E2c Sound Isolating Earphones

I’ve been using Shure’s E2c ear monitors for around 7 months now, and so I’m in a good position to discuss the good and the bad.

The first thing to say is that the sound quality is awesome. If you’re going to get an iPod, you might as well be a full-grown audiophile and stop toying around with iPod’s junior ear buds. You can get a better bass sound out of the sound isolation technology.

Now, I can’t claim any expertise on the science here, but these are also good for musicians. Drummers can play along to their iPods, for example, while at the same time getting volume reduction on the sound from their drums. It’s obvious that more and more musicians are using this type of in-ear monitor for live performances, so perhaps that fact alone can serve as a testament to their goodness.

You don’t need to have your music as loud, since the sound isolation cuts down on background noise. I’ve seen many news articles on the medical community’s concerns about hearing loss as result of people turning up their music too much and for too long–because of background noise. I think Shure gives you a way to hear your music clearly without heading towards hearing loss.
There is a danger with the E2c that has recently popped up. The plastic sleeves that customize your fit can get stuck in your ear. I suspect this happens because the sleeves get old and loose (like yo momma) from wear and tear over time, and they lose their grip on the plastic post that secures them. I don’t know how many people end up in the emergency room to get those sleeves removed, but I’m betting it’s happened. A pair of tweezers could probably get the sleeve out of your ear with no problem. Just be careful, yo. Maybe replace the sleeve as soon as it gets testy.
My first set of E2cs broke, so I sent in them in with a form, and I got new ones very quickly–at no charge except the original cost of sending them in. So kudos to their warranty and customer service….

On the whole, I’m a happy camper.

-Spanks