I'm looking to buy some new headphones. I need headphones that really block out the outside sound. They would be used as headphones and ear protection from the loud sound levels in the room, especially bass. Just looking for some input as to what headphones would be the best for this while still being good headphones. I kind of have a junk pair now. The reason for this is that I don't want to damage my hearing with the loud decibels from gigs. Bass is usually the worst suffered because the tops are in front of me and face the crowd, but the subs are omni-directional and really blast me at the console.
Noise Canceling Headphones
- Thread starter stewsdjrescue
- Start date
Forget the headphones, get molded ear plugs instead that accept inserts.
What you're looking for is isolation. Ear plugs will do that, as will some in-ear monitors.
Headphones can 'help' but generally do a lousy job with isolation.
As for noise cancelation technology, it works best with white noise like that from an airplane where it 'drones'. It negates the noise by sending an inverted version of the 'noise' creating a 'cancelation' effect. But on noise that isn't constant, this doesn't happen.
What you're looking for is isolation. Ear plugs will do that, as will some in-ear monitors.
Headphones can 'help' but generally do a lousy job with isolation.
As for noise cancelation technology, it works best with white noise like that from an airplane where it 'drones'. It negates the noise by sending an inverted version of the 'noise' creating a 'cancelation' effect. But on noise that isn't constant, this doesn't happen.
I bought a pair of GFM Noise Cancelling headphones at Walmart for about $20.00. They run on 2 AAA batteries, and do a great job for me. But, I would agree that in-ear monitors would be best.
Molded phones are good but...
I've no argument molded earplugs are a good option with good isolation. Getting that isolation is an expensive proposition if you go to your local ear doctor for the mold. Some time ago I priced the Etymotics along with custom ear molds and came to the conclusion $400 plus bucks were best spent elsewhere. Once you decide on this option the custom earmold will be of value to only you and only if you like it.
OSHA accepts over the ear protection so how bad a job they do may be open to debate. If you find the in ear protection uncomfortable or need to remove them to communicate from time to time, certainly they are more difficult to slip off than a pair of cans. I really like my Sennheiser HD280 phones. They are rated at 30db of isolation. Actual isolation may be less but is significant none the less.
Isolation via physical means is least effective at the lowest frequencies. Hearing loss usually occurs at the mid and upper frequencies so I'd be most concerned about that. Anything you use is better than a superior option you don't use so just be sure you can live and work with what you decide on.
The Meister is right on the money about active cancelation. It is best in repetitive white noise type conditions like an airplane interior. I think you will find it of limited use in your application.
I've no argument molded earplugs are a good option with good isolation. Getting that isolation is an expensive proposition if you go to your local ear doctor for the mold. Some time ago I priced the Etymotics along with custom ear molds and came to the conclusion $400 plus bucks were best spent elsewhere. Once you decide on this option the custom earmold will be of value to only you and only if you like it.
OSHA accepts over the ear protection so how bad a job they do may be open to debate. If you find the in ear protection uncomfortable or need to remove them to communicate from time to time, certainly they are more difficult to slip off than a pair of cans. I really like my Sennheiser HD280 phones. They are rated at 30db of isolation. Actual isolation may be less but is significant none the less.
Isolation via physical means is least effective at the lowest frequencies. Hearing loss usually occurs at the mid and upper frequencies so I'd be most concerned about that. Anything you use is better than a superior option you don't use so just be sure you can live and work with what you decide on.
The Meister is right on the money about active cancelation. It is best in repetitive white noise type conditions like an airplane interior. I think you will find it of limited use in your application.
G
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ask a drummer or guitar player from a good local band what they use (I am sure you know one). All of them have a monitoring system for their ears that puts the mix right in.
I know all my old bands used this type of system to block out all crowd noise when performing and would just hear the mix from the other instruments and vocals.
I know all my old bands used this type of system to block out all crowd noise when performing and would just hear the mix from the other instruments and vocals.