing Dog Crates and Kennels

If you’re reading this, you probably love dogs. We do too! They are truly an excellent choice when it comes to adopting a pet.

However, we are not too fond of the loud barking. Not only is it impossible to ignore, but its very annoying. That’s one of the primary reasons why you may need a soundproof dog crate.

If your purchase a new soundproof dog crate or soundproof the dog crate yourself, doing so will help to eliminate the echoes and reverberations created from your dogs barking.

 

So, How Does a Soundproof Dog Crate Work?

Soundproof dog crates are made with sound deadening products that absorb the sound of your dog’s barking, significantly reducing the amount of noise in your space. They also eliminate reverberations and echoes that may increase the intensity of the barking sound. These crates can be made from different materials and are very useful in controlling barking sounds.

 

Why Soundproof a Dog Crate?

Though you may know it, soundproofing a dog crate can be beneficial to both you and the dog. The crates minimize the amount of sound that your dog can hear, allowing it to relax and stop barking. Keep in mind that dogs often bark when something is bothering them.

Besides making your pet happy and comfortable, soundproof dog crates reduce ear fatigue for you and your neighbours. Luckily, you can solve the barking issue by soundproofing your dog’s crate.

 

How to Soundproof Your Dog Crate

The most challenging part of soundproofing your dog’s crate is the fact that it has to breathe. That means you have to leave enough gaps for air to get in and out. Unfortunately, this space will also let a lot of barking noise to go through. However, it’s still possible to make your dog crate soundproof, using different materials.

As you can see, sealing all the gaps in your dog crate to make it soundproof is not a realistic approach. The better idea is to increase the crate’s ability to absorb sound, by installing different sound deadening products. Here are a few ways that you can use to soundproof a dog crate:

 

1. Using Dog Crate Covers

Dog crate covers are an economical solution to barking issues. Simply put, these covers are set over the structure of your dog’s crate, reducing the amount of sound getting in and out. The covers are made of dense noise deadening materials that make it difficult for noise to escape from the dog cage. You will want to ensure that the cover fits well on your crate.

Dog crates covers are readily available on the market, and you can always find a product that fits your budget. You may also place a blanket on top of the crate, to make it hard for sound to escape into the atmosphere. However, you should be careful when using a blanket, to avoid making the crate too hot or dark.

 

2. Absorption Sheets

Absorbing mid to high range frequency sounds, absorption sheets are made from a soft sound deadening material that reduces echo and the amount of noise going through the crate.

Moreover, they create a dark, quiet atmosphere that’s just perfect for naps or bedtime.

Most of them come with factory installed grommet holes for easy mounting, making them ideal for covering the wall spaces in the dog’s cage.

As you will note, this simple fix is very effective and affordable. Installing the sheets on your crate is easy, and you don’t need any specialized skills or tools. Keep in mind that the absorption sheet should be big enough, to cover your entire dog crate. So, they are perfect to throw over your dog crate for a quick, simple solution!

 

3. Soundproofing A Kennel

The soundproofing techniques mentioned above are beneficial for a dog crate, but you will need to consider other solutions for soundproofing a kennel.

That’s because sound can reflect off hard surfaces inside your kennel, creating an overwhelming amount of echo and reverberation sound. In this case, the idea is to limit these echoes by using different acoustic treatments that make the “room” less loud. Think of it as ‘soundproofing a dog room’.

Now, you will still hear your dog’s bark, however the impact will be greatly reduced. In fact, in most cases, you can get rid of up to 80% of the echo!

The most popular products for these room treatments are acoustic tiles, baffles or panels.

1. Acoustic Tiles

Acoustic Tiles are made with industrial strength adhesives, so they can adhere directly to the walls and ceilings. This means you can place them on walls and ceiling in the room where you dog’s kennel is.

Acoustic tiles are often from recycled cotton materials and are designed to cut down the echoing due to your dog’s barking.

Moreover, they are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and styles.

 

2. Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels are an excellent choice for kennel soundproofing. This is for reasons:

There are a wide variety of fabrics to choose from. In fact, you can even get fabric fabrics from Guilford of Maine.

You can personalize your panels by printing custom images on them.

They offer superior sound absorption and are made with a fabric wrapped finish. Moreover, they are especially good at soundproofing kennels because they offer an NRC rating of 1.0. This means they are excellent for absorbing mid to high frequencies.

3. Sound Baffles

Sound baffles are excellent for reducing echoes in a room. Baffles are sound reducing material which are often suspended vertically from the ceiling. The best thing about sound baffles is that they are lightweight, class A fire rated, decorative, and easy to self-install.

 

Five Best Soundproof Dog Crates

First and foremost, you should know that it can be very tricky to find the best soundproof dog crate on the market. To avoid making mistakes, here are the top 5 dog crates that will help you reduce your dog’s barking noise:

 

1. Go Pet Club Soft Crate

Featuring a faux-lambskin pad at the bottom, this functional crate comes in five sizes and is very comfortable. The crate has a tent-like look, and the top cover is made of heavy duty polyester fabric with a PVC backing. That makes the crate waterproof and very effective at limiting the sound of your dogs barking.

 

2. Soft Side Pet Crate

This attractive and durable travel crate comes in four sizes, with the largest covering up to a 90-pound dog. It has a removable bottom panel, and the top has a zipper, allowing you to feed your dog and clean it without any issues. The entire crate is also waterproof, and the material is very effective at reducing barking noise.

 

3. Fold-A-Crate (From 2pet)

Fold-a-crate is an economical solution to reduce your puppy’s noise, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The crate is made of high-quality fabric, making it attractive and very useful in minimizing noise. It comes in four sizes, and the price is a real bargain.

