Earplugs

[XNavyDrummer]

We've talked about these before.

For you guys that are using earplugs when playing, do any of you notice that you hear more of the music with the plugs than without the plugs? Also, what plugs are you using?

Thanks,

Andy

[FuseU1]

I have a whole bag of those disposable foam inserts called "Max-Lites" by Howard Leight industries -
www.howardleight.com
They have a noise reduction rating [NRR] of 30, & an "SNR" of 34 CE [whatever
that means! [img]redface.gif[/img] ].
For practicing W/O the click, they significantly reduce the harsh high/shrill tones such as the cymbals, etc., & bring out more of the mids & bottom, such as the bass. They take a while to get accustomed to, but it's a fair trade-off & well worth it, as nothing is more important than your hearing AFA music is concerned.
Also good for sleeping in those often 'thin-walled' motels/hotels OTR [no matter what the apparent cost per room!], unless you have a good, strong, yet "quiet" [no rattles & squeaks] fan... [img]wink.gif[/img]
...or for going to the gun range for target practice, along w those NR headsets they give you there, etc...

Guys who use in-ear monitors prob have the best of both worlds [I'm still using the headsets when I'm playing to the click or tracks, live or otherwise [img]redface.gif[/img] - cost efficient, you know - but I am eventually going to invest in some good "IEM's"...

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ April 30, 2004 09:26 PM: Message edited by: FuseU1 ]</font>

[Pedro G]

When I'm practicing and recording, I use the Vic Firth headphones. They are comfortable and the drums sound kind of warm and clear.
Live, I tryed a lot of different earplug models, some better than others. I didn't have any problems with the drum sound, but when I was playing with other musicians, the sound was unclear.
A lot of the earplugs filter some frequencies more than others, and the result is a sound full of bass and very little higs.
After some time I invested in some of these custom made plugs that have a flat frequency response, with 25db's of attenuation. They are expensive but I think is the best investment that you could do.
I have used the in-ear monitors, and with a good sound man, they are like heaven, but if he is not good...
[img]confused.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/rain.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbs_down.gif[/img]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ April 29, 2004 03:28 PM: Message edited by: Pedro G ]</font>

[hanayalator]

Yea it depends on what you get. The musicians earplugs around nowadays are custom-made and some have little plugs that you can swap (like 9db, 15 db, 25db). Also the frequency cutoff is pretty even all around, whereas foam ones cut out certain frequenices more than others.

[Derek DeFields]

I used the Westones for years; I've since switched to Sensaphonics per Andy's recommendation and they are SO much better sounding and more comfortable.

In loud situations, I can hear the music MUCH better than without plugs.

They cost me about $175 with the exam, molds etc. I don't know how anyone drums without them.

[Randy walker]

WHAT???????????

LOL
I have in ear monitors for live plus either a 15" or 18" wedge for kic drum. I keep meaning to visit Andy and get my ears checked, I promise to do so in the next weeks!

[XNavyDrummer]

I'm glad those Sensaphonics plugs are working out Derek!

I've noticed that I can hear better with high-fidelity plugs than with the typical foam plugs or no plugs at all. It's related to this distortion thing that happens in everyone's ears at high sound pressure levels.

The ER plugs have fairly flat attenuation so basically all of the frequencies are taken down evenly. Both Sensaphonics and Westone make the custom version or you can buy the over the counter version for a lot less.

The Sonic IIs that Flamacue mentioned were originally designed for shooters, for high impulse noise and not for music listening. They have a noise reduction rating of 6 dB which is inadequate for loud music situations.

The plug that FUSE was referring to has up to around 30 dB of attenuation. If they are inserted real deep into the ear canal, the attenuation can be fairly flat. If they don't make it in so deep, the high frequencies will mostly be attenuated and the lows will not. This will result in a muddy sound so the attack of the stick on the cymbals or on the heads will be muffled (an impossible situation to work in).

The Custom ER plugs like hanayalator mentioned come in 9, 15 and 25 dB attenuation versions.
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/erme.asp

The over the counter plugs have 20 dB of attenuation. The higher the number, the greater the protection.
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.asp

Wear your earplugs...hear now, hear latter!

[Flamaque]

Here is a link to the ear plugs that I use.

I have 4 sets. They are washable and very comfortable.

Name: North Sonic II Ear Plugs


http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp...ar_Accessories

[jarrep]

HI. Any link for these Sensaphonics?

[XNavyDrummer]

Sure:

www.sensaphonics.com