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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | I've been researching headphones to be mainly used for bass guitar practice. I've already got a really good set of Sennheiser HD555's, which are great for music & movies, but they can't handle the bottom end of the bass on its own. There's a slight rattle/buzz which is just discernable, but enough to bug me.
Anyway, I've got it down to 2 models, (both closed/over ear studio phones) Shure 840 or Sennheiser HD380. Both can be had for under $200.
I also looked at the Beyer Dynamic DT250, but they are $340 plus and on paper the low frequency response isn't as good as either of the above. (Shure; 5Hz, Sennheiser; 8Hz, Beyer; 10Hz)
So, anybody have experience with any of these models? Or want to throw a spanner in the works and offer another?
Another question;- what are those in-ear monitors called and are they any good?
Last question (honest) Any experience with those earplugs that cut down the volume but not the clarity? (Like the Etymotic ER-20)
Thanks in advance. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4044
Location: Utah | muzza - 2012-04-08 6:24 AM
Last question (honest) Any experience with those earplugs that cut down the volume but not the clarity? (Like the Etymotic ER-20)
I've tried a couple different brands of the earplugs. If you've read about them you'll already know that they are supposed to have a flatter frequency response than regular earplugs. The government standards for noise reduction are based on a weighted frequency response which mutes the high frequencies more than the low. You'll find lower NRR for the high fidelity plugs because they don't conform to the government frequency weighting.
Which means that the NRR isn't a very valid number if you're looking to get a certain level of protection with the high fideltity plugs. If you're playing in a band or going to concerts regularly you may want to buy several different ratings to see what works for your situation.
Subjectively, the quality of the music is much much better with the high fidelity ear plugs compared to regular plugs. The correct fit is critical to get the plugs to work properly and to stay in place. I have slightly small ear canals. The Etymotic Clarity fit me the best. They also have a durable method of attaching a neck cord to the plugs if you desire to have them on a cord. Their little carry case is smallest of the bunch making it the least noticable in the pocket, a minor consideration but still what it is. The Hearos High Fidelity Musician plugs work well for me. They don't have a cord. Howard Leight plugs don't stay in place in my ears. It could just be my geometry. The Leight's have a different shape to the rubber baffles which to me seem to be less self-adjusting to the ear canal. The Leight's have a cord which attaches to a pretty flimsy rubber ring. I woudn't recommend the Leight's if you want a neck cord.
Edited by FlySig 2012-04-08 9:27 AM
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I got one of the good sets of Etymotic but use them for music....great bass in that application but not sure how they would hold up to a bass guitar.
I would try out either the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Closed Cans or the AKG K701 Open Back Headphones |
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Joined:
February 2012
Posts: 73
Location: New Jersey | Muzza, you might want to consider looking at DJ headphones. You should have no problem finding a decent pair for that amount, and I would think the bass response would be better than regular studio cans.
Edited by Scanman413 2012-04-08 1:37 PM
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | There may be a newer version out, but http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-MDR7506/ SonyMDR 7506 are my favorites. I use these almost exclusivly in the studio (I think I have 6 sets) and most reviews rave about the bass response. I think it's more "handling" than response as they are rated down to 10hz. They were a staple of Hip Hop/Dance etc.. DJ's and may still be due to their handling of the low end. Most of the in-ear solutions are for vocals either their own or someone elses. In-ear's are great to bring out whatever it is you need to get the job done. Usually that's NOT the whole mix in your ear. Yes, people do use them for whole mixes, but in high volume situations, it's a good plan to just enhance what's around you, or what you need to hear. Bass player might have his vocals hot, the other vocals, and lead guitar. No need for drums and bass in them usually. Again, there are no hard rules.. YMMV Miles |
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Advice needed on headphones for bass practice.