filing in an inspection pit

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joninc
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filing in an inspection pit

Post by joninc » Wed Nov 27, 2013 12:07 pm

hey audio amigos. i am at the very start of a setting up a new studio space and it'll be retrofitting a detached 3 bay garage that was used for auto repairs and stuff. before we get to beefing up the structure and insulating i need to deal with this inspection pit in one of the bays. it's approx 4 feet deep, 4 feet wide and 15 feet long.

what's the best way to fill this in that won't create a resonating cavity for acoustic
problems later on? we may also raise this section of the floor as it's lower than the rest of the garage.

we are leaning towards crushed rock as it's alkaline properties will help keep it
bug and spider free (unlike sand where they could still live and cause problems
later).

any tips?

it's a little damp and wet at the base as well but not flooded or anything.
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rhythm ranch
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Post by rhythm ranch » Wed Nov 27, 2013 1:49 pm

Can you say "reverb chamber"? It's small, but I'd still be tempted to try it.

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Scodiddly
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Post by Scodiddly » Wed Nov 27, 2013 4:36 pm

It's probably only an issue if you set the kick drum or bass amp on the cover.

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Randyman...
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Post by Randyman... » Wed Nov 27, 2013 4:47 pm

Maybe make it a big ass bass trap? Probably not very likely to line up with your floor plan, but who knows. Stuff it full of pink fluffy (that's big enough that OC703 would be a waste IMO - pink fluffy insulation is preferred over 703 in very deep traps from what I understand - and is a LOT cheaper than 703). Vent the pit adequately through the floor to couple the room. Just a thought...

If not, maybe just fill it with sand or something to be sure it ends up totally dead (inert)?

:cool:
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Gregg Juke
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Post by Gregg Juke » Wed Nov 27, 2013 8:28 pm

Yeah, I can't help thinking that you could find an unfilled use for that space; if not a reverb chamber, maybe some insulation and padding and use as a guitar amp enclosure/recording space? Cool secret storage area? As a reason to save up for or build your own plate reverb??

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Post by vvv » Wed Nov 27, 2013 8:30 pm

Vocal booth for Goth bands?

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joninc
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Post by joninc » Wed Nov 27, 2013 8:40 pm

i hear your enthusiasm... but, nobody has ever had to fill one in?
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joninc
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Post by joninc » Wed Nov 27, 2013 10:59 pm

btw - they aren't quite this big http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H84H78jeT8
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Scodiddly
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Post by Scodiddly » Thu Nov 28, 2013 6:40 am

Wait a sec, 15 feet long? Seal the bottom to keep water out and feature it somehow. It'll be about the same as having a higher ceiling in part of the room!

Sunken couch area

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A.David.MacKinnon
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Post by A.David.MacKinnon » Thu Nov 28, 2013 7:30 am

rhythm ranch wrote:Can you say "reverb chamber"? It's small, but I'd still be tempted to try it.
Very exciting. Where's the new place?
Agreed about the reverb chamber.

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Post by vvv » Thu Nov 28, 2013 10:02 am

joninc wrote:btw - they aren't quite this big http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H84H78jeT8
8)
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Snarl 12/8
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Post by Snarl 12/8 » Thu Nov 28, 2013 12:18 pm

This is what I'd be dying to try...

http://unrealitymag.com/index.php/2010/ ... subwoofer/
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Post by vvv » Thu Nov 28, 2013 9:00 pm

Bumpin'! :lol:
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Post by joninc » Thu Nov 28, 2013 11:11 pm

A.David.MacKinnon wrote:
rhythm ranch wrote:Can you say "reverb chamber"? It's small, but I'd still be tempted to try it.
Very exciting. Where's the new place?
Agreed about the reverb chamber.
hi dave! it's in Maple Ridge, BC.

I really don't think a 3 feet deep trench is gonna give the space needed for a good chamber though guys! :oops:
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goose134
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Post by goose134 » Fri Nov 29, 2013 12:05 am

Crushed rock with a slab poured over it should do the trick. If the rest of the floor is concrete, make sure you dowel the opening around the inspection pit to the new slab. You can drill holes for bits of rebar into the sides of the opening and tether the new pad's rebar to it.
I have to agree that it's too bad that the pit can't be made into something more useful. Worst control room ever? Inconvenient mic locker? I'm sure we could all think of something.
I make a living as an electrician, not recording in the basement.

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