“Footsteps are picked up by my microphone during streams…” “The sound of moving my chair echoes and is annoying…” If you’re a streamer facing these issues, you’re not alone.
In streaming environments, physical vibrations such as floor vibrations, footsteps, and chair movement sounds can reach microphones and become distracting noise for viewers. Especially when streaming from apartments or condominiums in Japan, this affects not only sound leakage to floors below but also your stream audio quality.
This article compiles practical techniques for effectively preventing footsteps and vibration sounds during streams using soundproof mats, covering everything from selection to installation methods and budget-friendly solutions. We’ll introduce step-by-step solutions from quick fixes you can try immediately to professional vibration countermeasures.
Why Footsteps and Vibration Sounds Become a Problem in Streaming#
Mechanism of Vibration Sound Propagation from Floors#
Vibration sounds in streaming environments primarily propagate through floors. Footsteps and chair movement sounds spread as vibrations directly transmitted through floors and building structures.
Vibration Sound Propagation Paths
- Direct Propagation: Foot or chair contact with floor → Floor vibration → Propagation through building structure
- Air Propagation: Floor vibrations vibrate air and propagate as sound
- Structure Propagation: Vibration propagation through floors, walls, and ceilings (particularly noticeable in low frequencies)
Especially low-frequency vibrations easily propagate far through building structures, affecting floors below and adjacent rooms. During streaming, these vibrations reach microphones through microphone stands and desks, being picked up as noise.
Types of Vibration Sounds That Often Become Problems in Streaming#
In streaming environments, the following types of vibration sounds often become problematic:
Main Types of Vibration Sounds
| Vibration Type | Source | Sound Pressure Level | Impact Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footsteps | Impact on floor when walking | 40-50dB | Floor below, adjacent rooms |
| Chair Movement Sounds | Friction between chair legs and floor | 45-55dB | Floor below, stream audio quality |
| Desk Vibration | Impact on desk | 35-45dB | Propagation to microphone |
| Door Opening/Closing Sounds | Contact between door and frame | 50-60dB | Stream audio quality |
| Dropping Objects | Impact on floor | 60-70dB | Floor below, stream audio quality |
These vibration sounds become distracting noise for viewers in streaming environments, and are particularly fatal for ASMR streaming or streams requiring quiet environments.
Impact of Vibration Sounds on Stream Audio Quality#
Vibration sounds directly reach microphones through microphone stands and desks, degrading stream audio quality.
Impact of Vibration Sounds on Stream Audio Quality
- Low-Frequency Noise: Floor vibrations propagate to microphones as low-frequency noise
- Click Sounds and Pop Sounds: Chair movements and placing objects are picked up as click sounds
- Reverberation Amplification: Vibrations amplify room reverberation, worsening audio quality
- Viewer Discomfort: Continuous vibration sounds disrupt viewer concentration
Especially condenser microphones are sensitive to vibrations and easily pick up even slight vibrations as noise.
Methods to Prevent Footsteps and Vibration Sounds with Soundproof Mats#
Types and Characteristics of Soundproof Mats#
Soundproof mats come in various types depending on application.
Types of Soundproof Mats
| Mat Type | Thickness | Effect | Price | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibration Isolation Mat | 5-10mm | Specialized in vibration absorption | ¥3,000-8,000 | Under chairs, under desks |
| Soundproof Carpet | 10-20mm | Sound absorption + vibration isolation | ¥5,000-15,000 | Entire room |
| Rubber Mat | 3-5mm | Lightweight, low cost | ¥1,000-3,000 | Simple countermeasures |
| Urethane Mat | 10-30mm | High sound absorption | ¥8,000-20,000 | Professional countermeasures |
| Composite Soundproof Mat | 15-30mm | Vibration isolation + sound absorption + sound insulation | ¥15,000-30,000 | Professional grade |
Points for Choosing Soundproof Mats
- Thickness: Thicker mats are more effective but cost more (10mm or more recommended)
- Material: Urethane and rubber materials excel at vibration absorption
- Size: Choose slightly larger sizes when placing under chairs or desks
- Durability: Choose durable materials for long-term use
Installing Soundproof Mats Under Chairs#
Placing soundproof mats under chairs can absorb chair movement sounds and impact when sitting.
Method for Installing Soundproof Mats Under Chairs
- Select Mat Size: Size that accommodates all chair legs (usually 60×60cm or larger)
- Position Mat: Place mat centered under chair so all legs are on the mat
- Secure: Fix mat with double-sided tape if necessary to prevent shifting
- Layering: Use two layers for enhanced effect if needed
Recommended Soundproof Mats for Under Chairs
- Vibration Isolation Mat (10mm thick): Reduces chair movement sounds by 10-15dB
- Urethane Mat (15mm thick): Effectively absorbs impact when sitting
- Rubber Mat (5mm thick): Lightweight and low-cost, ideal for simple countermeasures
Installing soundproof mats under chairs significantly reduces chair movement sounds and impact sounds when sitting.
