Hearing protection is something that all musicians (or anyone really) should pay attention to. Luckily, these days there are plenty of earplugs to choose from, but which one is the right one for you? If you’ve had your eyes on the Minuendo passive hi-fidelity earplugs for a while but aren’t sure if they’re worth the investment, you’re in the right place. This article aims to inform you about the earplug options available, and what makes the Minuendo lossless earplugs different.
Foam earplugs are a great basic option for protecting hearing, but the downside is that they attenuate so much. There is not only a reduction in sound, but the fidelity disappears too. As a result, you may feel a sense of disconnect with your musical instrument, band, or even the audience. Although you will be protecting your ears, you won’t be able to enjoy the music.
Generic earplugs have attenuation filters built into them. With filters, you can still hear somewhat clearly, whilst getting some protection. You can expect to pay a little bit more for generic earplugs. However, it’s worth paying the extra because they allow certain amounts of natural sound both in and out. As compared to foam earplugs, the disconnect is reduced, and you can experience more of a transparent hearing experience.
You will need to have an ear mould to be taken off your ear for custom-made earplugs. They are of much better quality than generic earplugs, and they often come with interchangeable attenuation filters and in-ear monitors. However, they can be above budget for the majority of people.
Minuendo’s mission is to provide a product that musicians can use to make their auditory experience safe, whilst at the same time maintaining audio quality. They are at the middle ground between generic and custom-made earplugs price-wise.
So what makes the Minuendo passive high-fidelity earplugs different? The attenuation is normally fixed when it comes to earplugs with attenuation. So you need to either choose the level of attenuation when you buy them or switch between attenuation filters every time. Minuendo lossless earplugs’ uniqueness comes with its built-in attenuators, which allow you to easily switch the attenuation by the levers alone.
This technology is completely passive, so they don’t require any battery and you’ll have one less thing to worry about. This makes Minuendo earplugs very convenient and practical to use. The level of attenuation ranges from 7dB to 25 dB. In some situations like a small blues gig, you’d want a little bit of sound reduction, and in other situations like a slayer concert, you’d want a lot. If you are interested to learn more about the level of sound, the box comes with a full spec sheet on the mean attenuation, including standard deviation and assumed protection.
Minuendo earplugs maintain a flat frequency response, which means that even while attenuating, it’s not actually cutting out frequency. In simple terms, you’ll hear everything that you normally hear, just quieter. You can still hear people speak, and when listening to music, you can still hear the finer details, especially in the higher frequencies. With 11 different ear tip options you can find the size and style that works best for you.
With a sleek teardrop shape and a chrome ring, designed to look like you’re just wearing a pair of earphones. Take these along to your next gig or festival, knowing that you’ll be protecting your hearing and looking good at the same time!
One of the most notable feedback we’ve heard about the Minuendo earplugs is how comfortable they are to wear. As they are very lightweight, they will not fatigue your ears even after wearing them for extended periods of time. As this might mean they’re easier to lose, Minuendo has included a neck cord in the box for added security. The chrome rings are also magnetic so you can latch them together for safe storage. (Cool tip for drummers: you can magnetize to them your drum kit when you’re not using them.) A carry case also comes in the box and will fit neatly in your pocket.
In summary, the Minuendo lossless earplugs offer the ability to:
The application of these earplugs stretches far beyond musicians of course. For anyone who cares about their hearing and wants to prevent irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus, these earplugs are something you should invest in.
Interested in learning more about preventing hearing loss as a musician? Check out this article.
Soundbrenner is a company dedicated to helping musicians stay focused on what truly matters: their music. By creating innovative devices, such as Soundbrenner Pulse and Core, our goal is to deliver the best possible practice experience for musicians. Click here to find out more.
Got a question about Soundbrenner wearables? Reach out to us at [email protected], we’re happy to help!
