 | Reading Kevin Kelly's Cool Tools site, I ran across a post on ear protection with a recommendation for Surefire EP4 Sonic Defender. As a sufferer of tinnitus, I am always on the look out for good, low profile ear protection. Read my experience with the EP4. |
Surefire looks to be a company focused on military and law enforcement grade equipment. They have a wide selection of ear protection models.
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I have used foam plugs for years and while they will work if nothing else is available, the amount of blockage varies. I've had some gigs where I couldn't hear my bass. I've had some gigs where the snap of the snare was still painful. I'd like a more consistent style of protection.
My previous experience with IEM (in ear monitor) wasn't a positive one. The fit and seal on the IEM was fantastic (I had them molded and fit by a doctor) but the sound reproduction was horrible. I could never get rid of the distortion . I was using a lower-ended product so that probably was the issue. I've talked to bass players who own high-end models (>$1500) and they tell me they can't get the things to distort.
I don't have that type of cash to spend on IEMs. So the hunt for inexpensive ear protection that allows me to hear my bass while not overloading my ears with the rest of the stage volume, continues. These EP4s sound like they might end my search.
My previous experience with IEM (in ear monitor) wasn't a positive one. The fit and seal on the IEM was fantastic (I had them molded and fit by a doctor) but the sound reproduction was horrible. I could never get rid of the distortion . I was using a lower-ended product so that probably was the issue. I've talked to bass players who own high-end models (>$1500) and they tell me they can't get the things to distort.
I don't have that type of cash to spend on IEMs. So the hunt for inexpensive ear protection that allows me to hear my bass while not overloading my ears with the rest of the stage volume, continues. These EP4s sound like they might end my search.
Through the use of the sizing chart and my goofy attempt to measure my ear using two mirrors, medium size looks like correct size.
Ordered from Amazon, of course.
The package came with the ear plugs and a leash/lanyard.
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The packaging, surprisingly, wasn't of the angry "impossible to open" plastic wrapping type. A few tugs and the contents spilled right out.
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I tried them on - they fit perfectly.
I could "hear" when they sealed within my ear canal. The part going into the ear canal isn't as long as a typical foam ear plug so they are much more comfortable. They felt lighter than a typical foam plug as well - there was no pressure from the foam expanding into my ear canal.
[A side benefit of not being as long as a foam plug: when I take them out, I don't feel like I am pulling half my brain through my ears. Those foam plugs go in so deep it feels like they are touching up against my ear drum.]
My next gig is not until the 20th so I have a week and a half before they get tested for real sound dampening. From my living room testing, they felt fantastic and blocked out a lot of sound.
So far, so good. I'll come back and give an update after the gig.
I could "hear" when they sealed within my ear canal. The part going into the ear canal isn't as long as a typical foam ear plug so they are much more comfortable. They felt lighter than a typical foam plug as well - there was no pressure from the foam expanding into my ear canal.
[A side benefit of not being as long as a foam plug: when I take them out, I don't feel like I am pulling half my brain through my ears. Those foam plugs go in so deep it feels like they are touching up against my ear drum.]
My next gig is not until the 20th so I have a week and a half before they get tested for real sound dampening. From my living room testing, they felt fantastic and blocked out a lot of sound.
So far, so good. I'll come back and give an update after the gig.
UPDATE - after three gigs, I'm able to recap their functionality and write a review...
I really wanted to like these ear plugs. They're inexpensive, very comfortable, low profile, easy to put on and get off, and easy to clean.
But as their main purpose is ear protection, that is what drives my review. And in that regard, unfortunately, they will not work for me.
The main issue is the lack of a consistent seal inside the ear canal. When I play, I'm usually smiling, laughing, my version of singing (screaming), and generally moving my facial muscles around. This facial movement changes the shape of my ear canal. As a result, any shallow ear bud will not maintain the seal. And when the seal breaks, the sound dampening ability drops significantly. I found myself pushing in both ear buds with almost every song. They just wouldn't stay in place.
The original motivation for these particular ear buds was to serve the military and law enforcement. They probably do a fantastic job in those situations. I can't see the military types doing the facial contortions I usually go through at a gig. They probably don't have issues with seal loss.
I really wanted to like these ear plugs. They're inexpensive, very comfortable, low profile, easy to put on and get off, and easy to clean.
But as their main purpose is ear protection, that is what drives my review. And in that regard, unfortunately, they will not work for me.
The main issue is the lack of a consistent seal inside the ear canal. When I play, I'm usually smiling, laughing, my version of singing (screaming), and generally moving my facial muscles around. This facial movement changes the shape of my ear canal. As a result, any shallow ear bud will not maintain the seal. And when the seal breaks, the sound dampening ability drops significantly. I found myself pushing in both ear buds with almost every song. They just wouldn't stay in place.
The original motivation for these particular ear buds was to serve the military and law enforcement. They probably do a fantastic job in those situations. I can't see the military types doing the facial contortions I usually go through at a gig. They probably don't have issues with seal loss.
But as I am not Mario Cipollina nor can I keep his stoic pose of dark glasses and a lit cigarette, the hunt for ear protection continues.
