Collection: Sound Isolation Clips

Sound isolation clips reduce noise through a wall or ceiling assembly by isolating the drywall from the framing. By decoupling the drywall from the building’s structure, the path for sound energy is broken and the sound transmitted is greatly reduced. Sound isolation clips are excellent for stopping bothimpact noise (increasing IIC rating)andairborne noise (increasing STC rating), making them an extremely attractive option for both new construction and retrofitting an existing space.

The special thing about sound isolation clips is that they give best-in-class results for both IIC and STC rating. Using soundproofing materials like Green Glue andmass loaded vinyl for blocking airborne soundmakes sense, but for impact noise (footsteps), we know that sound isolation clips are the ONLY optionif you want to soundproof a ceiling sideof a floor-ceiling assembly. The good news is that the RSIC-1 clip is darn good at stopping that footstep noise from the floor above. The bread-and-butter clip in the RSIC line is the RSIC-1. The RSIC-1 is what we spec most often into our projects, and is the top-of-the-line solution for both IIC and STC.

RSIC clips are far and away the best isolation clip option for soundproofing projects for a handful of reasons:

1. RSIC clips have by far the most UL-rated fire assemblies and STC/IIC rated acoustic assemblies of any clip out there. We (and architects) like having options.
2. RSIC clips are easier and faster to install than other clips. Fewer screws and simpler channel installation saves time on the jobsite.
3. RSIC clips are not prone to the same installation errors as RC-1 channel. When you can’t mess up the install, you don’t make costly mistakes (like not meeting code).
4. There are dozens of versions of RSIC clips to handle any sort of building situation.
5. The various clips are all either made or assembled in the USA.

Sound isolation clips work by isolating the ceiling and walls from the building’s structure, so that the sound energy (vibrations) can’t pass directly through. The metal clip is screwed into the wood or metal framing with a rubber isolator acting as the decoupler between the clip and the structure. Rubber is really good at isolating two hard surfaces from each other, preventing any sound energy traveling through the framing from the floor above from passing through.

The other benefit of sound isolation clips is they allow you to create a larger air cavity between the two layers of drywall. How much noise a wall blocks is a function of many things, and one of them is the size of the air cavity between the barrier on each side. RSIC-1 clips allow you to increase the space by 1-5/8”, with some versions of the clip allowing for even more.

Sound isolation clips are used in a huge variety of situations where soundproofing is critical, and can be used in just about any type of assembly (wood, metal, concrete). Here are a few common places:

1. Multi-family (condos, apartments, duplexes)
2. Commercial (offices, retail)
3. High-end requirements (recording studios, theaters)
4. Residential (basements, Airbnbs, home studios and theaters)

The RSIC clips are fast and easy to install. For detailed instructions and information on spacing, refer to each clip’s install guide. But here’s the basic process:

1. Fasten the RSIC clip to framing with a screw.
2. Snap in 25 gauge hat channel to the clip.
3. Screw your 5/8” or soundproof drywall into the hat channel leaving a 1/4” gap around the perimeter.
4. Seal the entire perimeter with acoustical sealant.

The truth? RSIC-1 clips are an extremely cost-effective way to soundproof a wall or ceiling, and they're your best option for top-end performance. The RSIC-1 also works well with other products when extremely high STC and IIC ratings are needed. We often combine it with Green Glue and 2 layers of drywall when significant sound isolation is needed.When you're considering alternative soundproofing materials to sound isolation clips, there are only a few options:

1. Resilient Channel (RC-1 Channel): RC-channel is a popular soundproofing material. RSIC-1 clips outperform even RC-1 Pro Deluxe, but certain codes may not call for as high a performance as RSIC-1 offers. In any case, resilient channel can be difficult to install correctly and can result in failure to meet code.
2. Mass Loaded Vinyl: When sound isolation clips aren't an option, mass loaded vinyl is a great wall soundproofing material.
3. Rubber Underlayment: Rubber underlayment is a great floor soundproofing material when a ceiling project isn't an option.
4. Green Glue and Soundproof Drywall: These offer additional STC rating performance in walls and ceiling but can run your bill up quite a bit compared to a good assembly with RSIC-1.

Resilient Channel (RC-1 Channel) a commonly used soundproofing building material with the gold standard being the Clark Dietrich’s RC-1 Pro Deluxe. Then there’s everyone else. The problem builders run into is that they can’t find it or cut cost by getting other channel – and then they get sub-par results, fail to meet code, or have install issues. For channel that needs to be upgrade to Clark Dietrich level, the RC-1 Boost which will bump any resilient channel over building code (STC 50). It’s a builder’s best friend, as you can cost-effectively meet code even if you can’t get the RC Deluxe.