 

4. Classy Go Soft Crate (K&H Pet Products)

This classy crate from K&H products comes in three sizes, with mesh windows and a high-quality frame. The crate is very durable, and it has locking zippers and a space for an inverted water bottle, helping you to maintain minimum spillage in your dog’s shelter. The material used is also easy to clean, and it absorbs a considerable amount of echo and noise, while your dog barks.

 

Zen Crate Anxiety Relief Pet Crate

This high-quality product is an excellent treatment for your dog’s anxiety and is highly durable. Think of it as an anti anxiety dog crate. The design looks beautiful, and it includes sound damping technology that reduces physical vibrations from the environment. The crate also comes with a detachable door and sound insulation to minimize barking noise.

 

Bottom Line

If your dog or puppy has a barking issue, the best way to control the noise is soundproofing the crate. However, that may be a little tricky for you, and you may need to buy a soundproof dog crate. Keep in mind that it is imperative to match your crate with the size of your dog.

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Ceiling Sound Baffles: The Complete Guide

All You Need to Know About Sound Baffles

If you have a room that has a lot of hard surfaces and you want to cut down on the echo, sound baffles (also known as acoustic baffles) are just what you need. By definition, sound baffles are noise mitigation tools installed in walls and ceilings to reduce the strength of reflected sound waves, also known as the reverberated sound. They are instrumental in minimizing noise pollution and are commonly used to improve the acoustics of different rooms.

Besides being an economical solution to noise and echo issues, sound baffles are suitable for large spaces and areas with a limited number of walls. These devices increase the amount of space exposed to sound, reducing its ability to re-vibrate. That means you can significantly reduce the amount noise in your room, even without knowing how they work. However, we will explain this in details.

 

How Sound Baffles Work

As mentioned, sound baffles are a simple fix to noise pollution issues in your space.These noise mitigation panels are made of sound-deadening materials like mineral wool or foam and wrapped with PVC, Sailcloth or poly facing. The materials absorb sound waves from the environment and are an excellent means of controlling reverberation in enclosed areas.

Baffles can quickly dissipate when hit by sound waves, killing the echo and noise. They come in different styles, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to choose something that matches the décor of your room (or space). These tools are suitable for all the areas that have airborne sound transmission, mainly in large open spaces. This means you can install them in pools, schools, churches, theatre halls and other spaces surrounded by hard surfaces.

 

Advantages Of Sound Baffles

Installing sound baffles in your space is an easy way to way to control noise, and it offers a list of benefits to you and the people around you. Let’s look at some of the essential benefits.

1. They improve the acoustic quality

By using sound baffles, you can kill unwanted noises in your space and make other sounds more clear. That leads to improved musical clarity in entertainment areas and improved speech intelligibility in lecture halls or any other performance venues. You can also use them in retail outlets, to facilitate smooth conversations between the customers and the attendants.

 

2. Reduce stress

Though you may not know it, killing noise helps you to reduce stress. That is because if you can hear what people are saying, then you are less likely to be frustrated or irritated by their inability to understand you.

 

3. Improved Safety

While working in a workshop or any other place with noisy equipment, it can be very challenging to maintain safety. That means you need to cut down the amount of noise in such areas, to eliminate all the distractions that may lead to accidents. You can do this using sound baffles and allow the workers to have clear communications while working.

 

4. Improved Productivity

If you have ever tried working in a noisy environment, then you will agree with me that sound baffles are essential to improving your productivity. They significantly reduce the amount of noise in your working space, allowing you to concentrate on your task. That leads to improved productivity.

As you can see, sound baffles have immense benefits to your room or space. The best part is that they require minimal effort to install, even without prior experience. Here is all you need to know about installing sound baffles.

 

How To Install Sound Baffles

Before anything else, you should note that there are several methods of installing your sound baffles. Most of these methods are simple, and you don’t need any specialized skills. Don’t forget that you can install the panels on the walls or ceiling.

 

1. Cloud mount

If you opt to float the sound baffles off your ceiling, then cloud mounting is what you need. This method requires some rope, wire or chain to hang the panel and it does not require any specialized skills. That’s because some baffles come with factory installed grommets and eye-bolts, for easy mounting.

When using the cloud mount method to install your sound baffles, you can hang them at any length comfortable for you. After all, the distance between your ceiling and the panels does not affect the sound absorption process.

 

2. Rotofast clips

This is one of the simplest methods of installing sound baffles on wooden surfaces and dry walls. For this technique, you have to anchor the clips randomly on your panel, and then press it against the mounting surface to make a mark. After that, drive the mating portion of your clips through the marked area and attach the baffle. This method is simple and does not require any glue. It also makes it easy to transfer the sound panels.

 

3. Z-Clips

To install sound baffles on brick walls and concrete blocks, you can use a set of mechanical clips (z-clips) attached at the back of your panels. During the installation process, you will need to anchor a set of wall bars to your surface and then simply slide the panel in place. This method is very effective, and some baffles come with factory installed clips.

 

4. Impaling clips

This is one of the best installation techniques if you do not intend to transfer the baffles to another place. All you need to do is to anchor the impaling clips on your wall and apply adhesive glue to the panels, before pressing them on the surface. The teeth of the clips will sink into the back of the baffles as the glue dries up. This method is suitable for wooden surfaces and drywall only.

Though most of these installation methods are simple, they may need a little effort to successfully execute. Luckily, you won’t get any complications.

 

Bottom Line

Sound baffles are excellent noise killing tools that help you reduce unwanted sounds in your space, for better acoustics and a serene talking environment. These panels come in various sizes, color and designs, giving you a variety of options to match your interior décor. They are also easy to install and are highly beneficial.

