When it comes to soundproof rooms in Japan, Yamaha Avitecs is the name that carries the most weight and trust. Its flagship product, the Cefine NS, is the go-to choice for musicians, creators, and remote workers alike.
In this guide, we’ll explore the performance, pricing, and practical considerations of the Yamaha Cefine NS from a specialist’s perspective to help you make an informed decision.
Brand vs. Product: Avitecs and Cefine NS#
First, let’s clarify the terminology, as they are often used interchangeably:
- Avitecs: This is the brand name for Yamaha’s entire line of soundproofing solutions, including custom-built rooms and prefabricated units.
- Cefine NS: This is the specific series name for their most popular prefabricated (modular) soundproof room units.
Think of it this way: Avitecs is the brand, and Cefine NS is the iconic product model.
3 Reasons Why Cefine NS is the Industry Standard#
Despite being a significant investment, the Cefine NS continues to be a top seller for several compelling reasons.
1. Superior Interior Acoustics with “Acoustic Panels”#
Yamaha doesn’t just focus on stopping sound from leaking; they focus on how it sounds inside. Their unique acoustic panels prevent the room from being “too dead” (absorbing too much sound), maintaining the natural resonance of your instrument. This makes long practice sessions or remote meetings much less fatiguing for your ears.
2. A Moveable Asset, Not Just a Box#
Because the Cefine NS is a modular system made of panels, it requires no permanent construction. This means you can install it in rental apartments without damaging the floors or walls. Furthermore, it can be disassembled and moved if you relocate, and it maintains a high resale value in the used market.
3. Safety and Air Quality#
Yamaha uses materials that comply with the strict “F☆☆☆☆” (F-Four Star) Japanese standard for low formaldehyde emissions. Each unit also comes with a built-in ventilation fan as standard equipment, ensuring safe CO2 levels even in a highly airtight space.
Sound Insulation: Should You Choose Dr-35 or Dr-40?#
The Cefine NS is available in two sound insulation grades:
| Grade | Experience (What it sounds like next door) | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dr-35 | Reduces a piano to the level of a quiet conversation. | Daytime practice, acoustic guitar, flute, remote work. |
| Dr-40 | Reduces a piano to a whisper; easily masked by city noise. | Saxophone, trumpet, late-night practice, vocals. |
Pro Tip: When in doubt, go with Dr-40.
It is nearly impossible to upgrade the performance after installation. If you plan to practice at night or play high-pressure instruments like brass, the Dr-40 is essential for peace of mind.
Size Guide: Which One Fits Your Needs?#
Cefine NS ranges from 0.8 tatami (approx. 14 sq. ft.) to 4.3 tatami.
- 0.8 to 1.2 Mats (Solo / Streamer)
- Use: Vocals (standing), saxophone, violin, or a dedicated telework booth.
- Pro: Minimal footprint; fits in most studio apartments.
- 1.5 to 2.0 Mats (Standard)
- Use: Upright piano, comfortable workstation for DTM, or live streaming.
- Note: For upright pianos, 1.5 mats is the minimum, but 2.0 mats is recommended for ergonomic comfort.
- 3.0 to 4.3 Mats (Professional / Grand Piano)
- Use: Grand pianos, ensembles, or private music lessons.
- Note: A grand piano fits in a 3.0-mat unit, but 3.5 mats or more is ideal for better movement.
3 Realities You Must Know Before Buying#
Here are some practical points that catalogues often gloss over:
1. Air Conditioning is a “Lifeline”#
Soundproof rooms are like thermoses—they retain heat. Even in winter, your body heat will raise the temperature. In summer, it becomes a sauna in 5 minutes without AC.
If you are just practicing an instrument, you might survive with just the fan by taking frequent breaks. However, if you plan to work, stream, or spend long hours inside, installing an air conditioner is inevitable.
When buying a unit 1.2 mats or larger, always factor in the cost and space required for an air conditioner. Retrofitting is difficult and costly. Planning the layout for AC from the start helps avoid future troubles.
2. Ventilation Fan Noise#
While the fans are high quality, they can produce a faint hum that sensitive microphones might pick up during recording. You may need to briefly turn off the fan while recording vocals or narration.
However, standard fans are usually fine, and specialized “silent fans” exist if needed. Nowadays, removing white noise with AI tools or noise reduction apps is often a faster and more effective solution than upgrading hardware.
3. Weight, Delivery, and Rental Bans#
In addition to the unit price, shipping and assembly can cost between ¥150,000 to ¥300,000. Also, a unit combined with a piano can exceed 500kg (1,100 lbs). Always consult with the manufacturer about your floor load capacity—most Japanese apartments are rated for 180kg/sqm.
Crucially, you must get permission from your landlord. Soundproof boxes often violate fire codes or floor load limits in standard rentals. Unless you negotiate specific restoration clauses or find a property that allows it, getting permission to install a heavy, semi-permanent box in a rented apartment is very difficult. In such cases, moving to a soundproof rental apartment (like MUSISION) is often the realistic alternative.
Summary: The Failure-Proof Choice#
The Yamaha Cefine NS is a “correct” choice that balances performance, acoustic comfort, and asset value.
- Visit a showroom and bring your own instrument to experience the Dr-35 vs. Dr-40 difference firsthand.
- Have the manufacturer check your delivery route (elevators, hallway corners) before finalizing the purchase.
- If a full purchase is daunting, consider Yamaha’s “OtoRent” program to start with a monthly fee and buy out the unit later if you like it.
Yamaha Avitecs Cefine NS will transform your creative life, providing a space where you can truly focus and perform without limits. 99: