there is tons of options Nowadays, with the use of concert earplugs, you no longer have to settle for cheap trash cans that completely cover your ears. PPE grade products vary in design and performance, some with different levels of noise reduction. Hearing protection always comes with the promise that the sound of the band will be completely muffled by the earmuffs, which becomes a real problem when you have to choose the generic foam version that bartenders offer.
Loop has been in the concert earplug game since its founding in 2016. In that time, the product list has grown to encompass nine different models, including options dedicated to sleep, travel, commuting and social events in addition to concerts, festivals and sporting events. . Switch 2 ($59.95) This is the latest version of Loop, an improved version of the original Switch that introduced the ability to change sound filter levels while wearing earplugs. To test the audio quality, I took it to a 100dB rock show at a small venue last month.
Switch 2 delivers on Loop’s promise to safely filter out loud noises without unduly interfering with the sound for social gatherings, concerts, commuting, and more.
merit
- Easy to adjust when wearing
- very comfortable
disadvantage
- Loop’s most expensive model
- The noise level varies by 3 dB.
The roof retained almost the same design as the first model. They have silicone eartips similar to wireless earbuds and are attached to a circular loop with all the protective bits. With Switch 2, the outer half of the loop rotates to allow you to choose between three levels of sound filtering: Engage, Experience, and Quiet.
These settings reduce noise by 20dB, 23dB, and 26dB respectively, so you don’t have to take them out to adjust. The company recommends Engage for social gatherings and conversations, while Experience is best suited for concerts and sporting events. Quiet’s maximum noise reduction is for commuting and downtime, so it’s also a solid option for travel.
For the Switch 2, Loop says the dial has been redesigned for “smooth” changes while worn. I haven’t used the previous model, but I can tell you that switching between modes is easy with this new version. I never felt like I had to press the earplugs deeper into my ears to make the change, and the dial stopped at each setting with a satisfying click that I could feel even when the place was too loud to hear.
Following Loop’s advice, I found that the Experience setup was best suited for live shows. My Apple Watch detected that the venue had reached 100dB. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) They say exposure should only be for 15 minutes to prevent hearing damage. Obviously, with five bands in the evening, we were going to be spending a lot more time in a dangerously loud environment. So the 23 dB reduction at this setting brought the noise level down to a much safer level for the approximately two hours I was there.
Because the set of earmuffs is so small, I was able to easily carry both Switch 2 and Switch 2 with me. Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus Go to the show for a direct comparison. During the brutal hardcore of Ends of Sanity and the chaotic metal of Dying Wish, I could consistently hear more detail using the Switch 2. This was most evident on guitar, where the Loop option enabled higher frequency sounds. Enjoy every riff that both bands have to offer. I like the fit of the SoundProtex Plus, but the filtered sound tends to be more bass-heavy and drum-oriented, so it’s a bit less fidelity than the Switch 2.
Billy Steele of Engadget
The Switch 2 comes with four sizes of eartips to help you find the best fit, and it has a hard plastic case that makes them easy to find when putting them in your bag. Plus, it’s so compact (about the size of a quarter) that I always have it with me so I don’t have to worry about forgetting it before I go to another concert. However, the SoundProtex Plus comes with three separate ear plugs in three sizes. This pack also includes four sound filters with 10dB, 17dB, 20dB and “Full” noise reduction options.
The biggest problem with the Sennheiser version is that you can’t replace the filter without removing it from your ear. It’s a quick process, but the filters are small, so you don’t want to be fiddling with them between sets in a crowded club. Plus, you have to remember to pack them in the little pouch the company provides before you leave home. The SoundProtex Plus is now a much more attractive option at $50, which is $30 less than when I reviewed it. However, as I mentioned earlier, I think the Switch 2 offers better sound filtering and ease of use for just $10 more.
I have close friends and former bandmates who have been using Loop earmuffs for years, and they cited the secure attachment of the ear tips on the company’s products as a key selling point. Some of the competition tends to unravel on its own after a few minutes, requiring constant adjustments, they said. For the Switch 2, the company modified that part for better noise reduction in maximum or quiet mode, and it will still stay in place as long as you need it. The only time I reached for my earplugs during the show was to adjust filter settings for testing purposes.
I’ve been carrying the SoundProtex Plus since I started testing it last year, and it’s served me well. However, the Switch 2 allows you to see more details, allowing you to hear more of what the band has to offer during the performance. Loop’s latest model also provides more noise protection at each level, reducing the space by 100dB to a safer level for standing even at the lowest setting. And like all Sennheiser packages, Switch 2 has been thoroughly tested and conferenced to receive hearing protection certification. Both EU and US safety standards.
**Considering the importance of sound fidelity for music appreciation, how might the adjustable noise filtering of Loop Switch 2 earplugs enhance the listening experience compared to earplugs with fixed noise reduction levels?**
## Loop Switch 2 Earplug Discussion Guide
This guide is designed to facilitate a discussion about Loop Switch 2 earplugs based on the Engadget review, encouraging diverse perspectives and critical thinking.
**I. Design & Functionality:**
* The article mentions the Switch 2’s adjustable dial for noise filtering. How do you imagine this feature impacting a listener’s experience at a concert compared to earplugs with fixed noise reduction levels?
* Loop claims their ear tips provide a secure fit, preventing slippage during use. What are your thoughts on the importance of secure fit in earplug design, especially in active environments like concerts?
* The review compares the Switch 2 to Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus. Considering the design and features of both, what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of each model for different users?
**II. Sound Quality & Fidelity:**
* The reviewer found the Switch 2 offered ”more detail” and “higher frequency sounds” compared to the SoundProtex Plus, particularly noticeable in guitar riffs. How important is maintaining sound fidelity when reducing noise levels, especially for music appreciation?
* The review notes that the SoundProtex Plus had a “more bass-heavy and drum-oriented” sound. Given the varied sonic preferences among listeners, could different earplugs be better suited for specific music genres?
* Considering that the article mentions both sound fidelity and noise reduction as key aspects of earplug design, how do you think these two factors should be prioritized based on individual needs and listening situations?
**III. Practicality & User Experience:**
* The Switch 2 prioritizes compactness and ease of carrying. How influential are portability and convenience factors when choosing hearing protection, especially for frequent concert-goers like the author?
* Both earplug types discussed have replaceable filters, but the Switch 2 allows filter changes without removal. How significant is this design difference in terms of user comfort and convenience during events?
* The reviewer mentions testing the earplugs in loud concert settings. What other real-world scenarios could these earplugs be beneficial for, and how might their features be evaluated in those contexts?
**IV. Hearing Protection & Safety:**
* The article emphasizes the risks of prolonged exposure to loud noise, citing NIOSH guidelines. What are your thoughts on the ethical responsibility of manufacturers to prioritize hearing protection in their product design?
* The Switch 2 boasts noise reduction levels exceeding those of the SoundProtex Plus. How does this difference influence their effectiveness in mitigating hearing damage, especially in very loud environments?
* Beyond noise reduction, what other factors should be considered when choosing earplugs for hearing protection, and how do marketing claims like “hearing protection certification” impact consumer decisions?
Let me know if you would like to explore any of these themes further or explore additional aspects of the article!
