Excellent Isolation Headphones

[needlz]

Could someone point me to some cans with very good external noise cancelling specs? I want to mess around with finding the sweet spot for mic'ing some a loud source and would like to block out as much of the source from getting into what my coming into the cans.

thanks.

[warhead]

Direct Sound Extreme Isolation headphones do quite well.

Sennheiser HD280's do well also and are more hi-fi.

There are some specialized cans with Sony drivers in them that I've always wanted to check out but cannot remember the name of.

War

[needlz]

Thanks Warren... The Direct Sound Extreme Isolation cans look interesting. I might buy a pair tonight. If anyone knows of the Sony ones, kindly chime in. I'd like to see what those are about too.

cheers.

[redrue]

I also have the Extreme Isolation headphones that I
use for playing drums along with a click track. They're
great for that but I've found while trying to find the sweet
spot for mic placement I need even more isolation. So I've
got some in-ear monitors that I use (custom molded) and
then put the Extreme Isolation headphones over those
without plugging them in. Bingo. Super Extreme Isolation.

I imagine you could also use non-custom in-ears with
a set of gun-range ear muffs. Try the Leightening 31 ear muffs...
they're advertised as having the highest NRR @ 31db.

Quality, accurate 'in-ears' is key.

[fonman]

Originally Posted by needlz

Thanks Warren... The Direct Sound Extreme Isolation cans look interesting. I might buy a pair tonight. If anyone knows of the Sony ones, kindly chime in. I'd like to see what those are about too.

cheers.

I use the Extreme Isolation headphones, and have had good luck so far. The cord is a little puny looking, but hasn't had a problem in over 2 years. However, when the amp is cranked, you still have too much bleed to be able to dial it in real well. So, I also have several 2'X4'X4" Owens Corning 703 ridgid fiber absorbers that I form a "fort" around the cab with. They knock down the level in the room so you can hear what the mic is hearing, and also eliminate a bunch of small room reflection sins. Some people use moving blankets, but I like these absorbers better.
I hope this helps.
Dave

[js1]

Something I do is use the Shure in-ear headphones (for me, the E3C), and stick a set of industrial ear muffs over them. Works pretty good.

js

[transfiguration]

Originally Posted by warhead

There are some specialized cans with Sony drivers in them that I've always wanted to check out but cannot remember the name of.

War

HN-7506's: $285

worth it!

[True North]

Originally Posted by transfiguration

HN-7506's: $285

worth it!

I second that vote - great isolation cans

[onion]

Originally Posted by warhead

There are some specialized cans with Sony drivers in them that I've always wanted to check out but cannot remember the name of.

GK Music UltraPhones. That's what I've been using. They sound solid and provide lots of isolation.

[T.RayBullard]

ive used all the expensive models from sennheiser, AKG, and Stax(own HD 600s and the stax electrostatics)

but the most isolation i have ever gotten from any phones at any budget is the etymotics er-4.

they are amazing.

[Blast9]

T.Ray --- how would you describe the sound quality of the Etymotics?

reviewer's description "---snip--- The treble and midrange on the ER-4 is just perfect. It sounds detailed and sharp and bright, but not too bright like the ER-6. The sound is very “real”. However, the bass is unfortunately pretty weak. Overall, your success with the ER-4 will depend on what kind of music you listen to and if you are not going to use them outdoors. It’s not great with rap and hip-hop and a lot of pop rock, because the bass is just not there and unfortunately comfort and fit are about the worst among the models tested."

[skopje]

Beyerdynamic DT300 are fantastic. And they are quite reasonable in the price department too.

I used to have lot's of trouble with click track bleeding through when doing really quiet acoustic guitar music. The DT300 has been one of my best music purchases

Stephen

[Blast9]

DT300 --- Specs look good! How's the sound on these? Are thay boxy or bass-shy like the DT100s?

Intended for use in environments where high ambient noise levels are a problem. Such as live sports events or live music performances.

* Ear defending, closed-back ear monitors
* High suppression of ambient noise
* Exceptional audio quality
* Rugged mechanical construction
* Frequency response. 5 - 30,000 Hz --- wonder what the -3bd points are?

* Impedance 250 ohms
* Sensitivity 1mW 97dB
* External noise reduction. 27dB

[tINY]

I've got the ER-6. They sound pretty ballanced all the way down to the bass frequencies. But, you have to get a good seal and have a good amp. The impedance is high, so you need an amp with plenty of voltage headroom.

There are the ER-6i that have lower impedance and probably work better with typical headphone amps in products these days.




-tINY

[Blast9]

Cool, thanks for that info

[T.RayBullard]

that review is crap, imho. the sound of them is Accurate, clear, and true to the source. I record classical music and need absolute fidelity..they provide that.

teh fit takes some adjusting, but sit in the ear perfectly. a lot of folks dont put the etys far enough in, resulting in "weak" bass...I wouldnt call it "weak bass" id call it "accurate" ie not hyped.like i said, ive used and own earpieces from 200 a pair to 1700 a pair, and the etys are the best as far as isolation and detail i have ever used...


if you need more hyped bass. the ER-4p has a bass hype...

Originally Posted by Blast9

T.Ray --- how would you describe the sound quality of the Etymotics?

reviewer's description "---snip--- The treble and midrange on the ER-4 is just perfect. It sounds detailed and sharp and bright, but not too bright like the ER-6. The sound is very “real”. However, the bass is unfortunately pretty weak. Overall, your success with the ER-4 will depend on what kind of music you listen to and if you are not going to use them outdoors. It’s not great with rap and hip-hop and a lot of pop rock, because the bass is just not there and unfortunately comfort and fit are about the worst among the models tested."