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Car Soundproofing: How to Get Rid of Road Noise in a Car

Cars are the most convenient mode of transportation ever invented. However, most of them produce a lot of noise on the road, and it can be very annoying, especially when trying to have a conversation.

So, what can you do to get rid of road noise?

There are various ways to go about soundproofing your vehicle. Some of these solutions are quite simple and can be incredibly effective when applied in the right way.

Now you may be saying to yourself, “But I have no idea how to soundproof my car!” The fact is, soundproofing a car is a lot easier than you might think. In most cases, all you need to soundproof your car is the right dampening materials and a little time.

So don’t worry, we will show you some of the simplest diy car soundproofing methods to quiet road noise and improve your driving experience.

 

Car Soundproofing: What Does It Really Mean?

Before going into various solutions, it’s worth answering the question, what does car soundproofing (auto sound deadening) really mean?

Car soundproofing (also known as dampening, damping or deadening) means reducing the frustrating noises and improving the sound quality of your car.

There are many sources of noise on a car. It could be the doors, hood, trunk, panels, engine, etc. All of these car parts let unwanted and annoying noises leak into your car. However, you can really improve your experience with the following car soundproofing methods.

 

Benefits Of Car Soundproofing

You spend a lot of time in your car and you should enjoy your ride. Car soundproofing (auto sound deadening) provides another means of enjoying your car. There are several advantages to doing this:

Avoid Headaches: Long car rides with terrible noise lead to headaches for you and your passengers.

You Won’t Need To Shout: With a loud car, you won’t be able to hear yourself. This means you will need to shout a lot to hear yourself and to allow others to hear you.

You’ll Hear Your Music: If you like playing music in your car, then with the excessive noise, you won’t be able to hear your quality music.

Reduced Vibrations: Normally, excessive sounds are accompanied by annoying vibrations. With these car soundproofing methods, you won’t only reduce noise, but vibrations as well.

Bottom line, car soundproofing allows you to get that luxury car feel without spending thousands of dollars. Simply put, with these car sound dampening methods, you can really enjoy your music and relax in your ride without being distracted by unwanted sounds.

 

1. The #1 Way To Reduce Road Noise: Using A Dynamat

By far, the way reduce road noise is by using a Dynamat. Indeed, Dynamat is the most effective sound deadening materials that you can use.

You may be asking what is this amazing material called dynamat? Dynamat is a thin, super sticky butyl rubber bonded to an aluminium alloy skin. They are often manufactured using a special method called Vector Chemistry which makes them the most effective sound deadening material available.

However, they are a bit more costly than other types of deadening materials on the market. The good thing is that it does a remarkable job at isolating road noise from the cabin, creating a friendly environment for driving.

If cost is not an issue, you should consider installing dynamat on your car’s trunk, doors, floor, headliner, and hood. For example, this Self-Adhesive Sound Deadener Dynamat is available in sets of 9 and has been used by many to soundproof their vehicles.

The installation process is simple, and you can successfully do it in your garage, with just a few basic skills.

How To Install Dynamat

Before starting the installation process, you need to remove the door panels, carpeting, the headliner, and seats. After that, you can install this sound-deadening material with just a few steps:

• Start by cleaning the metal surface of your car, to ensure proper adhesion of the dynamat.
• Using a utility knife, cut the dynamat into the desired shape.
• Peel the back cover of the dynamat and stick on the metal surface of your car.
• You can use a roller or a heat gun to press the sheets on your car, for a custom fit.

 

 

 2. Soundproof Doors

To reduce the noise in your car, we suggest you start by soundproofing the doors. As you know, door panels often vibrate while the vehicle is moving, causing a lot of racket and vibrations.  This is an effective method of eliminating sound in your car, but the process can be challenging. However, you don’t need to worry, as we will explain it in details.

Firstly, we should point out that only a few materials may be used to effectively soundproof door panels. You may find acoustic foam panels on the market, but they tend to add weight to your car. That means they are not ideal to use if you treasure your driving experience. Sound deadening mats are the best products to use.

For example, this Second Skin Damplifier Butyl Sound Deadener is an excellent choice sound deadening your car doors cheap.

 

So, how can you Soundproof the Car Doors?

The trickiest part will be removing all the screws and nuts in your door, to take off its first layer. Keep in mind that the mats should be placed on the inner section of the door. However, if you think that you are not cut out for this kind of job, ask a professional to help you. Here a guide on how to complete this task from the comfort of your garage.

• If you choose to install the sound deadening mats on your own, you will need to take the proper measurements of your door. That will allow you to know the size of the mat that you need to purchase.
• Carefully check for any screws or fasteners on your door before taking off the door panel.
• Look out for any wires and plastic clips attached to switches and door locks. You will also need to remove other movable parts like speakers.
• In most cases, you will find an inner moisture barrier made of plastic or other materials. That will also need to come off before you start installing the sound deadening mats.
• Take off any other factory deadeners that may be installed on the inner part of the door.
• Before you install the new sound deadening mats, clean your door well using a suitable cleaner (Alcohol-based cleaners are the best since they evaporate fast).
• After everything is ready, cut the mats into functional pieces and place them on your door using adhesive glue.
• Use a wooden rolling pin to press down the deadening mat on your door. Make sure that no air spaces are left.
• Remember to account for any moving parts on your door and leave enough room for them.
• After installing the sound deadening mats, put back your speakers and door panel to start enjoying the experience.

Keep in mind that the material should cover the whole door for maximum results.  Rubber mats are the best to use if you have a soft spot for your vehicle.

 

3. Use Sound Dampening Materials

Dampening (deadening) materials are effective tools for combating noise in your car. The best part is, there are many cheap sound deadening material for cars on the market.