Installing Soundproof Mats Under Desks#
Placing soundproof mats under desks absorbs impact and vibrations on desks, preventing propagation to microphones.
Method for Installing Soundproof Mats Under Desks
- Select Mat Size: Size that accommodates all desk legs
- Position Mat: Place mat covering entire area under desk
- Adjust Desk Legs: Adjust so desk legs firmly contact mat
- Layering: Layer thicker mats for enhanced effect if needed
Effects of Soundproof Mats Under Desks
- Impact Absorption on Desk: Absorbs sounds of placing objects and keyboard vibrations
- Prevent Vibration Propagation to Microphone Stand: Prevents desk vibrations from reaching microphone stand
- Low-Frequency Noise Reduction: Absorbs low-frequency vibrations from floor
Installing soundproof mats under desks significantly reduces vibration sounds around desks.
Installing Soundproof Carpets Throughout Room#
Installing soundproof carpets throughout the room effectively prevents footsteps and overall vibration sounds.
How to Choose Soundproof Carpets
| Carpet Type | Thickness | Effect | Price (per tatami mat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundproof Carpet (Standard) | 10mm | Reduces footsteps by 10-15dB | ¥3,000-5,000 |
| Soundproof Carpet (Premium) | 15-20mm | Reduces footsteps by 15-20dB | ¥5,000-8,000 |
| Urethane Carpet | 20-30mm | High sound absorption, high vibration isolation | ¥8,000-12,000 |
Points for Installing Soundproof Carpets
- Cover Entire Room: Laying throughout room, not just streaming area, increases effectiveness
- Layering: Layer carpet over thin mat for enhanced effect if needed
- Edge Treatment: Extend carpet edges to walls without gaps
- Maintenance: Regularly vacuum to remove dirt
Installing soundproof carpets throughout the room significantly reduces footsteps and overall vibration sounds.
Vibration Countermeasures for Chairs and Desks#
Installing Vibration Isolation Caps on Chair Legs#
Installing vibration isolation caps on chair legs absorbs impact on floors and reduces movement sounds.
Types of Vibration Isolation Caps
| Cap Type | Material | Effect | Price (set of 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Caps | Rubber | Reduces movement sounds by 5-10dB | ¥500-1,500 |
| Urethane Caps | Urethane | Reduces movement sounds by 10-15dB | ¥1,000-3,000 |
| Silicone Caps | Silicone | Non-slip, highly quiet | ¥1,500-4,000 |
Method for Installing Vibration Isolation Caps
- Clean Chair Legs: Remove dirt and dust
- Check Cap Size: Choose size matching chair leg diameter
- Install Caps: Firmly install caps on chair leg tips
- Test Operation: Move chair to confirm caps don’t come off
Vibration isolation caps are an effective countermeasure that can be installed easily at low cost.
Vibration Countermeasures for Desk Legs#
Installing vibration isolation pads on desk legs prevents vibration propagation to desks.
Types of Desk Leg Vibration Isolation Pads
- Rubber Pads: Low cost, ideal for simple countermeasures
- Urethane Pads: High sound absorption, suitable for professional countermeasures
- Vibration Isolation Rubber: Professional vibration countermeasures
Method for Installing Desk Leg Vibration Isolation Pads
- Clean Desk Legs: Remove dirt and dust
- Check Pad Size: Choose pads matching desk leg size
- Install Pads: Place pads under desk legs
- Level Adjustment: Adjust so desk is level
Vibration countermeasures for desk legs suppress overall desk vibration and prevent vibration propagation to microphones.
Vibration Countermeasures for Microphone Stands#
Applying vibration countermeasures to microphone stands prevents floor vibrations from reaching microphones.
Vibration Countermeasures for Microphone Stands
- Install Vibration Isolation Mat: Place vibration isolation mat under microphone stand
- Use Shock Mount: Attach microphone to shock mount
- Adjust Stand Position: Position away from desk
Effects of Shock Mounts
- Vibration Isolation: Prevents microphone stand vibrations from reaching microphone
- Low-Frequency Noise Reduction: Effectively blocks low-frequency vibrations from floor
- Audio Quality Improvement: Achieves clear audio quality without vibration noise
Vibration countermeasures for microphone stands are an important element in improving stream audio quality.
