I've been checking out some of those 'ear care' products that are supposed to attenuate volume yet preserve frequency response and I recently got fitted for the ES49 filters made by Westone and headed out into the amplified fray.
On Saturday night, Big Mike, another friend, and I went to the Social Distortion show and stood at the back edge of the mosh area and took in the sights and sounds.
The Westones are magnificent. Not only do they lower the volume, they, for the most part, retain a wide frequency response. The treble is still present, but some of the sheen around cymbals seems more greatly reduced compared to other musical information. Bass is fine, but it creates a bit of a disconnect between the bass notes affecting the body more than the ears tell the body to expect.
What was really amazing was all the 'added' detail when compared to listening with the plugs out.
Vocals were clearer, as was the guitar line. But best of all, I could hear what people were saying to me, clear as day. I'm not smart enough to explain it, but I could hear what was said to me without requiring the usual concert yell. It worked so well, that when I would reply to someone, I was answering in a 'quieter' voice than usual. Usually, with ear plugs, I think I turn up the volume on my utterances, but this great device caused just the opposite.
The effect of the plugs was also noteworthy for the sense of placidity it provided. In a sea of concert din, I would describe the state these plugs create was that of relaxed enjoyment, almost peacefulness. I don't know if that's a pro or a con in a rambunctious punk rock show, but it sure was pleasant for me.
I highly recommend these babies.
Just for grins, I think I'll have a few home listening sessions with and then without the plugs and see how it goes.
Cheers.
I've been checking out some of those 'ear care' products that are supposed to attenuate volume yet preserve frequency response and I recently got fitted for the ES49 filters made by Westone and headed out into the amplified fray.
On Saturday night, Big Mike, another friend, and I went to the Social Distortion show and stood at the back edge of the mosh area and took in the sights and sounds.
The Westones are magnificent. Not only do they lower the volume, they, for the most part, retain a wide frequency response. The treble is still present, but some of the sheen around cymbals seems more greatly reduced compared to other musical information. Bass is fine, but it creates a bit of a disconnect between the bass notes affecting the body more than the ears tell the body to expect.
What was really amazing was all the 'added' detail when compared to listening with the plugs out.
Vocals were clearer, as was the guitar line. But best of all, I could hear what people were saying to me, clear as day. I'm not smart enough to explain it, but I could hear what was said to me without requiring the usual concert yell. It worked so well, that when I would reply to someone, I was answering in a 'quieter' voice than usual. Usually, with ear plugs, I think I turn up the volume on my utterances, but this great device caused just the opposite.
The effect of the plugs was also noteworthy for the sense of placidity it provided. In a sea of concert din, I would describe the state these plugs create was that of relaxed enjoyment, almost peacefulness. I don't know if that's a pro or a con in a rambunctious punk rock show, but it sure was pleasant for me.
I highly recommend these babies.
Just for grins, I think I'll have a few home listening sessions with and then without the plugs and see how it goes.
Cheers.