GenieClip® RST

View our Product FAQ for answers to common questions about resilient sound clips.

Decoupling is the most effective method for achieving sound isolation in ceilings. When properly installed, a high-quality resilient ceiling isolation clip dramatically reduces airborne noise, structure-borne vibration, and impact footfall sound transmission. Among the many options available, the GenieClip® system stands out for its proven performance and extensive testing. Certified results for STC, OITC, IIC, and UL fire ratings confirm why the GenieClip® RST is considered the best standard ceiling isolation clip for both residential and commercial soundproofing projects.

Walls

The GenieClip® RST delivers exceptional sound isolation performance across the entire frequency spectrum—from deep low frequencies to sharp high frequencies. This wide-ranging performance produces results that are several times more effective than damping compounds or other basic soundproofing methods.

What truly sets the GenieClip RST apart is its ability to isolate low-frequency noise, something that no other sound isolation clip can achieve as effectively. Whether used in residential, studio, or commercial wall assemblies, the GenieClip RST provides industry-leading noise reduction and long-term acoustic stability.

Ceilings

Because ceilings are heavier and less resilient than walls, they require more advanced methods to effectively block both airborne and impact noise. The GenieClip® RST sound isolation clip system is specifically designed to address these challenges, decoupling the drywall from the framing to prevent vibration transfer and sound leakage.

In contrast, damping compounds, pre-damped drywall, or simply adding more mass offer minimal benefit when used alone. A properly designed resilient sound isolation clip ceiling system—such as one built with GenieClip RST—remains the most effective and reliable solution for achieving high-performance ceiling soundproofing.

Maximize the performance of the GenieClip® RST system by adding resilience to the floor above. We recommend the use of GenieMat RST02 for a low-cost high-performance underlayment. This will increase the IIC rating by at least 6 IIC points and the STC rating by at least 2-3 points.

For the best results, resilient sound isolation clips should be fastened directly to the framing using the proper screw type for your construction.

• Wood framing: Use a #8 x 2-1/2" coarse-thread screw
• Metal framing: Use a #8 x 1-5/8" self-tapping screw

Clips should be spaced no more than 48 inches apart, with each row of clips installed 24″ or 16″ on center, depending on the assembly weight and design requirements.

For optimal load distribution and consistent performance, we recommend using a staggered layout pattern. This layout evenly distributes the structural load and ensures maximum sound isolation across the wall or ceiling system.

While we strongly recommend installing resilient sound isolation clips directly to the framing, there are situations where this may not be possible. In retrofit applications where clips must be installed over existing drywall or other rigid surfaces, a secondary air gap is created. This additional air space can lead to resonance issues and significantly reduce overall sound isolation performance compared to a standard installation. To minimize this performance loss, fill the new air cavity with 1-1/2" fiberglass batt insulation (R-6 or R-8). Adding insulation helps absorb resonance and bring the retrofit assembly’s performance closer to that of a direct-to-framing installation. For more detailed data, review the independent sound test results in the table below, which outline the differences between retrofit and standard installations.

View Resilient Sound Clip Install Guide

GenieClip® RST Manufacturer Install Guide - English

GenieClip® RST Manufacturer Install Guide - Spanish

GenieClip® RST Install Video - English

GenieClip® RST Install Video - Spanish

*All test results shown in this table were achieved through third party testing from accredited laboratories. The full test is available upon request.

The number of resilient sound isolation clips required for your project depends on the total weight of the wall or ceiling assembly. While a properly designed clip system can support multiple layers of drywall, it’s important not to exceed the acoustic load capacity of each clip to maintain optimal performance. For precise estimating, use our Resilient Sound Clip Calculator. This tool calculates the recommended quantity and spacing of clips based on the dimensions of each wall or ceiling partition, helping ensure both structural integrity and acoustic efficiency in your installation.

Try Our Resilient Sound Clip Calculator

• GenieClip® RST Product Specs
• GenieClip® RST Product Brochure
• GenieClip® RST 3-Part Guide Spec
• Resilient Channels - Guaranteed to Fail
• GenieClip® RST Manufacturer Install Guide - English
• GenieClip® RST Manufacturer Install Guide - Spanish