Recently, more people are engaging in streaming activities from home—VTubers, game streaming, podcasts, and more. However, many struggle with ambient noise and external sounds interfering with their recordings.
This article covers how to create a soundproof room for streamers and key points for establishing a comfortable recording environment. We’ll introduce options suited to various budgets and situations, so please use this as a reference.
How Much Soundproofing Do You Need for Streaming?#
Before creating a soundproof room for streaming, let’s understand how much sound insulation is actually necessary.
D-45 to D-60 is the Target Range for Streaming#
Sound insulation performance is measured using “D-values.” Higher numbers indicate better performance, but for streaming, here are the guidelines:
- D-40~45: Simple streaming booth, mainly for calls
- D-45~50: Game streaming, talk shows
- D-50~60: ASMR, singing streams (audio quality priority)
- D-60+: Professional-level recording environment
Compared to musical instrument performance (requiring D-50~70), streaming can work with relatively lower soundproofing levels. This is a key advantage for cost reduction.
Required Performance Varies by Living Environment#
Your living situation also affects the necessary soundproofing level:
- Detached house in residential area: D-40~50 (distance from neighbors)
- Regular apartment: D-50~60 (consideration for adjacent units)
- Dense residential area: D-60~70 (strict measures required)
If you’re in an area with high ambient noise levels, you might manage with lower soundproofing performance in some cases.
Creating a Streaming Soundproof Room: 3 Options#
There are three main approaches to installing a soundproof room. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so choose what fits your needs.
①Simple Soundproof Booth (Budget: 100,000-500,000 yen)#
Recommended For:
- First-time soundproofing
- Rental properties where major renovations aren’t possible
- Short-term use (1-3 years)
- Trial before major investment
Pros:
- Low initial cost
- Easy installation and removal
- Portable
- Doesn’t require landlord approval (usually)
Cons:
- Limited sound insulation (D-35~45)
- Small interior space
- Ventilation challenges
- Not suitable for summer use
Popular Products:
- Danbocchi: 60,000-150,000 yen
- Otodasu: 200,000-400,000 yen
- Vocal Booth: 150,000-300,000 yen
②Unit-Type Soundproof Room (Budget: 800,000-3,000,000 yen)#
Recommended For:
- Long-term use (5+ years)
- Professional streaming activity
- Full-time content creators
- High sound quality requirements
Pros:
- Excellent sound insulation (D-45~70)
- Spacious interior
- Proper ventilation system
- Professional-grade performance
Cons:
- High initial cost
- Requires landlord approval
- Installation takes time
- Difficult to relocate
Major Manufacturers:
- Yamaha (Sefine NS): 980,000 yen~
- Kawai (Nasal): 980,000 yen~
- Nikken Bunka: 700,000 yen~
③DIY Soundproofing (Budget: 100,000-500,000 yen)#
Recommended For:
- Budget-conscious
- Handy with DIY projects
- Able to accept imperfect results
- Rental-friendly approaches needed
Pros:
- Lowest cost
- Customizable to your space
- Installable in stages
- Learning experience
Cons:
- Inconsistent results
- Time-intensive
- May violate lease terms
- Limited sound insulation (D-30~45)
Key Materials:
- Acoustic panels
- Soundproof curtains
- Carpet/flooring
- Door seals
Essential Soundproof Room Setup for Streaming#
Once you have the room, proper setup is crucial for optimal streaming.
Acoustic Treatment Basics#
1. Control Reflections
Bare walls create echo and reverb that degrade audio quality:
- Install acoustic panels on walls
- Place foam at reflection points
- Add ceiling treatment if possible
Recommended Placement:
- Behind microphone: Essential
- Side walls: High priority
- Ceiling: Moderate priority
2. Reduce Room Modes
Room resonances at specific frequencies can cause audio issues:
- Use bass traps in corners
- Add diffusers to break up standing waves
- Vary surface treatments
Equipment Placement Strategy#
Microphone Position:
- Distance from walls: 30cm minimum
- Height: At mouth level when seated
- Angle: Slightly off-axis from walls
Monitor Speakers:
- Form equilateral triangle with listening position
- Angle inward toward listener
- Distance from walls: 30-50cm
Computer Equipment:
- Place away from microphone
- Consider isolation platform for desk
- Cable management to prevent noise
Ventilation and Climate Control#
Soundproof rooms get hot and stuffy quickly. Proper ventilation is critical.
