Closed portables and microphonics

[DakHam]

I'm looking into new phones for running on a treadmill (which produces quite loud ambient noise). As such, I grabbed a pair of KSC75s. Unfortunately, it was impossible for the clips to stay, so I looked into a headband mod. No headbands to be found, so I contemplated returning my KSC75s. *gasp*

I grabbed some cheap Koss headphones to run with on my treadmill, and had to turn up the volume to compete with the ambient noise. When I looked at the listening level of my shuffle, it was more than twice the level I listen with my IEMs. My dilemma is such: I want headphones that do not have to compete with the treadmill ambient noise (either passive or active noise canceling) and do not suffer from the microphonics of IEMs. I do want to be able to hear when I'm older.

While searching Head-Fi, I stumbled upon threads discussing earmuffs and KSC75s being placed into them. This sounds like a great idea! Some questions first...

Do earmuffs and "passive" noise canceling cans suffer from microphonics? A comparison to the microphonics of IEMs would be helpful. If they don't, I can proceed with buying earmuffs and sticking KSC75s into them.

Another question: do "active" noise canceling cans suffer from microphonics?

If you could also throw some suggestions considering active noise canceling phones, that would be awesome. Budget of around $100. Sound doesn't matter too much, but the noise canceling properties must be superb, or at least able to reduce ambient treadmill noise.

 

[ClieOS]

All I know is, active noise canceling 'phones suffer from bad sound quality. Also be mindful that ANC 'phones mostly just cancel out the deeper sound range (mid~bass).

 

[Joshatdot]

I've use my KSC35's & KSC75's on a treadmill w/o problems.

 

[grndslm]

Yip. . . no problems with KSC75 other than wind when I was running, and it wasn't even that much of a problem for me.

The KSCs definitely do NOT suffer from microphonics, but some people might hit their feet hitting the ground or other people screaming in the gym if they don't listen to their music loud enough. I think that open cans should can be played loud enough to block that stuff out, but blocking out wind is another matter.

 

[The Pieman]

I run with Shure E3's and have never had an issue with microphonics.

 

[DakHam]

On my treadmill run for today, I decided to use my IEMs, worn Shure-style and the cord inside my shirt to reduce microphonics. I was pleased with the sound reduction, but my footsteps were amplified as I had expected.

I'll restate my two questions to clarify my thoughts:

Will I be able to hear my footsteps with Closed/Passive headphones and heavy-duty earmuffs?

Will I be able to hear my footsteps with Active Noise Canceling (Inverse wave) cans?

 

[grndslm]

I just don't see how you people can hear much of anything whether you're using either open or closed cans... is the player not turned on? 'Cause if there's music coming out, you should be able to hear nothing but that with closed cans, and no microphonics since only IEMs suffer from that. And as for open cans, the only thing that bothered me was wind and there aren't too many windy days around these parts, so that's rare but still not even bothersome.

My solution... crank it up!

 

[Assorted]

Only IEMs produce microphonics. Active noise cancelling cancels alot of treadmill noise, but why would you were a big closed headphone while running :/ Wouldn't that be quite uncomfortable?

A stereo would work better.

 

[grndslm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Assorted /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...but why would you were a big closed headphone while running :/ Wouldn't that be quite uncomfortable? A stereo would work better.

...or KSC75 !!

 

[DakHam]

I'm trying to avoid cranking it up, which is why I'm pursuing sound isolation w/o footsteps. KSC75s are open and leak too much; they compete with the ambient treadmill noise and I have to increase the volume- which is something I don't want to do.

As closed cans/passive/earmuffs isolate sound similar to IEMs, I'll assume I can hear my footsteps while running with them. Feel free to correct me on that.

Active noise canceling phones cancel treadmill noise? I'm still wondering if I can hear my footsteps with them on while running.

In addition: I haven't tried a stereo, but I'm assuming that I would need to crank up its volume to hear over the treadmill.

 

[grndslm]

You will DEFINITELY have to crank up a stereo unless all of its speakers are pointed toward your eardrums in which case, you're still gonna hear your feet.

I just need to know, tho... when you run on this treadmill you speak of... with these IEMs. Are you listening to music at all? Or did you forget to turn the player on? Don't be afraid of ambient noise if there's nothing playing!!!

The reason you shouldn't be able to hear your feat over the music is that the music is not even a centimeter away from your head.... decibels and stuff like that.

Anyway, if you get some real earmuffs that are used in a ****pit or shooting range, you'll get an idea of what closed cans are like.

Also, I wouldn't be too worried about your Shuffle's volume being twice as much as the IEMs... the Koss's resistance is prolly twice as much!! Also, since they're open and some of the sound leaks OUT, you have to compensate just a tad to make sure you can hear it.

I think most people naturally know what their listening level is, as they should naturally know how much to drink/eat... don't let technology or even others ruin your gut instincts!

 

[grndslm]

HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA!!!! ROFL!!

I can't believe it bleeped out c0ckpit. MUHAHAHHAHAHHAHAA!!!!

 

[DakHam]

I tried out a stereo- turned out better than I thought.

I can comfortably hear my music at 18- a good level because it's not that loud even with no ambient noise.