How to Soundproof a Server Rack

Start by reducing vibration in the rack itself. Apply sound damping sheets such as Damplifier Pro directly to flat metal paneling on the rack. Focus on large resonant surfaces like side panels and doors. Use a roller to ensure full adhesion.

Next, isolate the rack from the floor. Use either Super W Sound Isolation Pads under the rack’s feet or a soundproof mat under the whole unit. This prevents vibration from transferring into the floor.

Once vibration is controlled, focus on airborne sound. The server cabinet often has room to line the walls with one of our Class A fire-rated acoustical materials such as Mega Zorbe or budget-friendly CelluZorbe. This absorbs fan noise inside the enclosure and reduces reflected sound. To block sound from escaping, apply a layer of class A fire rated MLV to the exterior surfaces of the rack. Mass loaded vinyl adds mass, which helps block sound transmission.

With both, be careful not to obstruct ventilation or airflow when adding absorption or blocking materials.

If rack-level treatment is not sufficient, treat the room itself. Address doors first, as those will be your primary flanking path. Soundproof a solid core door by sealing it with a door seal kit. Next, if you have a ceiling tile grid, chances are the wall doesn’t extend up to the true ceiling, allowing sound to leak over. Soundproof a drop ceiling with ceiling tile backers or soundproof ceiling tiles.

After that, you can think more about building a soundproof wall. You can also get meaningful results by adding acoustic materials inside the room by reducing reverb and echo. This works particularly well to soundproof small rooms like closets. Treatments similar to those used when learning how to soundproof a room can be applied here.