Ear plugs.. anything I should know?

Sav'nBass · #1 08-20-2010, 07:12 AM

I am considering getting some earplugs.. Well; actually I am getting some.. I need to.. I just need to make sure i I get the right kind. Our band rehearses in a relatively small room and we have 3-4 horns, 2 key7s & 2 guitars.. it is a killer.. Do I need specifically designed earplugs for music or will the $5 ones at CVS do just fine.. ?

MNAirHead · #2 08-20-2010, 07:13 AM

WHAT?

(sorry lame I know)

MNAirHead · #3 08-20-2010, 07:14 AM

find a safety supply store and have some fit to you.. the foamies work for a bit.. if you're serious, you'll want to have some real ones.

Couple of other notes.

Why not go IEM?
Why not turn down?

Tim

KJung · #4 08-20-2010, 07:18 AM

You can do a search and get a lot of info.

Quickly, though, the key (for me) is that ear plugs should just take the edge off the volume without totally compressing the sound. The 'off the shelf' plugs, for the most part, result in a huge DB reduction (30db), and will totally remove most treble and deep bass from your perception. I find that just horrible.

It is WELL worth the money to invest in a custom molded set of plugs (i.e., Westone). You go to an audiologist, and they will make 'wax' molds of each ear, and in a week or so, your custom in-ear plugs will be available. Then, you can decide on the optimal db reduction and buy the filter you need (they come in -25db... not that different from the off the shelf stuff, '15db'... great for very loud rock playing... and -9db (this is what I use... just takes the edge of the trumpet and cymbals and gently reduces the volume without crapping out the sound.

I own the 15 and 9db filters... perfect for just about anything.

Cost.... it has been a while... should be under $200 for the whole deal and will last a lifetime (mine are going on about 12 years now).

IMO!

KJung · #5 08-20-2010, 07:20 AM

Here's the Westone link:

http://www.westone.com/hearing-prote...ion-products-4

loend68 · #6 08-20-2010, 07:24 AM

Hear's (ha!) a great link that I used with tons of info.

Hearing Loss and Ear Plugs

I got the custom molded ones and they're very comfortable after they break in...

Beersurgeon · #7 08-20-2010, 07:27 AM

I use Hearos High Fidelity Series Ear Plugs with good success. They knock down the loudness without taking the highs and lows away. They are pretty comfy and I wash them after each use. I use them for band practice and concerts.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Hearos-H...45-i1134130.gc

superiorpine · #8 08-20-2010, 07:36 AM

Etymotic Research makes ear plugs that are supposed to have a flat frequency response. I have used them frequently. If I am just playing bass, they work great. I have trouble using them when singing however. They can be found for about $13 on fleabay or at musicdirect.com. I also use them when mowing the lawn or running a snowblower etc. Sustained spls can damage your hearing just a much as short blasts.......

dystopiate · #9 08-20-2010, 07:56 AM

If you're anything like me, you spend a lot of time in venues, and it's often louder off-stage than on. If you're anything like me, people like to scream into your ear when you get off stage to tell you that they loved your set and secretly want to see if they can make you deaf by screaming directly into your ear. Custom molded ear plugs are the single best piece of gear I have ever owned. I expect this statement to remain true forever.

I have my custom plugs through Etymotic. You have to go to the audiologist and they cost a couple hundred, but are money well spent. The response is relatively flat, but nothing provides a completely flat response; regardless of what their copy may state, they all cut some high frequencies. I originally got a 25dB filters, but swapped to 15s when I started rehearsing in a better studio space (shameless plug: if anyone's interested, I have the 25s for sale in the classifieds. Price neg). I never tried the 9s, but suspect they might not provide enough protection for loud rock 'n' roll type outfits.

I found Heroes and similar style plugs to be the best off the shelf option, but also found that they cut certain frequencies that made playing not enjoyable, made hearing conversation nearly impossible, and looked ridiculous. As a result I didn't really use them. The custom ones do not have this problem and don't carry the risk of falling out.

sammyp · #10 08-20-2010, 05:09 PM

i've had custom moled musician's plugs for about 5 years and although they work great i have found that swimmer's rubber plugs that you can get at the drug store for $5-7 work just as well.....they protect your ears, clean up the stage sound and reduce harshness the same as the molded ones....try em before you spend $150-250 on molds!

thudfromafar · #11 08-20-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superiorpine

Etymotic Research makes ear plugs that are supposed to have a flat frequency response. I have used them frequently. If I am just playing bass, they work great. I have trouble using them when singing however. They can be found for about $13 on fleabay or at musicdirect.com. I also use them when mowing the lawn or running a snowblower etc. Sustained spls can damage your hearing just a much as short blasts.......

These work nearly as well as the custom ones, and they are about $150 less. Here's the link...

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-buynow.aspx
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-buynow.aspx

$12 + shipping.

Codger · #12 08-20-2010, 05:49 PM

Plugs. I use 'em. I bought mine at a gun shop and they work great. Regarding the loss of highs/lows, I check the tone with the plugs out, then in go the plugs and I'm good to go. I find it easier to hear the notes clearly with them in. Maybe that has something to do with the constant crickets/chainsaw I hear.

Arrachion · #13 08-20-2010, 05:52 PM

Ear plugs are a must. If you want to hear what you're playing instead of mud, invest in Hi-fi earplugs.

skwee · #14 08-20-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thudfromafar

These work nearly as well as the custom ones, and they are about $150 less. Here's the link...

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-buynow.aspx
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-buynow.aspx

$12 + shipping.

I got some similar to this from musician's friend. They work the best, because it keeps enough clarity.

treekiller · #15 08-20-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

You can do a search and get a lot of info.

Quickly, though, the key (for me) is that ear plugs should just take the edge off the volume without totally compressing the sound. The 'off the shelf' plugs, for the most part, result in a huge DB reduction (30db), and will totally remove most treble and deep bass from your perception. I find that just horrible.

It is WELL worth the money to invest in a custom molded set of plugs (i.e., Westone). You go to an audiologist, and they will make 'wax' molds of each ear, and in a week or so, your custom in-ear plugs will be available. Then, you can decide on the optimal db reduction and buy the filter you need (they come in -25db... not that different from the off the shelf stuff, '15db'... great for very loud rock playing... and -9db (this is what I use... just takes the edge of the trumpet and cymbals and gently reduces the volume without crapping out the sound.

I own the 15 and 9db filters... perfect for just about anything.

Cost.... it has been a while... should be under $200 for the whole deal and will last a lifetime (mine are going on about 12 years now).

IMO!

+1 to that. I got a pair last year and won't play without them. I have all 3 filters and use the lowest to as you say, take the edge off. IIRC, they cost about $160.00 and worth every penny!!!

Chris K · #16 08-21-2010, 12:40 AM

I always play with 15 dB-off custom earplugs when performing or rehearsing. Turning down is no real option since drums and horns can't be turned down. They can play less loud, but not without cutting down their dynamic range.

I have only one problem with them: I bought them much, much, much too late.

markkoelsch · #17 08-21-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thudfromafar

These work nearly as well as the custom ones, and they are about $150 less. Here's the link...

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-buynow.aspx
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-buynow.aspx

$12 + shipping.

I use these as well, and they work well...certainly hard to beat for the price. I also wear them to concerts. I have a different pair for cutting grass and shooting...36 db cut.

Billnc · #18 08-22-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markkoelsch

I use these as well, and they work well...certainly hard to beat for the price. I also wear them to concerts. I have a different pair for cutting grass and shooting...36 db cut.

I liked them too.

Stereo Joe · #19 08-22-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billnc

I liked them too.

Me three.