It's MacDoc
y'know like the Apple gear tho I'm sure the woman I passed on 9th line yesterday thought the mad dog moniker more appropriate - do love that power button
Ultimate Ears and Etymotic
These guys make gear for touring musicians so they can hear their music over the ambient of the crowd and speakers - they know what they are doing. Ety came entirely out of hearing aid design so their knowledge of acoustics is solid.
The range of noise reduction will vary with the material of the tips and the frequency of the sounds.
The denser the foam the higher the noise reduction up to just below dense ear plugs.
Silicone tips reduce less and multiple seals on the Etymotic provide additional suppression even with silcone if you are willing to pay for it.
Ear buds are NOT in ear headphones and do almost nothing for suppression as you already experienced.
The suppression is also not linear - with the low end reduction less than high frequency. The helmet it self suppresses some frequencies and amplifies others so getting the correct mix for you, your helmet and your machine ( windshield or not etc ) is tricky.
But starting with a nominal 26 db is a big help. 33 db ear plug I find suppress too much.
The UE with foam are terrific but the foam wears out and is expensive.
The UE with silicone has less suppression but does not wear out and is good for my Mag 8 Helmet and the dead air pocket behind the windscreen - I never thought I get so good use of an adjustable windscreen but it really helps.
Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10
Noise Isolating Earphones
.... 26
dB,
[h=2]Technical Details[/h] Color:
Black
- Dual Drivers for wide frequency response (20 to 16,000 HZ) and efficient performance
- Professional Quality Sound
- Noise Isolating Design attenuates outside noise by an amazing 26db
- Comfortable and Secure Ear Loops
- Includes Universal Fit kit and a protective metallic travel case to store earphones
There are no cheap answers - but I've seen UE i5 as low as $79 and there is no comparison with cheaper knockoffs.
They take reasonable abuse as well.
••••
err on the side of caution on sound suppression - wear an open face then and START with a 5 db advantage.
There are dozens of ways to get the sound level you want and all within safe levels.
Your ears themselves protect you and as you reduce ambient their dynamic range opens up letting you hear louder and softer sounds.
If you suppress to almost silent your ears will maximize their range and then a very loud noise may be MORE damaging than in a lesser suppression environment where your ears are clamped down in their response already.
This is a complex topic and even the top motorcycle magazines have to use a subjective opinion on noise levels on helmets.
BUT if you want good music and more than adequate suppression then UE or Etymotic and few others will give you that for a price.