For example, this FatMat Sound Deadening Foam is available on Amazon for an excellent price (less than $50 for 10 Sq Ft). It’s a self-adhesive mat that comes with an installation kit.

These materials eliminate vibrations and absorb sound waves coming from the wheels and other parts of your vehicle. We recommended that you use a combination of these products in order to achieve maximum dampening.

• Dampening (Sound Deadening Mats)

This simple fix is often the best thing you can use to eliminate road noise in your car. Dampening mats are made of rubber, asphaltic panes or suitable materials with adhesive backing.

So, how do sound dampening mat work? Sound dampening mats work by absorbing the vibrations and in some cases transforming the sound vibrations into heat (depending on the material used). Some of them are also made of audio deflecting material which doesn’t allow noise to pass. This then lowers the level of resonance coming from your vehicle’s wheels.

As you will note, most vibrations and sounds that ruin the ambience of your car come from the floor panels. That is mostly due to the moving parts of your vehicle while driving. Sound deadening mats are put under your vehicle’s floor mats to absorb the sound entering the cabin from the tires.

Though a lot of people don’t realize it, most car manufacturers don’t do a good job when it comes to killing the sound coming from the floor panel. The best they do is to install thin or regular mats to reduce the noise. However, as you have apparently seen, they are entirely ineffective.

Fortunately, you can quickly solve the issue by installing sound deadening mats in your vehicle.

 

4. Use Soundproofing Sprays

Sound killing sprays are most suitable for your car’s windows and door panels or any other placemat is not suitable to add mats. Some of them require paint guns and compressors to apply, while others are available in an aerosol can and you can use them without the need for additional equipment.

For example, this DEI 050220 Boom Mat Spray-on Sound Deadening Spray is made specifically for reducing road noise and comes in a simple aerosol can.

 

5. Use Soundproofing Foams

Soundproofing foam comes in either sheet or foam form. It is used in a similar manner to how you use sound dampening mats – that is by laying them over car panels to absorb vibration.

However, soundproofing foam doesn’t work like sound dampening mats do. Instead, the foam absorbs sound and disperses it throughout the sheet.

Dampening foam also tends to be less expensive than other forms of car soundproofing techniques. For example, this 12 Pack- Acoustic Panels Studio Foam Wedges is less expensive than most sound deadening mats.

 

6. Use Sound Dampening Insulation

These soundproofing materials are made of fibers and placed beneath your car’s carpet. The thick pane of fibers used provides insulation tohe vehicle’s interior and absorbs the sound coming in through the floor. Keep in mind that some insulators come in spray form and are quite easy to apply.

Keep in mind however that they are not the most effective sound killing tools. On the other hand, they provide thermal insulation to the interior of your car as well as creates a beautiful, plush carpet.

If you choose to use insulators to get rid of all the unnecessary noise in your vehicle, you can visit your local workshop to have the job done. However, you can easily handle the installation by yourself.

In either case, you may want to purchase the insulation yourself. This ESP reflective automotive insulation is popular for car restoration and is available for a good price.

Here is a step-by-step guide to installing insulator from your garage:

1. Before starting the installation process, you will need to disassemble the interior of your car. That means taking out the chairs and floor mats.
2. Take measurements of your car’s floors, to know the size of insulation mat that you need.
3. Clean the floor with acetone or other suitable cleaners. However, the cleaner should dry fast and allow the glue to adhere properly.
4. You will need a utility knife or something equivalent to cut little holes where your car seats will be screwed.That is very important, especially when reassembling your car’s interior.
5. Cut the insulation to the desired size and install it on the floor, using adhesive glue. Please note that you may have to use a lot of glue for a small area, to allow the mat hold to the metal properly. If you skimp on the adhesive, the mat won’t hold long, and you will still have a noisy car.
6. After placing the insulation on top of the adhesive glue, press it from the center out to ensure that the mat fits well on the floor.
7. Using a roller, remove all the lumps or bubbles that may form when pressing the insulation to the floor.
8. Apply insulation sprays or foam in crevices and cracks. The idea is to keep out as much noise as possible, for a serene driving experience.
9. Give the materials enough time to dry before proceeding to the next step.
10. Reassemble the car’s interior by placing the carpet on top of the insulation mat and put back the seats.

Though the insulation process may seem hard, the actual installation of the mats is quite simple. The glue will make a cloud of adhesive, so you may want to work in a well-ventilated place, and you may want to wear a mask.

Hand gloves are also necessary to avoid cutting yourself with the utility knife, but you may prefer to use a pair of scissors instead.

 

7. Reduce Engine Noise

As we all know, the easiest way to solve road noise issues is to go straight to the source. The engine, suspensions and the exhaust system are some of the significant causes of car noise. You need to ensure that everything in your vehicle is functioning properly, to avoid hearing rattling, squealing, grinding or clunking sounds.

If you notice any unusual noises in your car, you may want to visit a mechanic to have the problem assessed. You also need to change the oil and other fluids in your car regularly. Be sure to perform regular maintenance checks to avoid noisy malfunctions.

So, how do you reduce engine noise when your car is working at its best?

Even when everything in your car is fully functional, a certain amount of noise can be heard from the engine. That’s why most cars have factory-installed soundproof devices to reduce that sound. However, the condition of these devices tends to deteriorate with time, and you need to check them regularly to ensure they are working as intended.

To reduce the road noise getting inside your vehicle through the cabin, car manufacturers install thick pads on the lower side of the hood. These flame-retardant pads are made of several layers of material, and they help to suppress engine heat. However, you can install additional sound-deadening insulation to quiet the engine while driving.

Installing additional sound-deadening insulation to reduce engine noise

Using different dampening products on the market (e.g. sound dampening mats), you can significantly lower the amount of noise coming from your engine. These products are made from sound-deadening materials that absorb the sound coming from the engine and exhaust systems.

