Rubber Mulch!

[Jim Creek]

I ordered some new speaker stands which are basically hollow columns with top and bottom plates. I’ve been contemplating what type of filler material to fill the columns. Most recommended is sand. But that seems messy plus it needs to be dried out.

So I am seriously considering rubber mulch. It’s quite dense, 0.8 cu ft = 21lbs.

 

[JustJones]

Any I've been around smells like old tires, of course inside metal posts might not matter.

 

[kemmler3D]

I wouldn't use that in my yard (micro plastics seem to be quite a problem now, no need to accelerate that) but if this stuff is heavy enough to secure the stand it might be a good alternative to sand.

I think a lot of people also use lead shot.

 

[Berwhale]

So I am seriously considering rubber mulch. It’s quite dense, 0.8 cu ft = 21lbs.

This is roughly 1/4 the density of sand.

 

[kemmler3D]

This is roughly 1/4 the density of sand.

Good point, but depending on the internal volume of the stand, sand might be overkill / too heavy for OP's needs.

If there are resonances the mulch won't help as much as sand, of course.

 

[Berwhale]

It could also make your system sound more tyring!

 

[Jim Creek]

I wouldn't use that in my yard (micro plastics seem to be quite a problem now, no need to accelerate that) but if this stuff is heavy enough to secure the stand it might be a good alternative to sand.

I think a lot of people also use lead shot.

Lead is an environmental hazard.

 

[Salt]

Steel mixed Sand ...

 

[DVDdoug]

If it's for stability you probably want to fill it half-way or less.

Don't bother for sound. It's not going to resonante unless one end is open (or both) and especially if you play the speaker into an open end. Or, maybe if you knock on it with your knuckles. Vibrations from the speaker or from soundwaves shouldn't resonate a closed container and if they do, almost all of the resonance will be trapped inside.

 

[kyuu]

Lead is an environmental hazard.

I think that may have been a misstatement. I don't think actual lead shot is used. More likely steel ball bearings or something similar.

 

[EERecordist]

Dry sand is easily available and very inexpensive at hardware stores.You could probably fill 2 speaker stands for $5 US.

I would never touch rubber mulch for any reason. It's ground up tires. I would consider it hazardous waste.

Try it if you like and report back, You could use REW and a calibrated microphone to test your speaker response with the empty stand, filled with sand, and filled with rubber.

 

[unpluggged]

I think that may have been a misstatement. I don't think actual lead shot is used. More likely steel ball bearings or something similar.

Lead is much less of a hazard, especially when nobody is going to ingest it or dump it in a public water supply source, compared to some petroleum-based plastics like the OP wants to use that come from unknown, shady sources and emit all kinds of toxic and carcinogenic volatile compounds,

 

[Martin]

When I had speakers on stands I used lead shot. Yes, I know it's an environmental hazard but it's inside a sealed cavity, not like your playing with it. Just wear latex gloves and wash your hands after handling it. I ordered mine online. You should have seen the postman when he delivered it. It was shipped in USPS Priority Mail flat rate boxes.

Martin

 

[kyuu]

Lead is much less of a hazard, especially when nobody is going to ingest it or dump it in a public water supply source, compared to some petroleum-based plastics like the OP wants to use that come from unknown, shady sources and emit all kinds of toxic and carcinogenic volatile compounds,

I mean yeah I suppose. Although of course it's inevitably going to end up in the landfill, if it not dumped on some roadside or another.

 

[Jim Creek]

If it's for stability you probably want to fill it half-way or less.

Don't bother for sound. It's not going to resonante unless one end is open (or both) and especially if you play the speaker into an open end. Or, maybe if you knock on it with your knuckles. Vibrations from the speaker or from soundwaves shouldn't resonate a closed container and if they do, almost all of the resonance will be trapped inside.

The only reason I would fill the stands is for resonances. But if the closed columns don’t resonate then I won’t fill them at all.

 

[kemmler3D]

Lead is an environmental hazard.

It sure is, don't mix up mulch and lead in the yard anyway.

I think that may have been a misstatement. I don't think actual lead shot is used. More likely steel ball bearings or something similar.

I've seen threads where actual lead is endorsed for this, but I agree other metals might be a much smarter choice.

I also agree with others that chunks of old tires might present hazards of their own... I'd wear gloves at least.

 

[Timcognito]

Lead dust and particulates are a problem solid lead no so much. Go to a local tire shop, ask for some used lead balance weights, put them in plastic bags and drop them in. Wash your hands.

 

[mhardy6647]

My favorite "fab four phase" Beatles album!

 

[Chaconne]

I guess this is one sure instance in which your mileage may vary.

 

[Jim Creek]

I guess rubber mulch wasn’t such a good idea after all.