The ShadowMusic Web Community

Hi
Does anyone out there use earplugs when gigging? If so, what sort do you use/recommend?

I use these:

http://acscustom.com/uk/product/acs-pro ... universal/

I don't use them for the Shadows tribute, as our volume levels aren't that high, but with the rock & roll band and the occasional classic rock stuff that I do, I find they're brilliant. You get a fairly even reduction in level right across the frequency range, so you can still hear everything clearly (actually clearer because of the reduction in level). If you sing, it's a bit odd at first, because you get more 'head' voice than you're used to, but you soon get used to it.

Simon

This is why I love my Bose system. Enough volume to fill the room without the need for ear protection on-stage.

Can you please give us details of your Bose system, Noel?

I use a Bose system fo solo gigs, though I haven't done any since March 2013, but as Noel points out you don't blow the windows out with it and it's ample volume for a soloist. Mine is the L1 Mk2 which I've had for six years now, which replaced my L1 Mk1. Since I have had it I have never had a bad sound anywhere and compliments on working at an acceptable level never end. We did use a couple of L1 Mk1 Bose systems for our band PA for six years with great success, using a Dynacord mixer for the processing. Because however they don't suit every style of venue I changed those for our current Logic powered speaker system that serves us better in theatres, but I still intend to use my own Bose system fo my solo gigs when I get back doing it again. It's amazing that the Strat sounds terrific through it too, with careful use of my Vox Tonelab and the Bose Tonematch system I achieve a lovely Vox AC-30 tone, can't wait o get the Hall & Collins in the chain.
As for earplugs we don't play loud enough to warrant using them.

Mine is the smallest of the Bose range, the L1 Compact. It's a bargain at around £899 and loud enough for any of the gigs I play, which have included small theatres and some large function rooms. I've never had to have it cranked up beyond 70% and most of the time have it around 50%. I also get good tone with it in the home at low volume. The amp and effects processor I use is the JamUp Pro app on my iPad, but I also have a Vox Tonelab and a Joyo AC Tone as a back-ups, which also sound great through the Bose.

Hi Paul
The Best way to prevent being deafened on stage is to use
in ear monitoring, the earphones themselves cancel out most of the ambient sound.
you can then set the volume to your in ears monitor to a comfortable level
it takes a bit of getting used to , but it works great in a live band situation.

jay

I used to wear them for practising...

There's a short piece by Sammy Hagar in the latest issue of Classic Rock magazine about the importance of protecting your ears!

The ones I am wearing in the pic (left ear only visible!) are Hearos. I also had a pair from acs.

http://acscustom.com/uk/

http://www.hearos.com/


I can recommend them.

Thanks everybody. A new group playing Rock'n'Roll, and I have to stand in front of the drummer, so I think I may need something!! Heroes are favourites at the moment.