[Blast9]

Cheers T.Ray --- Thanks for the nice detailed overview!

[tINY]

I listened to a pair of E500 from shure last weekend. They are really nice and, I think, a bit more comfotable. It seemed maybe a little hyped in the bass, but I get +3-6dB in the bass with my ER-6 from a crossfeed circuit that these didn't have.

It might be a bit much with a cross-feed circuit. But, seemed about right straight into an IPod.

Of course, the E3 are plenty accurate enough for what you want and they are rugged. It's nice to have a "standard" piece of gear too.




-tINY

[Sounds Great]

On the low end (budget) the AT m40 headphones sound really good, have great bass, and are pretty isolated, though maybe not as much as you need. For the price, you should have some around just in case.

[sprouseod]

Just to chime in I love my er4. i have on occasion actually used those with shooting ear protection to increase isolation. However. Maintaining a good seal is sometime difficult.

Richard

[T.RayBullard]

Originally Posted by sprouseod

Just to chime in I love my er4. i have on occasion actually used those with shooting ear protection to increase isolation. However. Maintaining a good seal is sometime difficult.

Richard

if you cant get them to seal(and it has never been an issue for me) , they will actually send you molding gel to make a cast of your ear and make your own custom pieces for you..

[rapfreak]

if you want really cheap isolation then i'd go with the Vic Firth SIH1 Isolation Headphones, they're on sale for $45 at musicians friend right now. i also have the sennheiser hd280m and those sound considerably better for about twice the price.

[skopje]

I did try the DT100 many years ago, but can't remember excatly what it sounded like. I do remember being dissapointed though, with both sound and iscolation. The DT300 are enjoyable to listen to and don't sound boxy.

stephen

Originally Posted by Blast9

DT300 --- Specs look good! How's the sound on these? Are thay boxy or bass-shy like the DT100s?

Intended for use in environments where high ambient noise levels are a problem. Such as live sports events or live music performances.

* Ear defending, closed-back ear monitors
* High suppression of ambient noise
* Exceptional audio quality
* Rugged mechanical construction
* Frequency response. 5 - 30,000 Hz --- wonder what the -3bd points are?

* Impedance 250 ohms
* Sensitivity 1mW 97dB
* External noise reduction. 27dB

[Harley-OIART]

Originally Posted by tINY

I listened to a pair of E500 from shure last weekend. They are really nice and, I think, a bit more comfotable. It seemed maybe a little hyped in the bass, but I get +3-6dB in the bass with my ER-6 from a crossfeed circuit that these didn't have.

It might be a bit much with a cross-feed circuit. But, seemed about right straight into an IPod.

Of course, the E3 are plenty accurate enough for what you want and they are rugged. It's nice to have a "standard" piece of gear too.




-tINY

Tiny U like the Shure E3's then???

[firby]

Er4s and shure e3cs here. I am all about the er4s in conjunction with soundproof headphone hearing protection from lowes hardware. Its the best monitor mix I have ever had for playing drums. Good enough to adjust mics while playing.

Sometimes though I still just use a pair of sony closed back cans and do things quick. The in ear stuff sounds much better but the sony cans are the quickest for laying down parts when I am scratching stuff up.

[tINY]

Yeah, I like the SHure E3 (E3c and whatever other colors are available). They aren't as accurate as some of the other IEMs. The high frequency is a bit soft - like a bit of tube warmth and the mids are a bit forward, but they sound good and are rugged.

They do really well for monitoring durring a performance and would be fine for finding the right place to leave a mic.....




-tINY

[tamasdragon]

Good sony headphones! From 7506 to 7509. They are really good ones.

Tamas Dragon

[hrn]

Have a look at Beyer DT 770 M. Ambient noise isolation > 35 dB (A) .

Features
Closed headphone
Excellent ambient noise attenuation
Superb audio quality with high sound pressure level
Extended frequency range
Single-sided cable with volume control
High long-term wearing comfort, replaceable softskin earpads
Robust spring stell headband
Secure fit
Supplied in a leather carrying case

Technical Specifications
Transducer type Dynamic
Operating principle Closed
Connector Gold plated stereo mini jack (3.5 mm) and 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm)
Weight without cable 300 g
Frequency response 5 - 30,000 Hz
Nominal impedance acc. to IEC 60268-7 80 Ω / system
Nominal SPL acc. to IEC 60268-7 105 dB
Nominal THD acc. to IEC 60268-7 < 0,2%
Power handling capacity acc. to IEC 60268-7 100 mW
Sound coupling to the ear Circumaural
Ambient noise isolation > 35 dB (A)
Average pressure on ear acc. to IEC 60268-7 approx 6.5 N
Length and type of cable 3 m / straight cable


Hans

[stevep]

Has anybody tried These a friend told me about them

Probbly not to Hi Fi

[earldrum]

Originally Posted by stevep

Has anybody tried These a friend told me about them

Probbly not to Hi Fi

Yes I have, they do not sound that great when compared to the HD 280, 7506, or even the extreme isolation headphones, but the price is very good and will get the job done. I have been using Metrophones isolation headphones for about five years and I like the sound, but they do not hold up that well. I am thinking of the trying the new version of the Extreme Isolation Headphones - they sound better I hear.

Earl