How to Block Out Cricket Noise so That You Can Sleep?

how to block out cricket noise

A few readers have contacted me because they were being kept awake by chirping and trilling crickets, so I have decided to look more closely into blocking out the night time songs of common crickets. I thoroughly enjoyed conducting the experiments described below. This is intended to be both a problem solving article for you …

Read moreHow to Block Out Cricket Noise so That You Can Sleep?

Noise Masking or Active Noise Cancelling: Together or Alone?

noise masking or noise cancelling or both

In this post, I’d like to demonstrate how much of a difference noise masking, active noise cancelling, and noise isolation alone and in combination make when it comes to eliminating disturbing nighttime (and daytime) noises. We are going to listen to a “noisescape” containing large-truck noises and resonances, honking of smaller and larger vehicles, and …

Read moreNoise Masking or Active Noise Cancelling: Together or Alone?

Which Earplugs Are Best for Studying and Taking Exams?

best-earplugs-for-studying-and-exams

Depending on the noise level you are trying to cope with, roll-down foam, push-in foam, reusable, and wax earplugs can all make good study earplugs. In this post I am introducing one of each, all of which I have used quite a bit. However, if you plan to use your earplugs during your exam or …

Read moreWhich Earplugs Are Best for Studying and Taking Exams?

Active Noise Cancelling vs Noise Isolating Headphones [Tested]

active noise cancelling vs noise isolating headphones

In this post I am reporting on my performance tests comparing noise cancelling headphones, over-ear noise isolating headphones, and in-ear noise isolating earphones. Apart from noise reduction charts, I have also included tips based on my experience to help you decide which headphone type is right for your use case. Let’s get right to it. …

Read moreActive Noise Cancelling vs Noise Isolating Headphones [Tested]

Etymotic ER2XR Review: Great Noise Isolation and Good Bass

Etymotic ER2XR Noise Isolating Earphones Review

The Etymotic Research ER2XR earphones are excellent at reducing noise, and they can drive a good beat. I am getting 30+ decibels noise reduction with these virtually across the whole tested frequency range. A while ago, I tested the Etymotic MK5 Isolator, neutral sounding budget earphones with great noise isolation. I like the MK5 but …

Read moreEtymotic ER2XR Review: Great Noise Isolation and Good Bass

Etymotic Mk5 Review: Great Noise Isolation on a Budget

Etymotic MK5 review and noise isolation test

Do you want earphones with excellent noise isolation and save some coin? The Etymotic MK5 in-ears don’t have active noise cancellation, but chances are you won’t miss it with these earphones, if you don’t mind deep-insertion ear tips. I am sitting on my balcony listening to some coffeehouse music: basically piano and acoustic guitar to …

Read moreEtymotic Mk5 Review: Great Noise Isolation on a Budget

AGPTEK Sleep Earbuds Review (Isolation and Durability Tips)

AGPTEK sleep earbuds review-img2

AGPTEK sleep earbuds are wired micro earphones with interchangeable ear tips. They are so small that I can insert them almost completely in my ear, allowing me to sleep comfortably on the side without ear pressure. Also, the sound of the earbuds doesn’t change when I hit the pillow. Apart from sleeping, these are also …

Read moreAGPTEK Sleep Earbuds Review (Isolation and Durability Tips)

ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 vs Plugfones Liberate 2.0

isotunes-xtra-2-vs-plugfones-liberate-2

I have recently tested both the XTRA 2.0 and Liberate 2.0 Bluetooth earplug headphones and posted detailed reviews. In this post, I am contrasting their main strengths and weaknesses to help you decide between the two. For more information and tips & tricks for the XTRA 2.0 and Liberate 2.0, here are links to the …

Read moreISOtunes XTRA 2.0 vs Plugfones Liberate 2.0

Plugfones Liberate 2.0 Review: Earplugs with Bluetooth

Plugfones Liberate 2.0 Review

A couple of months ago, I tested the wired Plugfones Guardian: I liked their nice balanced sound. I also found out that the silicone tips fit my ear while the foam tips were too small. Many users like silicone tips for their ease of use and durability, so I decided to also test the Bluetooth …

Read morePlugfones Liberate 2.0 Review: Earplugs with Bluetooth

ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 Earplug Headphones Review (plus Tweaks)

isotunes-xtra-2-review

Recently I tested a pair of basic wired ISOtunes and was impressed by their noise isolation and selection of ear tips. The ISOtunes XTRA 2.0 (NRR 27) are the wireless upgrade: they have Bluetooth 5, a rugged design and a high dust-and-water resistance rating (IP67), and they can be connected to two devices at the …

Read moreISOtunes XTRA 2.0 Earplug Headphones Review (plus Tweaks)