Custom earplugs - etymotic inc. different capsules & sound?

[basss]

I've been playing in some louder bands lately and making much use of my earplugs. I have a set of those custom molded jobs from like those from Etymotic Reasearch Inc. (highly recomended).

I'm wondering about the sound quality of the different capsules. I'm using the 9db version. It does a good job but I do notice that the timbre of the bass in particular is a bit muffled compared to the other instruments. In looking at the frequency response charts in the link above I see that the 15db capsule has a flatter response. Has anyone compared the two for sound quality particularly with regard to the bass sound?

[Linas]

The response seems pretty flat for all of them near the low end.

[basss]

If you compare the er9 and er15's graphs you can see the the er9 rolls off quite a bit below 1000 hz while the er15 stays much closer to flat. I would assume that this would have a big effect on the bass sound. I'd just like to hear from someone that has tried both before I shell out $40.

[DblG]

I use the er15's and like them. I haven't compared the 9's though. +1 on highly recommending them...best $ I ever spent.

[L-A]

The ER15's are supposed to be the closest to no ear plugs, among this line. That's what I heard from most musicians using them.

I personally use the ER20's and I can hear bass very well. What I discovered though is that I tend to dial the volume a little low compared to the rest of the band. With no ear plugs, I could hear myself because there was enough volume to do so, but using ear plugs allowed me to put things more in perspective and realize that, while I was audible, I didn't have much presence.

[nsmar4211]

I use the 15's because I have sensitive ears and figured 9 wasn't going to be enough. I can hear fine with them, although if you walk away and someone is talking to you it takes less distance before you can't hear them. Bass wise, I do notice I can't tell how loud I am (first time I've ever been told to turn up!!!) so I have to rely on the guitar/drummer to tell me if my volume is good if I forget to check it before putting them in. I can actually *hear* myself with them in......instead of my ears cringing in horror and shutting down.

The auditory specialist suggested I get the 15's when I told her I played in a rock band in tight areas. She said if I were in an orchestra she'd suggest the 9s.......a thrash band she might suggest the next ones after the 15's .

[Jonny B]

How do these work for you guys singing back up vocals? I find that when I wear earplugs (normal, run of the mill earplugs), I can't hear the monitors over my horrible singing.

[fenderx55]

Originally Posted by Jonny B

How do these work for you guys singing back up vocals? I find that when I wear earplugs (normal, run of the mill earplugs), I can't hear the monitors over my horrible singing.

+1

[basss]

Originally Posted by Jonny B

How do these work for you guys singing back up vocals? I find that when I wear earplugs (normal, run of the mill earplugs), I can't hear the monitors over my horrible singing.

The difference between the custom molded and foam earplugs is night and day. The customs just make everything sound quieter but don't affect sound quality while the foams really muffle sounds and make it hard to hear details. The indistinct timbre of the bass I was complaining about above is minor in comparison to the loss of sound quality that foam plugs cause.