Bass noise (low frequency) is one of the biggest problems for noises coming from neighbors apartment. The reason being, bass now similar to stomping noise, is transmitted through vibrations.
Unlike high-frequency sounds, bass noise can travel through walls as impact noise and through the air as airborne noise.
In this guide are some of the different ways on how to reduce bass noise from neighbors without overstretching your budget.
7 Simple Ways To Reduce Bass Noise
1. Have a Talk with Your Neighbor
You’d be surprised how talking can turn things around for you. Most of the time, people don’t realize how their noise is impacting those around them.
If your neighbor seems like a pleasant person, approach them and tell them how the bass is impacting you.
If they are reasonable people, they will reduce the noise or even get rid of the sound entirely by using headphones.
You can also ask them to consider soundproofing their home to make things work for both of you. You can share some of the soundproofing techniques that they can adopt.
Alternatively, you can both come up with a schedule. Let say they can play his music when you are not and around, and reduce or turn it off when you get back.
Despite your efforts and how nice you try to be, some neighbors might not consider your suggestions. For this reason, it is best if you consider asking for help from either your landlord or even the authorities.
If you find it hard to call your local law enforcement, you can make an anonymous call. However, keep in mind that approaching these types of situations politely.
2. Soundproofing Curtains
Most of the bass noise enters your home through the windows, which is why you should consider soundproofing curtains. Soundproofing curtains are best for absorbing and minimizing noise. Some of the best recommended curtains are NICETOWN Noise Reducing Thermal Insulated Curtains.
Though the glass is dense, it is much thinner hence making it easy for bass noise to pass through.
Even though they look like regular curtains, they are made from a much stronger and thicker material. The material is made from multiple layers, which makes it effective at absorbing noise.
You can install these curtains on both the windows and doors of your home.
Besides their sound absorption properties, soundproofing curtains also add to the appeal of the home. So you will be doing your home a favor by getting these curtains.
Alternative you can use soundproofing blanket to reduce bass noise from the neighbors. Audimute Sound Absorption Sheet Sound will get the job done in this case
3. Seal the gaps and Cracks on Your window and Doors
Most people overlook cracks and gaps in their windows and doors when soundproofing their homes. Though these spaces are small, they have an impact on the amount of noise coming into your space.
A simple solution to the problem is using a weatherstrip to seal these gaps and cracks on your doors and window frames. Weatherstrip is easy to install; hence you can make it your DIY project.
The first step to installing the strip is cleaning the area you plan on sealing and also ensuring that there are no protrusions such as nails. Then measure the gaps and cracks on your door and window frames.
Using a handsaw, cut the weatherstrip in their right sizes, then carefully place the strips on the cracks and gaps. Ensure you don’t place the strips from the outside as it will make your doors and window look ugly.
Consider installing moving blankets on your doors. The thick and large blanket is good at absorbing bass noise.
They are also good at sealing and cracks and gaps on your door.
4. Use White Noise
If you are wondering about how to reduce the bass noise from your neighbors, then you don’t know about white noise. White noise does not eliminate the bass noise; it just makes it tolerable.
Consider a white noise generator for your home if you want an affordable means of soundproofing noise bass noise. You will be able to sleep and focus on your work, unlike before.
Despite their work, some people find them annoying. So it depends on an individual because some find its looping noise to be a little bit soothing.
The good thing about white noise machines is that you can personalize them to make the experience better for you.
5. . Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you have no patience for construction or projects, then you should consider getting noise-canceling headphones. These headphones are great for you if you want to sleep well or if you won’t focus on the task at hand.
They are good at eliminating background noise to help them concentrate more on their work. A good example of noise cancelling headphones COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Bluetooth Headphones.
Earmuffs can also be used for noise cancellation. They are a better version of headphones, especially when your neighbor is blasting bass-heavy music.
Both of these products will go a long way in providing you with a better solution to bass noise from your neighbors.
6. Bass Traps
Another effective method of dampening bass noise is using bass traps. These devices are effective at capturing noise going through walls.
These traps capture the vibrations and the low-frequency noise produced by the bass from the neighbors. Bass traps are strategically placed in your home to capture any incoming noise effectively.
Among the best and most recommended bass traps include New Level Charcoal Acoustic Foam Bass Trap and Acoustic Panels Bass Trap.
7. Soundproof Your Walls
If all other techniques fail, you should consider soundproofing your walls. Some of the bass noise can be coming into your home through the walls, so you need to soundproofing walls.
Some of the ways you can adopt to soundproof your walls include:
Installing Acoustic Foam Panels
These panels are effective at absorbing vibration. They are commonly used in recording studios by music producers.
The recommended panels for bass noise is fiberglass panels because they are much effective.
There are other types of acoustic foam panels that are suitable for homes and apartments.
Installing acoustic panels is a task; therefore, you don’t need the help of professionals.
Building a Drywall
Installing or building drywall requires much effort, unlike installing acoustic panels. Despite this, drywall is much effective at minimizing noise coming through the walls.
When using drywall, ensure you use Green Glue to join the different layers together. Besides being an adhesive, green glue act as a sound-absorbing compound. This Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant pack will get the job done.
On How to Reduce Bass Noise from Neighbors
Soundproofing against bass noise doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Above are some of the best and effective methods that will give you the peace you crave if you live next to a noisy neighbor.
For the best result, it’s advised you combine different methods.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.