It is important that you ensure whichever sound dampening mat you purchase for your engine contain metal foil backing. The foil increases the mat’s heat resistance making them able tolerate the heat of the engine.

You can ask your mechanic to put these specialized products on your car, but you can also install them at home. Here is a detailed guide:

• Opening the hood is the first thing you have to do when installing dampening materials to reduce engine noise. You will want to check if everything is performing well before proceeding.
• If you look carefully under your hood, you will see areas covered with rubbers to absorb heat and sound from your engine.
• Before installing the new sound-proofing products, you will have to take out the factory installed materials and clean the metal section (use acetone or alcohol-based cleaners).
• Cut the sound-deadening material into the appropriate sizes and install them on your car, using adhesive glue. The new products should be in the same section as the old ones.
• You should allow the materials time to dry and cover them up with the factory products.
• Close your hood and enjoy a test drive.

Sound-deadening your car’s engine is simple and effective. However, you should ensure that you are using specialized products that can withstand moisture and heat

 

8. Install A New Stereo System

If you don’t think you are ready to go through the hassle of soundproofing, you can still do something about all that unwanted noise in your vehicle. Don’t forget that some cars may not look great with foams and mats.

As we all know, a good playlist is all you need to feel relaxed when driving your car. That being the case, you need a reliable stereo system to drain all the road noise and give you a smooth driving experience.

 

8. Special Note: Listen To Your Car

Some car sounds are just due to the natural wear and tear of your vehicle. Other car sounds, however, are due to serious mechanical or even electrical issues that require immediate attention. While car soundproofing is a cool way to get rid of noise, before you go ahead soundproof your car, listen to the sounds and try to determine if they are serious or not.

 

How Do You Know When Car Sounds Are Serious?

Here’s how you go about it:

One of the easiest ways to identify serious noises from your vehicle is when you hear a noise you’ve never heard before.

If the noises are accompanied by some sort of reduction in ride quality.

If any of the above occurs, don’t just take advantage of your new soundproof skills and ignore the sounds. Take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to find the source of the problem and fix it before a serious repair job is required.

 

Bottom Line

Though the concept of car soundproofing is broad, it’s quite convenient and straightforward in getting rid of the noise inside your vehicle.

We have discussed several diy car soundproofing methods, you can use several methods to kill all the unnecessary noise in your car, without having any issues.

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How To Stop Static In Speakers

A speaker is a device that converts electricity into sound. So, if you plug your speaker into a wall outlet or you power it using batteries, the speaker will convert electricity from those sources to sound. However, speakers also pick up unwanted electrical signals from the environment which are also converted into sound. This is referred to as static in speakers.

Let’s explain further…

So what is a static?

Speaker static is a sound interruption that occurs when the sound signals being transmitted into the speakers has too much power or extraneous signals are being picked up by the wiring. In other words, speaker static occurs when too much electricity is going through your speakers, distorting the desired sound.

It’s what causes that cracking, buzz or humming sound you hear in speakers sometimes. It can also occur if the wiring picks up extrinsic (unwanted) signals from the surrounding.

Luckily, speaker static is not permanent, and you can easily get rid of it. Stopping speaker static in your speaker requires that you find and eliminate the source of the extra power going through your speakers. Bear in mind that several issues may contribute to static. Let’s explore them.

 

 

Causes of Static in Speakers

Static in speakers when a speaker picks up too much electric current than it can handle or unwanted electrical signals. Several factors can contribute that:

 

1. Interference

Speakers use electromagnets to create sound from the electrical signal going through them. That being the case, they are capable of picking up signals from other devices around the house and transmitting them as sound output. That automatically results in a static. Several devices create electromagnetic radiation that can, in turn, be picked up by speakers or speaker wires and be transmitted as sound.

Phones, Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, baby monitors, televisions, radios and other electronic devices transmit electromagnetic radiation to the atmosphere and result in static in your speakers. Keep in mind that the interference intensity may vary from one device to another.

So, how can you get rid of interference?

To get rid of static caused by interference, you have to ensure that the electronic signals transmitted by these devices do not get picked up by the speakers. You can do this by moving the speaker away from the source of the interference or by using shielded speakers and shielded cables.

Shielded speakers and cables help you get rid of the static quickly, as they do not pick up any unwanted signals from the surroundings. They are similar to those used in computers and have a better design than regular home audio speakers and regular speaker wires.

 

 

2. Damaged Speakers

A speaker amplifies sound by the use of a cone, a flexible material (made of rubber, paper or plastic) attached at the base, to help pump sound waves towards your ears.

If the cone is loose or torn, it won’t vibrate correctly and any signal that comes through the speaker will cause a vibration through the damaged surface, resulting in a static.

In other words, the torn surface of the speaker causes an extra vibration besides the one caused by the sound signal, causing extra noise.

That affects the smooth flow of the sound signal and results in static in speakers. Remember also that any foreign object touching your speaker can result in sound distortion, due to the extra vibrations.

How do you know if the speakers are damaged and what do you do?

If the speakers are new, it’s most likely that the static is resulting from something else other than damage. However, you can identify the torn surface by gently placing your hand above the cone of your speakers.

While doing that, you will want to regulate the volume and avoid applying too much pressure to prevent further damage.
In case the speaker’s case is loose, you can use glue to fasten it and prevent extra vibrations.

However, you need to use the proper glue to avoid damaging the speaker. Keep in mind that if the speaker is torn, you may have to replace the entire cone altogether.

As we’ve already established, materials touching your speakers may also cause extra vibrations, resulting in static. As such, you need to move your speakers away from anything that may disrupt the smooth flow of sound signals.

