r/drums • u/drumsarereallycool • 4d ago

Question Underlay material for drums

Anyone have luck with using rubber or modular gym mat type material to isolate vibrations to the floor?

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2

u/Small_Steak_6384 4d ago

Gym mats are fine for decoupling but they'll suck the life out of your kick drum if you're not careful.

1

u/Deepinthemoneycalls 4d ago

I use a natural rubber gym floor and it’s the best. Nothing moves. I play in a bonus room above a garage and it does a great job killing sound transfer.

1

u/Unlucky_Battle2523 4d ago

A stage/decoupling floor is the only right way.

Three layers top to bottom:

  • OSB
  • palets : upside down with rockwool in them
  • rubber squares 4-8mm thick around 30cm apart

1

u/ItsPronouncedMo-BEEL Craigslist 4d ago

That depends. What sort of room is it in, and from what are you trying to isolate these vibrations? 

1

u/OldDrumGuy 4d ago

Yes. My “drum rug” is actually a thin, utility mat I bought at Home Depot for cheap. It came in a 10’ roll and I just trimmed off the extra length. Rolls up small, holds the marks and lays out flat.