Distributor: Audio-Technica | RRP: AT-ERP3 $34.95 | AT-ERP5 $44.95
Audio-Technica, one of the most trusted names in music hi-fi for more than 60 years, has just launched its latest generation of earplugs shaped by the idea of “Always Safe Listening.”
When it comes to experiencing high quality sound our ears are obviously our greatest assets, which is why protecting them in loud and overwhelming environments is all the more important, especially to Audio-Technica. The AT-ERP3 and AT-ERP5 earplugs were made by Audio-Technica to treat your ears with the same care that the brand gives to sound.
Catch up on all the latest reviews here.
AT-ERP3
Made for anyone that is overwhelmed by general day-to-day noise, the AT-ERP3 earplugs have specifically built eartips to reduce environmental sounds in places like busy streets, cafes, offices and during commutes. The discreet shape which hugs your ear allows the user to reclaim a sense of calm while looking natural with a comfortable fit that lends itself to long hours of wear.
As someone that has experienced their fair share of earplugs, I can definitely say that these are as comfortable as any pair I’ve used. I found the level of noise reduction really impressive. I still felt as though I could hear quite clearly, but the more harsh sounds of everyday life, such as ambient construction noise and the scraping of cutlery on plates, were much less distracting. Weighing in at 1.2 grams per earplug, the light and flexible silicone build makes for a very comfortable experience, so much so I forgot I was wearing them.
The AT-ERP3 earplugs have been made to meet EN (European Norm) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) safety standards, with an SNR (Single Number Rating) of 26dB and an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 19dB. Available in black, grey and coral, the earplugs come with a colour-matched carry case and replacement eartips in four sizes.
AT-ERP5
Specifically made for filtering live sound, the AT-ERP5’s shape draws on Audio-Technica’s acoustic expertise to create earplugs for use at concerts, festivals and any loud environment.
Sharing the same sleek, ear-hugging shape as the AT-ERP3, the soft, flexible silicone build makes wearing the earplugs for hours on end at a music festival much easier than trying to convince your entire friend group to come along and see an obscure indie band that only you like.
Containing dual-layer filtering dampers and fitted music-focused ear tips, the AT-ERP5 earplugs help protect your ears by keeping sound at a safe level while preserving sound quality. Sometimes it can feel like you’re not getting the full experience when wearing earplugs at a live show, but that wasn’t the case here. I wore these to a local rock show and was amazed at how clearly I could hear the band.It didn’t feel like I was missing out on any of the energy of the performance; the vocals and guitars still had so much clarity.
The same as the AT-ERP3, these are also built to meet EN and ANSI safety standards, with respective ratings of SNR 21dB and NRR 14dB. Made to give off the vibe of an accessory, the metallic accented earplugs come in two colours, black and gold, with a colour-matched carry case and 4 sizes of replacement eartips.
Unlike the ERP-3, which feature closed eartips to focus in mid to high frequency damping, the ERP-5s are kept open for an even damping across the frequency range.
Hearing health is something that we often take for granted, but a little bit of effort now can go a long way towards enjoying your favourite music and live events for a long time to come. The simple change of wearing hearing protection to live music or having it on hand in case you’re in a loud environment is a game changer that future you will thank you for.
This highly affordable range of earplugs from Audio-Technica allows you to experience your favourite live events at a safe volume without feeling like you’re missing out on the full experience, or simply to bring down the volume of day-to-day life.
Check them out at Audio-Technica.