 

3. Ground Loops (Earth Loops)

Electricity always wants to go to ground, and if it does not have a clear path to the ground, then that may cause shorts and static in speakers. Firstly, please note that the ground is very important for safety reasons.

Ground loops occur when multiple devices are connected through a single ground. The problem can be worse when the devices are linked to different AC outlets (wall outlets). Before we go into the solution, let’s first look at the basics.

What Are Ground Loops?

Simply put, a ground loop occurs when two or more electronic devices are plugged into different power outlets then connected to each other using a cable with a ground. That creates two different pathways to the ground (a loop), and the current may then flow in undesired ways. That will cause an audio hum, and it might damage your devices.

For example, if you have a powered speaker and amplifier plugged in different grounded outlets, you are most likely going to experience speaker static.

 

How To Know If Your Speaker Is Affected By Ground Loops

Unlike the static caused by interference in your speakers, ground loops cause a consistent buzz or hum. As such, if you notice that the buzzing sound is continuous and consistent, then is probably caused by a ground loop.

 

How To Solve Ground Loop Issues

To eliminate a ground loop issue, you need to get rid of the ground connection on one of the devices. This way, only one ground connection is left. You can easily do that by plugging all your electrical equipment into the same grounded circuit. Other simple solutions involve cutting off the ground pin on one of the devices.

Please note that this is not recommended because you may want to use that device by itself and forget that it doesn’t have a ground pin. Other than that, you can buy an isolation transformer.

 

 

4. Excess power

Every speaker is capable of handling a certain amount of audio signal. When a speaker receives too much electrical power than it can handle, it will try work to the maximum and the resulting sound be flattened at the top. That will distort the sound output. The problem is most noticeable when the volume is turned up.

If you notice this type of problem, you will need to turn down your speakers until the distortion goes away. If that doesn’t solve the static issue, you will need to check your amplifier and try to turn down the ‘volume’ (gain) of the amp too.

If the distortion only goes away when the volume is turned all the way down then this likely means that your amplifier produces too much power for your speakers to manage. It may also mean that your amp and speakers have different impedance ratings. In either case, you will need to get a better match.

 

Bottom Line

Static in speakers can be quite annoying and hard to solve if you don’t know what is causing the problem. That means that the first step towards solving and stopping a static hum or buzzing issue in your sound system is to identify the root of the problem. Sometimes the simplest solutions work best.

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The Complete Guide To Soundproof Curtains

When most people think of soundproofing a room, they think of installing soundproof windows and multiple layers of sound absorption sheets and sound blankets.

Yet, one of the simplest and least expensive ways to soundproof a room is using soundproof curtains (sound reducing curtains). Soundproof curtains offer a number of advantages, they are easy to install, inexpensive and they look great.

 

Do Soundproof Curtains Really Work?

So, if all you have do is buy a curtain and hang it up to soundproof a room, it’s no wonder many people ask the question, do they really work?
Here’s the answer:
The majority of soundproof curtains available on the market are effective when used for reducing internal noises in a room such as echoes, however, most of them are not very good for reducing noises entering a room from the outside environment.

Now, there are several soundproof curtains out there that can reduce noise entering your house from the outside, but to find them you need to be careful when searching. This article is to help you in your search. We have done all the searching for you so if you are looking for a soundproofing curtain that will help to reduce noises entering your home, then read on.

 

So Do Soundproof Curtains Work or Not?

If you are still confused, the quick answer is, it depends, it depends on the following:

1. It depends on which one you purchase.
2. It depends on what you will be using it for.

Most of them will work if you will be using them to reduce echo in a room. Almost all soundproof curtains are an excellent way to deaden or dampen (i.e. absorb) noise in your room and keep it from echoing.

However, apart from a few, most of them are less effective if you will be using them to completely block out all the noise from the outside environment. For example, if you live in a very noisy area, maybe where there’s a lot of traffic with noisy taxis and sirens wailing and that kind of road noise, then soundproof curtains will not be as effective as a soundproof window.

Don’t get us wrong, a good soundproof curtain will certainly go a far way in reducing that noise, but it won’t be as effective as a soundproof window. However, if you are seeking an inexpensive solution to lessening outside noise, then a soundproof curtain is an excellent choice.

Bottom line, unless you suffer from an extremely noisy environment, quality soundproof curtains will be just fine for you. If however, you live an extremely noisy area, you should remember that these curtains aren’t a single solutions for completely blocking heavy outside noise. To do that, you need to use other methods as well, such as soundproof windows or soundproof thermal blankets.

 

 

Benefits of Soundproof Curtains

Though soundproofing curtains aren’t the most effective way to soundproof your home, they can do a great job if you do it right. Moreover, they offer a number of benefits over more professional methods of soundproofing. Many of these benefits outweigh the drawbacks to the point where soundproofing curtains might be the best option for you. Here’s why:

1. Inexpensive: Most other, more professional methods of soundproofing are rather expensive and time-consuming.

2. Blackout Benefits: Most soundproof curtains are also blackout curtains. During summer, these curtains have a darkening effect by keeping the sunlight out which helps to keep the room cool. They are certainly great for blocking out those bright spring and summer mornings when the sun rises before the alarm!

This also means you can sleep well in broad daylight. During winter, these curtains block the cold drafts and therefore keeps the room warm and cosy.

3. Enhanced Ambience: They enhance the look of a room as regular fancy curtains do.

All in all, when you consider the many benefits of soundproof curtains and compare them to other solutions, they are a worthy investment. After all, they are the cheapest and most aesthetically pleasing soundproofing solution!

 

 

How Do Soundproof Curtains Work

Don’t worry, we aren’t going to get into any complicated Physics. It’s quite simple really.
How They Help Block Sounds From Outside
So you probably know that sound travels as waves through the air, right?

