Si600 Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 What earplugs do people use when you go and see a band? I was at DragonForce last night and wore normal disposable foam bungs, am I missing something from the sound by using these and should I look at filter types or the properly in ear moulded things? Incidentally, the band were just OK, which is a shame as I like their albums. There were both bass and keys on stage because I saw them, but only heard the keys on a couple of intros and poor old Frederic Leclerq could have stayed at home for all the input I heard from him. The mix was all bass drum and widdly guitar, which is kind of their thing, but I'd like to hear some power chords, even the vocals were patchy at times. Enough of slating the band, who on their day I'm sure are great, but last night wasn't it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 (edited) Foam plugs make sound rather muffled and unnatural. If it's just some gig-going plugs you're looking for, have a quick google for er-20 earplugs. There are two sizes of er-20 (I found the small ones more comfortable). Basically these will take a slice off the dBs but in a balanced way. See the manufacturer's page for more info: [url="http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html"]http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html[/url] You should be able to pick up a set for a tenner. They're reusable, just give 'em a wee rinse/wipe and they usually come in a wee pouch. Edited October 4, 2012 by neepheid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikay Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I use these - http://www.amazon.co.uk/ACS-ER20-Musicians-Earplugs/dp/B000UJ8RHE Not as good as the personally moulded ones but a lot more affordable and better than foam plugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deanovw Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 There is lots of info [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/533-ear-plugs/page__hl__earplugs"]here[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I bought custom ACS ones. Brilliant for band practice, gigs and nights out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nottswarwick Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Custom ACS ER 15 filters. No contest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I use these: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alpine-Music-safe-pro-reusable-attenuating-earplugs-hearing-protection-ear-plugs-/330687547031?pt=UK_BOI_ProtectiveGear_RL&hash=item4cfe838697"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alpine-Music-safe-pro-reusable-attenuating-earplugs-hearing-protection-ear-plugs-/330687547031?pt=UK_BOI_ProtectiveGear_RL&hash=item4cfe838697[/url] THey really help cut down on the noise level but still let me listen to a balanced sound, I literally never leave the house without mine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 (edited) [quote name='nottswarwick' timestamp='1349338277' post='1824779'] Custom ACS ER 15 filters. No contest. [/quote] I wasn't aware that there was a contest offered Edited October 4, 2012 by neepheid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brensabre79 Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 The [url="http://www.noizezz.com/eng/product/gehoorbeschermers-universeel.html"]Noizezz[/url] ones use the same noise filter as the expensive molded ones, but feature a generic sleeve rather than a molded one. I've tried the Alpine and Ety ones and found they muffled/coloured the sound to much, as I also do the sound for some of the bands I play with its essential I get a realistic balance and protect my hearing. Now the rest of the band uses these and we can all hear each other. Best of all we can all have a normal level conversation with each other during practice without taking the earplugs out or shouting at each other! [url="http://www.noizezz.com/eng/product/gehoorbeschermers-universeel.html"]http://www.noizezz.com[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthos Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1349339951' post='1824804'] I wasn't aware that there was a contest offered [/quote] +1 If there was a contest, these would win Not cheap but 'what price your hearing?' etc. I already have tinnitus in my right ear due to not looking after my hearing so it was a no-brainer for me. To be fair, I haven't tried any others for such a long time that I can't reasonably give more than a personal opinion, but after the initial (rather wierd) settling in period they're great. Volume reduction seems, to my ears, to be flat across the spectrum so it does feel like the rest of the band have been 'turned down' a smidge without losing any detail. Pros: Comfort, flat response, invisible to others once their in (if that matters to you), no ringing ears regardless of how loud we play Cons: Pricey to replace (quite how I've managed not to lose one is beyond me!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nottswarwick Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1349339951' post='1824804'] I wasn't aware that there was a contest offered [/quote] First rule of earplug fight club.....don't talk about earplug fight club. I've got 2 sets of filters - ER25 and ER15. The 25s I reserve for loud drumming, but even then they are a bit much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpalt Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1349337143' post='1824766'] They're reusable, just give 'em a wee rinse/wipe and they usually come in a wee pouch. [/quote] I tend to find that rinsing them in water works better than urine. Might just be me, but I have always thought that having your ears smell of wee was a bit uncool? Mind you, if you rinse them in water and then put them in a pouch full of urine that would defeat the object...................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brensabre79 Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 There's also a [url="http://www.proguarduk.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=39"]new product from Proguard[/url] which is specifically for musicians and eliminates the oclusion effect most earplugs give you. As someone who stands right next to a bass amp (as most of us on here do) I find a lot of earplugs block out all the nasty frequencies but not the bass, ending up with a really bass heavy mix. Not good if you're trying to listen for a guitar cue and all you can hear is boom boom. I've just ordered a set of these and will report back after my gig on saturday. The Noizezz ones I mentioned are by the same company so will make an interesting comparison. These are 20dB reduction (average) so should be ideally between the ER15 and ER25s nottswarwick... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benthos Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='brensabre79' timestamp='1349344076' post='1824903'] There's also a [url="http://www.proguarduk.