Air vent needed in sound proof theater

[Myfunnybones]

Hello, I’ve just completed my sound proof home theater. Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of needed ventilation. Now, after all this hard work I can’t even enjoy my theater room because of C02, and O2 levels. Is there any way that I can rectify this issue without taking apart all materials. I was thinking of placing a vent in my door but that would only let the sound leak out, and all that work was for nothing. I really would appreciate some advice and guidance. 

Thank you 

[Craig Peer]

You don't have air conditioning in your theater? Is it in an actual cave? 

[bmoney]

Hello, I’ve just completed my sound proof home theater. Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of needed ventilation. Now, after all this hard work I can’t even enjoy my theater room because of C02, and O2 levels. Is there any way that I can rectify this issue without taking apart all materials. I was thinking of placing a vent in my door but that would only let the sound leak out, and all that work was for nothing. I really would appreciate some advice and guidance.

Thank you

What meathod of sound proofing did you use? 

[Myfunnybones]

Thank you for your response,

I have a mini split for heat and air. Unfortunately, the mini split does not exchange outside air. My theater is a garage conversion . I went the whole 9 yards with the sound proofing making it air tight but totally overlooked the venting. I wish I had known this before all my walls were done.

[Myfunnybones]

What meathod of sound proofing did you use?

Concrete block walls, safe and sound insulation, left a slight separation between the interior framing and the concrete block exterior wall, applied mass loaded vinyl on all wall framing, including ceiling. Two layers of 5/8 Sheetrock, every joint sealed with acoustical sealant. 

[bmoney]

So a room within a room? And double Sheetrock and green glue? Did you putty all the outlets? I’m confused how the mini split doesn’t a recycle
The air for you

[Myfunnybones]

I forgot to mention that I used putty pads on all outlets. Also, I built backer boxes for all six height speakers. Each box was made out of 5/8 plywood and they are lined with mass loaded vinyl/sound proof caulking. As for mini splits they only recirculate the air within the room. They do not draw outside air in. Unfortunately, I found this out too late. 

[Craig Peer]

I forgot to mention that I used putty pads on all outlets. Also, I built backer boxes for all six height speakers. Each box was made out of 5/8 plywood and they are lined with mass loaded vinyl/sound proof caulking. As for mini splits they only recirculate the air within the room. They do not draw outside air in. Unfortunately, I found this out too late.

I think you are going to have to create a fresh air intake somehow. I don't have any other suggestions - I didn't even soundproof my theater other than it's built with 2 x 6 construction and regular insulation.

[bmoney]

I think you are going to have to create a fresh air intake somehow. I don't have any other suggestions - I didn't even soundproof my theater other than it's built with 2 x 6 construction and regular insulation.

Same. 

I think you would have needed to build a dead vent. You’d have to research it. Not sure how you can retro fit that. Maybe just some sort of o2 purifier might work 

[Myfunnybones]

Thank you all for your replies. I will come up with something, or I’ll just watch movies till I pass out:D. Seriously, thanks again … any other suggestions will be appreciated.

[SRW1000]

The importance of getting air exchanges into any tightly sealed home or room shouldn't be underestimated.  You can look into ERV or HRV units that will bring in outside air and treat it before bringing it into the room or home. The drawback is that you'll have to cut into the beautiful walls or ceiling, and it will introduce the chance for sound leakage.

As Craig mentioned, you can also implement an air vent to help reduce the sound turbulence.  There are also special mufflers that can be put it the vent system.

You're best off contacting an experienced HVAC guy to get suggestions and quotes.  Make sure that he understands how important controlling the sound is.  We thought we had covered that when building our house but didn't put any sound measurements into the contract.  As a result, we got a "really quiet" room according to the HVAC company, but still clearly audible during movie watching.  Our room is super insulated, so even with a good air exchange system, it heats up between 1-2 degrees per hour between the projector, amps, and other electronics. On the plus side, it never feels stuffy.

I hope you're able to find a good and reasonably priced solution.  Keep us updated.

[bmoney]

The importance of getting air exchanges into any tightly sealed home or room shouldn't be underestimated.  You can look into ERV or HRV units that will bring in outside air and treat it before bringing it into the room or home. The drawback is that you'll have to cut into the beautiful walls or ceiling, and it will introduce the chance for sound leakage.

As Craig mentioned, you can also implement an air vent to help reduce the sound turbulence.  There are also special mufflers that can be put it the vent system.

You're best off contacting an experienced HVAC guy to get suggestions and quotes.  Make sure that he understands how important controlling the sound is.  We thought we had covered that when building our house but didn't put any sound measurements into the contract.  As a result, we got a "really quiet" room according to the HVAC company, but still clearly audible during movie watching.  Our room is super insulated, so even with a good air exchange system, it heats up between 1-2 degrees per hour between the projector, amps, and other electronics. On the plus side, it never feels stuffy.

I hope you're able to find a good and reasonably priced solution.  Keep us updated.

pretty sure that was me who suggested the dead vent ;)

[SRW1000]

pretty sure that was me who suggested the dead vent ;)

You're absolutely right!  Sorry about that, I had remembered reading your response earlier and only scrolled up far enough to see Craig quoting you and mistook it for his post when I responded.  I shouldn't have been that sloppy.

[bmoney]

You're absolutely right!  Sorry about that, I had remembered reading your response earlier and only scrolled up far enough to see Craig quoting you and mistook it for his post when I responded.  I shouldn't have been that sloppy.

Don’t be sorry. Not a big deal at all. Haha

[Myfunnybones]

Thanks again for all your help. I have installed a double door for sound proofing. I think I will build a Baffle box and cut a hole in the door, add a vent, attach it to the baffle box, and create another vent on the outside door so that I can have air exchange. Hopefully if I build the baffle box correctly it will minimize the sound leakage. This is what I came up with. Thanks again for your feedback.