Ever since I got my ER-4P, I've been trying to find the perfect tip for me.
Etymotic triflange would fit my left ear well, but not my right ear. Air pressure from repeating attempt at inserting hurt my right ear. Wetting the tip helps but the isolation on my right ear is not quite at the level of my left ears. The Etymotic grey foam wouldn't cling on my ears.
Then we have the famous Shure black foam a.k.a. the "olives". They are comfortable, but it somewhat fuzz the sound a bit, make the sound less focused and take away some of the Etymotic's famed treble. Those who finds Etymotics too shrill likes it, but there are others who are unwilling to trade comfort for the crispness in sound. Also isolation takes a hit compared to the Etymotic triflange.
I have used the Comply tips in the past, I didn't use them for long, but I see they have the potential of looking yucky, and there are little information whether they retain their property after they are washed.
I began to think I had exhausted the options in the market, then I started to ponder about creating my own options.
I had a theory, it is the foam in front of the nozzle that absorbed the high frequency sound. Thus it birthed the prototype below.
The front part is a small Shure black foam, with the foam in front of the nozzle removed. The rear portion is the rear part of a large Shure black foam to create a second seal at the opening of ear canal to improve isolation.
Isolation might have improved somewhat, but the Etymotic's signature crispness is still not present. I consider it a failure. But for those who like the "olive sound", the double seal might be worth doing. Just that I don't think cutting away the foam in front does anything.
Then I moved on to the next, and thankfully, the final model. Which I think I accomplished my objective, comfort and seal of the Shure black foam and with the crispness of triflange. Isolation might be also improved compared to stock Shure black foam. YMMV.
For those interested in doing the same, the steps are quite simple.
1. Cut away the first two flanges on the triflange. I simply used a pair of scissors. I left a bit of flange stump on the middle tube to create some resistance for the foam in case it would slide off easily.
2. Remove the plastic tube in the middle of a small Shure black foam. For me, with the rear of the foam facing me, I pulled down the foam as much as I can and used my finger nail to severe the foam sticking to the tube. There are other ways of doing it, but this works well for me.
3. Slot the de-tubed Shure black foam into the de-flanged Etymotic triflange. Voila, there you got it!
I don't have other Etymotic models, but I suppose it works for other models too.
Disclaimer: The foam wouldn't get stuck in my ears, but do this at your own risk! If unfortunately it does happen, seek professional help and do not attempt to remove the foam yourself.
Etymotic triflange would fit my left ear well, but not my right ear. Air pressure from repeating attempt at inserting hurt my right ear. Wetting the tip helps but the isolation on my right ear is not quite at the level of my left ears. The Etymotic grey foam wouldn't cling on my ears.
Then we have the famous Shure black foam a.k.a. the "olives". They are comfortable, but it somewhat fuzz the sound a bit, make the sound less focused and take away some of the Etymotic's famed treble. Those who finds Etymotics too shrill likes it, but there are others who are unwilling to trade comfort for the crispness in sound. Also isolation takes a hit compared to the Etymotic triflange.
I have used the Comply tips in the past, I didn't use them for long, but I see they have the potential of looking yucky, and there are little information whether they retain their property after they are washed.
I began to think I had exhausted the options in the market, then I started to ponder about creating my own options.
I had a theory, it is the foam in front of the nozzle that absorbed the high frequency sound. Thus it birthed the prototype below.
The front part is a small Shure black foam, with the foam in front of the nozzle removed. The rear portion is the rear part of a large Shure black foam to create a second seal at the opening of ear canal to improve isolation.
Isolation might have improved somewhat, but the Etymotic's signature crispness is still not present. I consider it a failure. But for those who like the "olive sound", the double seal might be worth doing. Just that I don't think cutting away the foam in front does anything.
Then I moved on to the next, and thankfully, the final model. Which I think I accomplished my objective, comfort and seal of the Shure black foam and with the crispness of triflange. Isolation might be also improved compared to stock Shure black foam. YMMV.
For those interested in doing the same, the steps are quite simple.
1. Cut away the first two flanges on the triflange. I simply used a pair of scissors. I left a bit of flange stump on the middle tube to create some resistance for the foam in case it would slide off easily.
2. Remove the plastic tube in the middle of a small Shure black foam. For me, with the rear of the foam facing me, I pulled down the foam as much as I can and used my finger nail to severe the foam sticking to the tube. There are other ways of doing it, but this works well for me.
3. Slot the de-tubed Shure black foam into the de-flanged Etymotic triflange. Voila, there you got it!
I don't have other Etymotic models, but I suppose it works for other models too.
Disclaimer: The foam wouldn't get stuck in my ears, but do this at your own risk! If unfortunately it does happen, seek professional help and do not attempt to remove the foam yourself.
