Ear plugs/ear protection???

[Mudder]

I used the Alpine ones for years but have recently switched to these Surefire EP4 ones:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V2 ... UTF8&psc=1

More accurate across the frequency board to my ears.

I've mentioned these before too. Their design is based around sound pressure control so they give very good frequency range, and you don't have to take them out to have a normal conversation. I use them for guitars and shooting. A lot of our armed forces use them in action too.

 

[chrisrocksusa]

Been using these for years. WAY better than the crappy foam ones.

I have those but I hardly ever use them bc it really muffles out the sound. My tone instantly sucks as soon as I put them in.

 

[geese_com]

Bought a pair of the Surefire EP4 Sonic Defenders after reading through this thread. Lots of good recommendations in this thread.

 

[supersonic]

http://www.alienears.com/p/299/custom-m ... er-monitor Go with IEM, you can hang a mic in the room and give yourself some "room" sound. Just dial to taste.

 

[scredly]

Just like IEM, custom molds are the way to go. http://www.etymotic.com/hp/erme.html

I recently ordered a new pair through JH Audio from the same molds used for my in-ears.

 

[Lord Toneking]

Damn, this thread really has my interest but confuses me as much as a pickup recommendation thread

 

[50MkII]

You can also go to your dr and get fitted for custom earplugs. My buddy has these for going to live concerts and playing and he swears by these and there is no apparant loss of sound/muffledness, etc. I don't use earplugs but I should!!!

I got some of these years ago and used them for about 3 months. They do sound great; way better than anything else mentioned in the thread so far - but, they should, given that they are custom-fitted and, as such, cost significantly more. My ears DO ring after every show/rehearsal. It typically goes away by noon the next day. I do have a light case of tinnitus that has not worsened over the past 10 years or so. Frankly, I think the tinnitus originated from loud, heavy-handed drumming and cymbal crashes, moreso than loud guitars.

The custom ear plugs for hearing protection are not very expensive at all when you consider what your hearing is worth and how much we all seem to spend on gear here. I went through the process of having molds made, sent them off, and ordered a pair through http://www.sensaphonics.com/?p=331 . The ER Musician Series Earplugs are what was recommended to me by them and what I went with. Comes with the different db reduction filters. If you are experiencing ringing then you are not watching those stage, volume levels good enough and as stated above controlling your guitar volume is one thing but the drummer's crash of cymbals right in your ears, good luck. Several years ago I picked up a pair of the earplugs with the style shown in the Hearos, Etymotic Research, and Alpine Music that I would use at concerts. They are certainly not as effective as the custom earplugs, but much cheaper. If you are a mixer, or someone who is getting paid and your livelihood revolves around your hearing those Hearos, etc. style earplugs will be anywhere nearly as true to the sound as the custom earplugs.
I have to disagree with the person's post above saying his buddy claims there is "no apparent loss of sound/muffledness,etc." There is a slight loss of lows and high end frequencies with them but not much. Certainly more accurate than the cheaper pairs recommended above as would be expected by the costs. For around $300 you can get fitted with the custom earplugs, have them fit just right without concern for them dropping out (cord if you are really concerned about that), and your own carrying pouch with different db filter levels. I was recommended Sensaphonics but when I went to get molds done my health care provider asked me why as they use another company. They are all relatively comparable. Good luck!

 

[James Lugo]

Got a couple of pairs this week, Hearos and Surfire. Used them both at rehearsal. Soundwise they were pretty similar, I think I could hear my voice a tad better with the Hearos but the Surfire's fit way better and seemed like they would withstand some serious headbangin. Goin with the Surfire. Surprised how little they filter out but just enough to take the edge off and give the ears a break. Thanks for the input guys.

 

[geese_com]

I have rehearsal tonight and will be trying out the Surefire EP4s and comparing them to the Hearos. I'll report back soon!

 

[geese_com]

I have rehearsal tonight and will be trying out the Surefire EP4s and comparing them to the Hearos. I'll report back soon!

I would have to say that the Surefire EP4s are the winners! Obvious dB reduction but not muffled sounding.

 

[GRANKOR]

I have some hearos but a different model to the ones mentioned here

http://www.hearos.com/products/rock-n-roll

they work well

 

[Shark Diver]

I've used the molds with different db plugs for years and molds for in-ears. If I'm not singing I love all of them. Still haven't gotten use to singing in any of them yet.

I get the ear plug disconnect with cheaper ones. I was a bartender for years at a rock club and I wore plugs. After a few hours it was like I was in some weird lucid dream.

 

[guitarobert]

I used the Alpine ones for years but have recently switched to these Surefire EP4 ones:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V2 ... UTF8&psc=1

More accurate across the frequency board to my ears.

+1. I thought I was the only one using these for something other than at the shooting range.

Use them without the tabs in and they're perfect. They were designed for military use so that soldiers can still hear voice commands to each other but knock down the sound level of gunshots. Great for killing the bite of a snare drum.

 

[lettmusic]

Been using these for years. WAY better than the crappy foam ones.

+1 on the Hearos. I don't even play a gig without them. Ear plugs are essential as part of our rig, IMO. All the great gear won't do shit if your hearing is fucked.
The Hearos don't seem to alter the sound too much, but it does help my ears from ringing afterwards. I always have a set in my car and an extra set for gigging. Great thread, guys.