Ventilation Solutions#
1. Built-in Ventilation System
- Professional unit-type rooms include this
- Quiet operation (25-35 dB)
- Filtered air exchange
2. Quiet Fans
- USB-powered desk fans
- DC motor models (quieter)
- Position away from microphone
3. Door Management
- Crack door open between recordings
- Use portable air purifier
- Schedule breaks for fresh air
Temperature Management#
Summer (Overheating Prevention):
- External AC unit cooling the room
- Portable air conditioner
- Ice packs (temporary measure)
- Avoid streaming during peak heat
Winter (Dry Air):
- Small humidifier
- Keep water nearby
- Monitor humidity (40-60% ideal)
Lighting Setup#
Proper lighting improves video quality and reduces eye strain.
Lighting Basics#
Three-Point Lighting:
- Key Light: Main illumination (front, slightly to side)
- Fill Light: Soften shadows (opposite side, lower intensity)
- Back Light: Separation from background
LED Ring Light:
- Popular for solo streamers
- Even, flattering illumination
- Easy setup
- Budget: 3,000-15,000 yen
Color Temperature:
- 5000-5500K: Natural daylight appearance
- 3000-3500K: Warm, cozy feel
- Avoid mixing temperatures
Soundproofing on a Budget#
Not everyone can afford a professional soundproof room. Here are budget-friendly alternatives.
Budget Tier 1: Under 50,000 yen#
Priority Purchases:
- Acoustic foam panels: 10,000-20,000 yen
- Soundproof curtains: 5,000-15,000 yen
- Carpet/rug: 5,000-10,000 yen
- Door seals: 2,000-5,000 yen
Expected Result: D-25~35 improvement
Budget Tier 2: 50,000-150,000 yen#
Add to Tier 1:
- Thicker acoustic panels: +20,000-40,000 yen
- Bass traps: +10,000-20,000 yen
- Acoustic blankets: +15,000-30,000 yen
- Improved door seal: +5,000-15,000 yen
Expected Result: D-35~45 improvement
Budget Tier 3: 150,000-500,000 yen#
Comprehensive Approach:
- Full wall coverage: 80,000-200,000 yen
- Ceiling treatment: 40,000-100,000 yen
- Floor isolation: 30,000-80,000 yen
- Door upgrade: 50,000-150,000 yen
Expected Result: D-45~55 improvement
Common Mistakes to Avoid#
Mistake 1: Over-Dampening#
Problem: Too much absorption makes audio sound “dead”
Solution: Balance absorption with some reflective surfaces
Mistake 2: Ignoring Low Frequencies#
Problem: Bass frequencies leak through despite treatment
Solution: Add bass traps and consider floor isolation
Mistake 3: Poor Ventilation Planning#
Problem: Room becomes unusable due to heat/stuffiness
Solution: Plan ventilation from the start, not as an afterthought
Mistake 4: Inadequate Testing#
Problem: Assuming treatment works without verification
Solution: Record tests before and after each change
Maintenance and Optimization#
Regular Maintenance Tasks#
Weekly:
- Vacuum acoustic panels
- Wipe down surfaces
- Check door seals
Monthly:
- Deep clean panels
- Inspect for wear
- Re-test sound levels
Annually:
- Replace worn materials
- Upgrade as budget allows
- Professional acoustic analysis
Continuous Improvement#
Monitor Performance:
- Record reference audio regularly
- Compare to professional streams
- Note problem areas
Incremental Upgrades:
- Add treatment gradually
- Test each change
- Document improvements
Conclusion: Your Path to Better Streaming#
Creating an optimal soundproof streaming environment doesn’t happen overnight. Start with your budget and situation, then improve gradually.
Action Plan#
Immediate (This Week):
- Assess current noise issues
- Set realistic budget
- Research solutions
Short-term (This Month):
- Implement basic soundproofing
- Test and measure results
- Adjust microphone placement
Long-term (This Year):
- Save for major upgrades
- Plan comprehensive solution
- Build professional setup
Key Takeaways#
- Start with necessity, not luxury - Basic soundproofing often suffices
- Ventilation is critical - Don’t overlook comfort for soundproofing
- Test thoroughly - Verify improvements with actual recordings
- Budget wisely - Invest incrementally, avoid overspending
- Stay flexible - Adapt solutions to your specific needs
Remember, professional streamers didn’t start with perfect setups. Focus on consistent improvement, and your streaming environment will evolve alongside your content quality.
The most important element isn’t the room—it’s creating content your audience loves. Let soundproofing enable that, not distract from it.