Cool.

You may also know that sound travels at different speeds through different materials. For example, sound travels faster through air than it does through wood. It travels faster through glass word than it does through water or metal.

In the same way that sound travels slower through certain materials, there are some materials that slow down sound so much that they essentially block sound. Additionally, hard surfaces such as tiles and metal keep sound travelling by reflecting sound while soft material such as carpets and curtains absorb sound, therefore stopping it in its tracks. Soundproof curtains are made of these materials and therefore help to block sound entering your home as well as absorb excess sound from within your home.

Now outside noise normally enters your home through your windows and doors. Your soundproof curtains act as guards against noises entering from the outside world by absorbing some of that unwanted noise. In addition, these curtains help to cancel excessive noises within your home itself, from your children shouting to things falling, etc.

 

How They Help Reduce Echoes

Let’s says you take your phone into a small room such a bathroom, if you play a song loudly enough, you will notice an annoying echo.
Go on, try it, you’ll see.

Now, let’s say you take that same phone into a walk-in closet and play that same song at the same volume, as long as there are clothes is in the closet, the echo will be far less, or none at all! The experience will be much more pleasing because the room will be significantly quieter in terms of unnecessary noise.

Soundproof curtains work in a similar manner to the clothes in the closet. While they won’t reduce noise entering the room from the outie environment, they make the noise in a room die out very quickly which means that the sound experience in the room itself will be much more pleasing.

 

Choosing A High-Quality Soundproof Curtain

Firstly, don’t be tricked into buying any old curtain just because it is marked “soundproof”. Many curtains are marketed as being “soundproof” but they really aren’t. Many dishonest vendors use the term on curtains which are nothing more than standard curtains except for the fact that they are thick. It’s just a marketing gimmick in most cases. Just because a curtain is thick doesn’t mean it’s soundproof.

So, how do you know if a curtain is really soundproof? There are a few ways. You should consider the width, height, weight and materials used to make the curtain. All of these factors combined determine the sound reduction properties of the curtain:

 

Determining the Size and Type

You can’t just go out and purchase any old curtain just because it is branded ‘soundproof’ and expect it to work. In fact, you can’t just purchase an expensive soundproof curtain just because it’s expensive and expects it to work well either. You need to determine the best solution for your specific case and the best way to do so is to measure up! So get your tape out!

First, measure the window where you will hang your soundproof curtains. Use a tape measure to get the correct length, width and height of the area. The important thing here is to make sure that you leave enough space for the curtain to fall.

1. Weight/Material: They will be heavy weighing at least 15 lbs or about 7kg! (because they are made with heavy material such as faux suede, wool, twill, quilted fiberglass, velvet or rockwool. They may also be coated in vinyl). In general, the heavier the curtain, the better the sound blocking capability.

2. Tightly Woven: It must be tightly woven and solid. Look for layered curtains because the extra lining makes them more effective at blocking out noise.

3. Height, Width and Seal: It must cover as much area around the window as possible so that it completely covers the window. This means it must be long enough to go from ceiling to floor and be wide enough to cover each window on either side. Also, the curtains should fold to completely seal the window at each side.

4. Length: As we just said, the curtains should be long enough to go from ceiling to floor. If you have traditional 8′ ceilings, then you need to purchase 96″ curtains and NOT the 84″ long curtains. Doing this will mean that your curtains will go from ceiling to floor.

5. Thickness: In order to provide a good enough barrier against noise, soundproof curtains should be at least 2 inches (i.e. about 5 cm) thick.

6. Style: Wide curtains with pleats will block more sound. The wider the curtain, the more gather it will have, so there will be tighter creases in the curtain. The creases will help to reflect sound waves and the pleats will thicken the curtain. This combination makes it more difficult for sound to travel through the curtain.

As we have said before, soundproof curtains which will significantly reduce the level of noise entering your home can be found. However, you must be very careful when searching. You must know what you are looking for or you will be disappointed when you make the purchase.

 

 

Acoustic Curtains For Garage Bands And Recording Artiste

If you are a musician or recording artiste looking to start a small recording studio in your garage, then you will face two problems:

1. Noisy neighbours. Yep, they will get especially noisy when you’re ready to record your music!
2. Annoying, crazy echoes from the bare garage walls.

In order to properly drown out noise from outside, you will need sound absorption sheets, sound blankets and soundproof windows. However, you will also need good soundproof curtains to drown out the crazy echoes so you can clearly hear your instruments and hear yourself!

If you fail to do this, you will spend hours listening to endless echoes and will have to do rehearsal after rehearsal. It will quickly kill your enthusiasm for producing quality music. It will be crazy!

If for no other reason, you need to soundproof the garage so that you won’t give your neighbours headaches. Surely, some consider your music to be nothing but noise. Remember, being neighbourly goes both ways.

 

 

Best Soundproof Curtains For Your Home

Let’s say you live in a big city, with a lot of road noise. I’m talking about loud sirens from fire trucks, ambulances and police, taxi drivers honking their horns, people shouting and noise from other sorts of mayhem. We feel your pain. Maybe you live close to a loud construction site, that’s even worse!

A good sound reducing curtain is a good way to help gain some peace and quiet in your home. Good choices are the NICETOWN Blackout Curtains or the Beautyrest 11239042X095IV Chenille.

 

 

Best Soundproof Curtain For Children’s Room

If you’re a new mom, there are few things more important to you than your newborn sleeping well. With all the noise that will upset your baby, from street noises to other kids in the house to neighbours, you need some good children blackout curtains to ensure your little one sleeps well.

