While the SoundProtex does indeed dull the high- and low-end frequencies, I didn’t notice a considerable amount of bassy thump missing from the kick drum or treble absent from the guitars. Which, in my opinion, is equally as important. Not only did the SoundProtex offer a superior experience to generic foam earplugs, they are very comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Throughout the show, I used the large eartips with the mid-block filter while my wife wore the medium size with the high-block option. Thrice is one of my favorite bands ever, and this is my favorite album of theirs, so I didn’t want gas station earplugs to ruin the nostalgia. I was able to test Sennheiser’s claims for the SoundProtex Plus at a recent Thrice show for the band’s Artist In The Ambulance 20th anniversary tour. The company further explains that the SoundProtex filters are designed to allow just enough of the higher frequencies through to maintain ambient awareness and the ability to have a conversation while you’re wearing them. Sennheiser says that the latter equally reduces high and low frequencies. But, it’s certainly enough to help you tune out the world.Įach of the acoustic filters are made with a “tuned” membrane and sound-dampening mesh. While that option does drastically reduce the environmental roar, they don’t create complete silence. Sennheiser doesn’t disclose a value for the full-block filter, but the goal there is to make things air and water tight to eliminate as much noise as possible (yes, you can wear them in the pool too). Low-block starts out at 10dB, medium is 17dB and high is 20dB. Those three all have different noise reduction ratings (NRR, single number rating or SRR in the EU) for their level of decibel reduction. The medium-block option is suitable for festivals, events and traveling while the high-block are appropriate for loud music, motorsports and using power tools. Sennheiser says the low-block filter should be used for “non-amplified concerts,” offices or bars and restaurants. Since each filter offers a different level of protection, they’re meant for different activities. The ear tips alone don’t provide any significant protection. The key difference here is the SoundProtex only comes with the full block filter while the SoundProtex Plus comes with additional low-, medium- and high-blocking filters. You can adjust the level of decibel reduction by swapping out tiny round acoustic filters on the outside of each plug. Each one has three sets of the cone-shaped ear tips in small, medium and large sizes. The SoundProtex earplugs come in two versions: the regular and the Plus. There’s also a small pouch included so the individual plugs aren’t rolling around in the bottom of your bag. These aren’t single-use earplugs either – you can rinse them under water before storing them until the next event. They’re soft and flexible, made of medical-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) that don’t contain plastics or other potential irritants for sensitive skin. Sennheiser recently released its SoundProtex earplugs with the aim of doing just that. A number of companies have tried to tackle this challenge, offering various takes on filtered audio that allows good live sound to come through with an appropriate level of hearing protection. The sound comes through muffled and boring, and you’re likely to miss the more subtle instrumentation. However, those generic foam bits completely close off your ear canal and can really kill the vibe. Unless it’s an outdoor show, I’m taking earplugs. In my 30s though, I got wise to ear protection at concerts. I have some mild tinnitus, but no hearing loss, and I’m able to fully enjoy all music as I approach 40. Thankfully, I was never one to enter the pit, so perhaps standing near the back of the room spared me from any severe damage. Occasionally, I’d remember to grab a set of cheap foam earplugs from a gas station beforehand, but more often than not I just went without. I went to a lot of shows in tiny venues with way-too-loud PA systems. I nearly destroyed my hearing during my 20s.
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