Rally Earbuds - I need specific qualities

[EASt]

My preference for my audio set-up on group rides is to use a pair of ER-6i earbuds hooked into the Starcom setup in my helmet. The noise isolation of the ER-6i buds is great in that it cuts wind noise and gives me sharp, clear, deep sound from the iPod, the GMRS radio and the Zumo.

The problem I discovered at Moonshine this weekend, though, is that for every second of chatter on the radios, there is three times as much face-to-face talk at intersections and butt breaks where you keep your helmet on. It was during those conversations that the ER-6i earbuds were too good at cutting out noise. I couldn't hear what people were saying to me over running engines and comm background noise.

I'm looking for a set of rally-earbuds. I want them to stay in snugly (I love that the ER-6i buds don't "wiggle out" over time). But, I need them to be a little less isolating so that I can also hear direct conversation through the helmet.

Anyone use earbuds that allow a little bit of noise in?

 

[Bones]

Or you could get one of these. I don't have one, but Forrest swears by his.

 

[sirepair]

Or you could get one of these. I don't have one, but Forrest swears by his.

That Shure looks like it would do the trick! I'm gonna have to add that to the farkle list.....

 

[uptoblackwood]

It works great....just be sure you study the battery door. It works great...BUT....you have to be sure it's closed properly. I lost about half a dozen batteries when I first started using the thing.
The batt/switch clips just about anywhere and the cables can be routed where you want them. You can leave the unit in/on your jacket and just disconnect your buds.

Forest

 

[EASt]

That's a cool idea... but it's another cable/button/plug to manage. It's going to take me 20 minutes to jack into everything every time I saddle up. :roll:

Is it waterproof?

It's certainly a great way to keep my ER-6i buds, though....

 

[Bones]

Is it waterproof?

I've got a message into Shure on this. I'm guessing no, since that would be a feature to highlight if it were. I'll let you know.

 

[uptoblackwood]

I have it secured in place on my jacket....with clip facing outside my waterproof pocket on my Olympia Voyager jacket. The unit is inside the pocket. I can lift the pocket flap and slide the switch to hear the outside world.

All I have to do it put the jacket on....and plug the buds into the connector on the Shure PTH. The other end of the connector hangs outside the pocket and connects to the Autocom inline earbud connector. Takes only seconds.

I'll post up a few images later today.

Forest

 

[EASt]

Thanks Forest. I appreciate the suggestion. Too bad I didn't have the topic in my mind at Moonshine - I could've seen it first hand. :nuts1:

 

[tdeboeser]

Nice, but seems $$$ for such a simple device. Googling doesn't turn up any alternatives though.

Tom de

 

[Bones]

Nice, but seems $$$ for such a simple device. Googling doesn't turn up any alternatives though.

Tom de

Crutchfields for $50

?$?$

 

[tdeboeser]

This is similar, it doesn't fit the application perfectly. But I'm just saying it shouldn't cost that much.


http://www.e-digital-electronics.com/product_info.php?products_id=249311

listed for $20, found around the 'net for $10....

Again " ...just sayin' "

Tom de

 

[uptoblackwood]

Tom

The device you point to is a simple splitter? The Shure device is connected to an in-line mic that feeds outside sound to your ear buds or your comm system at the slide of a switch.

Forest

 

[EASt]

While Forest's option is a 'Luxury' option, I'm still open to suggestions on some earbuds that stay in place without being completely isolating.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[tdeboeser]

# Connects 2 sets of headphones to iPod?, MP3 player, laptop, etc.
# Plugs into any standard 3.5mm mini-headphone jack
# Dual volume controls enable individual listening levels
# Built-in mute switch allows quick breaks without interrupting other listener or pausing device
# Rugged, compact construction ideal for travel and on-the-go use

 

[Bones]

From Shure:
Unfortunately, the PTH device isn't waterproof.

Tom, a mute switch cuts the sound from the source. The Shure device cuts the sound from the source and also picks up sound with a mic.

EDIT: Click the DEMO tab and play the flash video. (We'll be landing in about 20 minutes, sir, you'll have to turn off your portable electronic device.)

 

[EASt]

Ahhhh. I see your point: hit the mute switch, kill the background noise!

I'd never thought of that.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[uptoblackwood]

When you slide the switch to the "hear" position (outside world) it mutes the comm systems sound. Here are a few simple shots on my Olympia Voyager jacket. I have two of these switches so that if I have a pillion...we can talk at stops without removing our helmets/earbuds. You can see the mic end and that's where your buds plug into...the other cable end goes to your comm system cable...in my case an Autocom cable with the bud plug. You can see how I clipped the PTH unit in the pocket. I pulled the PTH device out in one image so you could see it's size in relationship to the pocket. I just slip a thumb in the pocket and slide the switch. Works great. Sound quality from the mic is excellent.

It's also great...because it goes where you go. You can disconnect your comm system....leave your buds and helmet in place and walk around with the PTH switch on....and hear everything going on around you. No more yelling at your friends 'cause you have your buds in and are adjusting.

Forest

 

[uptoblackwood]

# Connects 2 sets of headphones to iPod?, MP3 player, laptop, etc.
# Plugs into any standard 3.5mm mini-headphone jack
# Dual volume controls enable individual listening levels
# Built-in mute switch allows quick breaks without interrupting other listener or pausing device
# Rugged, compact construction ideal for travel and on-the-go use

Tom....but...it has no mic. I think he wants to hear the outside world at stops without having to take his helmet and earbuds off. The Shure PTH device has a mic that is switchable between the comm system and the outside world.

Forest

 

[tdeboeser]

Tom....but...it has no mic. I think he wants to hear the outside world at stops without having to take his helmet and earbuds off. The Shure PTH device has a mic that is switchable between the comm system and the outside world.

Forest

If he uses the mute function won't that allow him to hear? His setup is ER-6i ear bud's, probably with a separate mic. Again the Shure device is probably the best device for this. And I know Shure's products are of a high quality, but I still think $50 is a lot money for a simple device.

Maybe I'm missing what EASt wants. It seems EASt wants to be able to hear at stop lights, then simply muting the ear buds should allow this.

Again, I'm not putting down the Shure PTH and in the long run it'll probably be the best way to go... I was just sayin'....is all...

Tom de

 

[uptoblackwood]

Tom

Good sound attenuation in an earbud....really makes it difficult to hear the outside world. I sure can't hear outside sounds like people talking, when I'm wearing buds like the er 6i or my Shure buds.

I agree....things like this cost a lot for what they are/do. I'm not sure how many units Shure sells..but if they don't sell a ton of these....it's probably why they cost so much.

I haven't been to a paid for, at the theater movie, since 1971....so I figure I can spoil myself on a few of these useful gagets.

Forest