Headphones for working on noisy trains? - Social Sound Design

Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-05T12:23:18Z

I seem to be spending lots of time on the train at the moment, and I'd really like to use it to get some work done. My current headphones are Beyer DT250's, which I like but they aren't great at blocking out sound from the rest of the train. They do block out enough sound from the train itself, but not from other passengers. I'm considering buying a pair of isolation headphones for the purpose - like these from direct sound. So my Beyer's claim 16db of ambient noise insulation, the EX-25's claim 25-33db.

Does anyone use these or anything similar for this purpose, or can you recommend anything else? I've not really used them much, but do you think noise cancelling headphones are a better option?

On a side note - I wish manufacturers would publish all the info about products. Isolation ratings for headphones seem quite difficult to find, especially with even more useful isolation to frequency graphs. If anyone knows of a site where these are collated I'd love to hear about it.

Answer by Internet Human for Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-05T12:59:54Z

I'd get in-ear monitors.

Isolation measurements for some Shure IEMs.

Answer by Christian van Caine for Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-05T15:08:17Z

I can't remember the name of the model, but Beyer has headphones dedicated for drummers and other people needing high isolation as well! It was a long time since I tried them out, but what I remember they sounded pretty much like the 250's, which happens to be my weapon of choice as well.

Answer by Axel S for Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-05T21:52:54Z

Hi Mark,

I use AudioTechnica in-ear ATH-ANC23 with noise-cancelling during my train travels and it works pretty well. I know you are not searching for in-ear monitors but there are some headphones which use the same technology. But these headphones are more intended for listen music, so I don't know if hifi headphone can do the job for you.

Another thing to know : there are à low level noise when you switch ON the noise-cancellation. There must be enough volume to cover the noise so this can tiring if you have a long journey.

Noise-cancelling works very well with train engine and a bit less well with a punctual source but enough to ignore it. I hope it will be able to help you in your research.

EDIT : Ho I forgot something important : I don't know if it's the same for headphones but the in-ear are sensitive to cellphone interference when noise-cancelling is ON.

Answer by emilyee for Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-06T03:38:53Z

I'd get a noise isolating earbuds

Answer by Mike Thornton for Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-07T13:20:03Z

I use Sony MDR7509 headphones, very clear, good isolation, great quality sound. Love them.

Answer by NoiseJockey for Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-07T23:44:35Z

If you are familiar with the industry-standard Sony MDR7506, in terms of sound, then you should look into the Remote Audio HN-7506 High Noise Environment Headset Monitor. These are commonly used in recording loud sources in the field, and they may color the sound less than actual noise-canceling headphones (which I can never bring myself to use).

Answer by Steve Urban for Headphones for working on noisy trains?

2012-08-08T22:08:33Z

I say you give your ears a break so that they're well rested for a more suitable critical listening environment.

If you're taking the time to work on the train, I'd personally work on non-audio aspects of work. Get back to emails, catch up on SSD or blogs, manage your backup database. There's all manner of things that need to happen in what we do that don't require listening.

Go to an audiologist and get yourself some custom molded ear plugs. Protect your ears from the noise of the train rather than battle it by trying to shut it out and then piping a louder sound into your ear canal.