Jim Feeley Posted August 30, 2018 Report Share Posted August 30, 2018 Been using Etymotic plugs for years when attending loud live music and such. Nothing custom, just off the rack. Basically something like this model: But is there a better choice these days for general-use, decent-fidelity, kinda discreet ear plugs? What are you all using? I'm not talking about IEMs, but anyone going for custom-molded ear plugs? And I'm basically talking about recreational use. Because as Mr. Tull concludes, "You're never too old to rock 'n' roll If you're too young to die." Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Rowand Posted August 30, 2018 Report Share Posted August 30, 2018 I've been using Ety Plugs for ages. Concerts, using power tools, even wore them under my helmet when I still had a motorcycle. Have to protect what hearing I have left… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobilemike Posted August 30, 2018 Report Share Posted August 30, 2018 I have these on my keychain for every day, bumming around, never know when you’re going to need it use. https://eargasmearplugs.com/products/eargasm-high-fidelity-earplugs I like them just fine. Protective, fit well, and sound decent. I do have a pair of custom molded earplugs that I’ll take in the rare occasions I’m mixing live shows or something like that, but these are fine for every day use. -Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpiegari Posted August 30, 2018 Report Share Posted August 30, 2018 I use these for rock shows: https://store.sensaphonics.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ER-20+Pro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilari Sivil Posted August 31, 2018 Report Share Posted August 31, 2018 I've been using these: https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/earplugs/musicsafe-classic/ They work well for listening to gigs and I also use them in the rehearsal space for our band. Comfortable and discreet, I never leave home without them. It seems my hearing is only decaying at a natural rate, but I am slowly becoming a better listener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalton Patterson Posted August 31, 2018 Report Share Posted August 31, 2018 I use these as a first choice. westone link But sometimes I forget them or I get surprised with a concert. In that case I wear these. Charmin Toilet Paper website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Immoral Mr Teas Posted September 2, 2018 Report Share Posted September 2, 2018 Priceless! (Etymotics currently back in the pocket along with micro wind-up torch since you're asking ...) Jez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Feeley Posted September 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2018 Thanks all. Ordered up some new Etymotics (along with a pair for my son who's playing in some louder bands & doing a bit of FOH...mostly jazz & classical right now, but still). If those don't do it, I'll dig into some of the alternatives suggested. Some of the others have what appear to be better carrying cases/tubes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsmyth Posted September 2, 2018 Report Share Posted September 2, 2018 Depending on where you are, some universities have an audiology dept that might give you a free ear exam and fitting for custom plugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalton Patterson Posted September 17, 2018 Report Share Posted September 17, 2018 Amazon Lightning deal Good deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izen Ears Posted September 17, 2018 Report Share Posted September 17, 2018 Can anyone comment on the frequency response, or whatever the hell you call it? Does it make music too bassy? Can you still hear high freqs? I’ve been using Vibes and they are great for band practice, but a little weak for a show. Saw the 5, 6, 7, 8’s last week and the bass was a little uncomfortable. On 8/30/2018 at 3:59 PM, Mobilemike said: I have these on my keychain for every day, bumming around, never know when you’re going to need it use. https://eargasmearplugs.com/products/eargasm-high-fidelity-earplugs I like them just fine. Protective, fit well, and sound decent. I do have a pair of custom molded earplugs that I’ll take in the rare occasions I’m mixing live shows or something like that, but these are fine for every day use. -Mike On 8/30/2018 at 4:10 PM, gpiegari said: I use these for rock shows: https://store.sensaphonics.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ER-20+Pro On 8/31/2018 at 12:40 AM, Ilari Sivil said: I've been using these: https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/earplugs/musicsafe-classic/ They work well for listening to gigs and I also use them in the rehearsal space for our band. Comfortable and discreet, I never leave home without them. It seems my hearing is only decaying at a natural rate, but I am slowly becoming a better listener. On 8/31/2018 at 11:41 AM, Dalton Patterson said: I use these as a first choice. westone link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalton Patterson Posted September 17, 2018 Report Share Posted September 17, 2018 @Izen Ears As a musician, you deal with hazards to your health. Drugs, violence, high SPL and the infamous manager. Firemen deal with smoke inhalation as an inevitability that will eventually cause serious health issues. Similarly a musician will inevitably be hearing impaired. I suggest using significant hearing protection and learning how to interpret the information coming into your brain and not rely on white papers and tech specs. Freq's on paper are sometimes helpful. Basically, you, as a musician are constantly being marketed to and exploited. Earplugs are earplugs irrelevant of their marketed or advertised purpose. However…If you have some cash…These have peeked my interest as of late. WESTONE Website But at a whopping $1,895.00, I will not be purchasing them anytime soon. This technology is still somewhat new, I met with an engineer who developed the spec. He sold me Gator road cases used during the R&D. In theory they allow you to hear quiet sounds and will reduce any sounds over a threshold. I don't think they offer significant high SPL protection, however, the concept is interesting. "Made specifically for when the head rigger slams the truss into the truck and high impact noise situations. Exceptionally accurate and lightning fast, DefendEar Digital active, digital circuitry delivers unsurpassed amplification for situational awareness so you can hear when people poo poo your work and appropriate noise attenuation when the drummer kicks the kick drum while your mic'ing the drum set. The DefendEar Hunter has increased noise suppression for large caliber D-bags on a job and the selectable severe conditions mode offers a higher level of promoter noise reduction." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izen Ears Posted September 17, 2018 Report Share Posted September 17, 2018 “The DefendEar Hunter has increased noise suppression for large caliber D-bags on a job“ How I wish there was anything for this... No way that claim can ever be true! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benjamin Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 I love the regular Ety's. They're relatively cheap and seem to have a decent linear attenuation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpaul215 Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 On 9/17/2018 at 5:30 PM, Izen Ears said: “The DefendEar Hunter has increased noise suppression for large caliber D-bags on a job“ How I wish there was anything for this... No way that claim can ever be true! I know this thread is old, but I find the Etymotics way more flat than many others. When I used to play bass in a band, I liked the rubber foam ones you roll and shove in your ear because they cut the higher end disproportionately. I could really hear drums and my bass more. That was terrible if I was playing guitar, and that was when I started using the Etymotic ones. I had a set of the Eargasm ones and they weren’t bad. I eventually lost them, and may get more to try them again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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