Recommended Solutions by Budget#
Budget Under ¥5,000 (Entry Level)#
Solution Content
- Soundproof mat under chair (¥3,000-5,000)
- Vibration isolation caps on chair legs (¥500-1,500)
Expected Effect: Reduces chair movement sounds by 10-15dB, simple vibration countermeasures
Budget Under ¥15,000 (Standard Level)#
Solution Content
- Soundproof mat under chair (¥5,000-8,000)
- Soundproof mat under desk (¥3,000-5,000)
- Soundproof carpet (streaming area only, ¥5,000-8,000)
- Vibration isolation mat for microphone stand (¥1,000-2,000)
Expected Effect: Reduces footsteps and vibration sounds by 15-20dB, significantly improves stream audio quality
Budget Over ¥30,000 (Professional Level)#
Solution Content
- Soundproof carpet throughout room (¥15,000-25,000)
- Premium vibration isolation mats (under chair and desk, ¥10,000-15,000)
- Shock mount (¥5,000-10,000)
- Layered urethane mats (¥5,000-10,000)
Expected Effect: Reduces footsteps and vibration sounds by 20-25dB, professional-level streaming environment
Installation Precautions#
Installation in Rental Properties#
When installing soundproof mats in rental properties in Japan, the following points require attention:
Precautions for Rental Properties
- Consult with Landlord/Management Company: Consult in advance for large-scale work
- Confirm Restoration Obligations: Check restoration obligations upon moving out
- Impact on Floor: Be careful that mat adhesives don’t remain on floor
- Weight Limits: Check floor weight limits for heavy mats
Mats Easy to Install in Rentals
- Lay-Down Type: No adhesives required, easy to remove
- Lightweight Type: Less burden on floor
- Portable: Easy to move or remove
Maintenance and Cleaning#
Soundproof mats require regular maintenance and cleaning.
Maintenance Points
- Regular Cleaning: Vacuum approximately once a week
- Stain Removal: Remove stains using appropriate methods when they occur
- Degradation Check: Regularly check for mat degradation or damage
- Replacement Timing: Consider replacement when effectiveness decreases
Cleaning Methods
- Vacuum: Can be cleaned with regular vacuum cleaner
- Wet Wiping: Lightly wipe with water-dampened cloth (avoid excessive moisture)
- Specialized Cleaner: Use mat-specific cleaners
Frequently Asked Questions#
Q1: Can sufficient effect be achieved with soundproof mats alone?#
A: Soundproof mats are an effective countermeasure, but complete soundproofing may be difficult in some cases. We recommend combining the following countermeasures:
Countermeasures Effective When Combined
- Soundproof Mats: Basic vibration countermeasures
- Microphone Setting Optimization: Adjust noise gate and directionality
- Soundproof Booth: Building professional soundproof environment
- Lifestyle Improvements: Keep movements quiet during streaming
Soundproof mats play an important role as the foundation of vibration countermeasures in streaming environments.
Q2: What thickness of mat is necessary?#
A: Mat thickness should be chosen according to application and budget.
Recommended Applications by Thickness
- 5mm or less: Simple countermeasures, low cost
- 10mm: Standard countermeasures, good balance
- 15mm or more: Professional countermeasures, high effectiveness
Generally, mats with 10mm or more thickness are effective. If budget allows, we recommend choosing mats with 15mm or more thickness.
Q3: What’s the difference between soundproof mats and soundproof carpets?#
A: Soundproof mats and soundproof carpets have the following differences:
Soundproof Mats
- Application: Installation in specific locations (under chairs, under desks)
- Size: Often smaller sizes
- Effect: Localized vibration countermeasures
Soundproof Carpets
- Application: Laying throughout room
- Size: Often larger sizes
- Effect: Overall vibration countermeasures, footstep countermeasures
Combining soundproof mats and soundproof carpets according to application enables more effective countermeasures.
Summary: Soundproof Mat Techniques for Quiet Streaming Environments#
Footsteps and vibration sounds during streams are an important factor affecting stream quality. Floor vibrations and chair movement sounds can become distracting noise for viewers.
Priority Order of Effective Countermeasures
- Immediate Solutions: Install soundproof mats under chairs and desks (low cost)
- Medium-Term Solutions: Install soundproof carpets throughout room (medium cost)
- Professional Solutions: Layer vibration isolation mats, introduce shock mounts (high cost)
Progressing countermeasures step by step according to budget can achieve quiet streaming environments. Start with low-cost soundproof mat installation under chairs and desks, then consider professional countermeasures as needed.
Soundproof mats play an important role as the foundation of vibration countermeasures in streaming environments. We hope this article helps improve the quality of your streaming activities.
This article is based on the latest information as of 2025. Product prices and specifications may change, so please check with manufacturers and specialists for the latest information when considering actual introduction.