For those of you who use earplugs of any style or price, what level of reduction rating do you use? Some of the ones recommended on here so far go anywhere from -12 to -26 dB. That's quite a bit of difference, and I realize that every band and gig is different, but what's usually the minimum necessary?
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$20 vs $200 earplugs. What's the difference?
- Thread starter MusicMan01
- Start date
I think -15dB is the default config, you could get -25dB in case you work as a DJ in front of a gigantic PA system or if you play in such a configuration, but -15dB is a good compromise value.
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The Hearos, a.k.a Etymotic ER*20s actually have -20dB attenuation.
More info about dangerous dB levels: Invalid Link Removed
My custom plugs came with -15dB cut, and I found that I felt
too isolated with that. Now I use -9dB cut, and I have been
very happy.
$200 earplugs make a difference.
They feel better. They level the frequencies off more evenly. They're made better. It's like being able to turn your band down and still hear everything very well.
Andrew
They feel better. They level the frequencies off more evenly. They're made better. It's like being able to turn your band down and still hear everything very well.
Andrew
I have the 15db filters and I think I am going to get the 9db filters because the 15 make it too quiet unless the band is really, crazily loud. If I was playing in Motorhead, I would probably go even more than 15! But I think the 9's are going to work well for the gigs I do, until I can afford tham I'll just have to stay used to the 15 and listen a little harder. They really do clean up the crap in the stage sound though, I will say that. All of the sound that bounces around dries right up in the earplugs. Best investment you will ever make as a musician I think.
The custom ones sound much better than the $20 ones. I lost one of my custom plugs, and got a pair of the etymotic $20 pairs to try out. The custom ones sound much better.
The 15dB filters do quite a bit, and are great for rock music. If you aren't in super high volume situations, the 9dB filters are probably just fine (I haven't tried them), and I can't imagine needing the 25dB filters unless you are standing 2 feet in front the speakers of a massive PA system.
The 15dB filters do quite a bit, and are great for rock music. If you aren't in super high volume situations, the 9dB filters are probably just fine (I haven't tried them), and I can't imagine needing the 25dB filters unless you are standing 2 feet in front the speakers of a massive PA system.