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=39"]new product from Proguard[/url] which is specifically for musicians and eliminates the oclusion effect most earplugs give you. As someone who stands right next to a bass amp (as most of us on here do) I find a lot of earplugs block out all the nasty frequencies but not the bass, ending up with a really bass heavy mix. Not good if you're trying to listen for a guitar cue and all you can hear is boom boom. I've just ordered a set of these and will report back after my gig on saturday. The Noizezz ones I mentioned are by the same company so will make an interesting comparison. These are 20dB reduction (average) so should be ideally between the ER15 and ER25s nottswarwick... [/quote] Wow, these look like a really great 'back-up' set for custom-fits and sensible money too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 (edited) [quote name='brensabre79' timestamp='1349340957' post='1824826'] The [url="http://www.noizezz.com/eng/product/gehoorbeschermers-universeel.html"]Noizezz[/url] ones use the same noise filter as the expensive molded ones, but feature a generic sleeve rather than a molded one. I've tried the Alpine and Ety ones and found they muffled/coloured the sound to much, as I also do the sound for some of the bands I play with its essential I get a realistic balance and protect my hearing. Now the rest of the band uses these and we can all hear each other. Best of all we can all have a normal level conversation with each other during practice without taking the earplugs out or shouting at each other! [url="http://www.noizezz.com/eng/product/gehoorbeschermers-universeel.html"]http://www.noizezz.com[/url] [/quote] That's useful to know, and I may have to check these out. I've used both Alpine Music Safe and ER20s at gigs, and I really notice that they cut a disproportionate amount of high end. A couple of times I've found that if I set my amp where it sounds right to me (especially playing guitar) wearing either type, the treble takes everyone else's head off! It looks like the PR20s posted by Brensabre are addressing the same problem. Maybe I can put off forking out for the custom fitted ones a little longer... Edited October 4, 2012 by Beer of the Bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='bobpalt' timestamp='1349343732' post='1824891'] I tend to find that rinsing them in water works better than urine. Might just be me, but I have always thought that having your ears smell of wee was a bit uncool? Mind you, if you rinse them in water and then put them in a pouch full of urine that would defeat the object...................... [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaydentaku Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I use Earpad universal, they are 20-25 quid and i believe reduce noise by 17db. They are excellent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1349345415' post='1824933'] That's useful to know, and I may have to check these out. I've used both Alpine Music Safe and ER20s at gigs, and I really notice that they cut a disproportionate amount of high end. A couple of times I've found that if I set my amp where it sounds right to me (especially playing guitar) wearing either type, the treble takes everyone else's head off! It looks like the PR20s posted by Brensabre are addressing the same problem. Maybe I can put off forking out for the custom fitted ones a little longer... [/quote] I don't understand us music types. We blow tons of cash against stuff to make the noise, but when it comes to protection we seem to ignore it. The custom ones are great - I got because my hearing is already mong'd. At 23 thats pretty rubbish. Get ones which are comfy to wear and allow you to hear everything. My ACS ones were 140 odd and it's the best purchase I've made. Practice sounds better since I'm not being deafened. I wouldn't substitute decent ones just cause other ones are cheap. I've used ER15s, Alpine, foam blah blah and always felt they removed the wrong frequencies or were just not comfy (ER15s made my ear itch). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 PS BOTB - that wasnt aimed just at you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='woodyratm' timestamp='1349354633' post='1825169'] I don't understand us music types. We blow tons of cash against stuff to make the noise, but when it comes to protection we seem to ignore it. The custom ones are great - I got because my hearing is already mong'd. At 23 thats pretty rubbish. Get ones which are comfy to wear and allow you to hear everything. My ACS ones were 140 odd and it's the best purchase I've made. Practice sounds better since I'm not being deafened. I wouldn't substitute decent ones just cause other ones are cheap. I've used ER15s, Alpine, foam blah blah and always felt they removed the wrong frequencies or were just not comfy (ER15s made my ear itch). [/quote] Which ACS ones you got matey? These the right folks? [url="http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=127"]http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=127[/url] I've got alpine ones and if there's a better solution I want to investigate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 ACS all the way, don't sell yourself short, I haven't looked back since getting mine 2 years ago. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='andydye' timestamp='1349355130' post='1825183'] Which ACS ones you got matey? These the right folks? [url="http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=127"]http://www.hearingpr...d=65&Itemid=127[/url] I've got alpine ones and if there's a better solution I want to investigate it! [/quote] Think the Pro-17 ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='woodyratm' timestamp='1349355599' post='1825194'] Think the Pro-17 ones. [/quote] ta matey [quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1349355352' post='1825188'] ACS all the way, don't sell yourself short, I haven't looked back since getting mine 2 years ago. Si [/quote] What about you Si? which ones did you go for? 17, 20, 26? A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeynuts Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 I went with the ER15's ([url="http://www.acscustom.com/uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=88"]http://www.acscustom.com/uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108&Itemid=88[/url]) after starting to suffer with mild tinitus. Wish I'd got them earlier now to be honest as they go everywhere with me now. It's an odd feeling to start with but you soon get used to it, I wouldn't play without them now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99ster Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 [quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1349355352' post='1825188'] ACS all the way, don't sell yourself short, I haven't looked back since getting mine 2 years ago. Si [/quote] + 1000 Any branch of Specsavers can do the test/fitting for ACS.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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