Remember, sound reducing curtain help to block out light as well which will certainly help your little ones sleep much longer and much better. You should know that sleepless mornings are no fun!

An excellent soundproof curtain for your children’s room is the NICETOWN Blackout Curtain (link to Amazon).

We should also mention that probably the most important product to make your life easier when you have a baby is a sound dohm. The Marpac Sound Dohm (link to Amazon) is a great choice, for example.

 

 

High Light Blocking (Energy Efficient) Curtains

Eclipse Suede Energy-Efficient Curtains

If you are seeking curtains that block out a tremendous amount of light then, the Eclipse Suede Energy Efficient Curtains is an excellent choice. These curtains are made of suede and look very classy, as if they could be placed on a theatre stage, yet they aren’t very expensive.

For maximum light blocking, you should double up on the number of panels for your window width. Do not skimp on the length! By just following the directions, you should be able to achieve about 99% sunlight blocking with these curtains. In fact, you should also achieve about three to five times the noise reduction over normal sound reduction curtains.

 

 

Sound Absorbing Blankets

Sound absorption blankets are important for instances when you need full protection for an entire room, for example when you want to soundproof a garage for use as a recording studio.

 

 

Sound Reducing Curtains For Nurseries

One crying baby is bad enough, having several babies crying at once is a nightmare, just ask nursery nannies! Many nurseries are located in busy towns and in areas they are prone to noise from factories and other noisy sources. Sound reducing curtains are good choices to help deaden noises from the outside as well as inside.

Not only do sound reducing curtains help to deaden noise, but they also block out light which makes that afternoon nap easy on the kids. Remember, kids sleep extraordinary long hours and you really don’t want anything waking them up, or they will get testy!

An excellent soundproof curtain for your children’s room is the NICETOWN Blackout Curtain (link to Amazon).

We mentioned this for children’s’ rooms. We will also mention it for nurseries. The most important product to make your life easier when you have a baby is a sound dohm. The Marpac Sound Dohm (link to Amazon) is a great choice, for example.

 

 

Best Soundproof Curtains

NICETOWN Blackout Curtains with Panels for Bedroom

Nicetown Blackout Curtains are not only soundproof curtains, but they are blackout curtains as their name suggests. They do a great job of blocking out excess noise from outside.
They are thermally insulated which means they not only block out sunlight, but they help keep the room warm during the winter and cool during the summer. This means they will help you save on those expensive electricity bills!

Design: These curtains are made of high-quality polyester fabric that is manufactured using triple weave technology. Yet, the curtains are very elegant and rather soft which is surprising for blackout curtains. Moreover, they are available in several varieties, it’s easy to find one to fit the ambience of your home.

 

Beautyrest 11239042X095IV Chenille

Beautyrest darkening curtains are special blackout curtains which are rather subtle and elegant. They are great for darkening rooms and therefore giving you a good night’s or even day’s sleep. Of course, they also help to block noise from the outside helping you to relax in the comfort of your home.

Design: These are made of 100% polyester textured chenille fabric and are quite elegant and of high quality. Additional accessories such as rods (sold separately) may be added which make the curtains even more pleasing to the eyes. Moreover, they are can be easily washed and dried which means they are very durable.

 

Moondream Soundproof Curtains

The Moondream Soundproof Curtains are all about noise reduction. They are designed with three layers to improve noise reduction. Moondream claims that these curtains can achieve noise reduction of up to 7 decibels. The curtains also do a great job of blocking out sunlight and keeping an even temperature within the room.

Design: These curtains are special because they are made of Moondream’s patented 3-in-1 layer technology. These layers combine 100% of polyester on the first layer, with 99.99% of polyester as well as 0.01% aluminium on the second layer and 100% genuine cotton as its third layer.

 

 

Best Home Fashion Thermally Insulated Blackout Curtains

If you have trouble sleeping, then these blackout curtains are ideal for you. The Best Home Fashion Thermally Insulated Blackout Curtains are high quality blackout curtains which create the ideal sleeping environment for your or your kids. Not only that, but they will help to ease they effects of loud noises from outside as well as maintaining an even temperature within the room.

Design: These curtains are made of 100% polyester and are fully machine washable. Even though the fabric is insulated and thick, it is soft to the touch. These curtains are available in a variety of colors.

 

How To Get The Best Sound Reduction From Your Curtains

So now that you have purchased your new, shiny soundproof curtain, should you just go home and put it up and expect complete bliss? No, there are a few rules of thumb that you should follow to ensure maximum effectiveness:

Use Ceiling Brackets: Using ceiling brackets instead of the regular wall brackets to hang your curtain rod will, of course, bring your curtain closer to the ceiling; which will block more sound. This is why it’s important for soundproof curtains to be long and not short.

Use 4X Panels: Most people will purchase two panels for each window. However, to achieve maximum effectiveness, you should use four panels at each window. Using four panels for each window increases the density and therefore blocks more sound.

Position: Who would’ve thought that the position of the curtains also helps with noise reduction? Well, it does. Researchers have found that the ideal position to place your sound reduction curtains is about 15 to 20cm from the window or wall to allow them to absorb up to five times as much sound as a regular curtain.

 

Final Thoughts

By now, it should be clear that quality soundproof curtains are important to dampen noise in a room. While they may not give as much soundproofing as other soundproofing options such as soundproofing windows and other more professional methods, they offer more than enough noise reduction quality for most people, allowing them to continue with their normal lives without the annoyance of loud noises.

Bottom line, there are many ways you can soundproof your home but none are perhaps as convenient and cost-effective as soundproof curtains.
It is our hope that you have found the best option for your home and will enjoy some peace and quiet yourself. All the best!

The post The Complete Guide To Soundproof Curtains appeared first on Boom Speaker.

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