Microphonics on the Etymotics?

[oneeyedhobbit]

I've heard several reports of the microphonics on Etys, ranging from not all that bad if clipped to your shirt to can't move your head--so which is it? I was considering these as a Christmas gift item, as I'd kind of like some portable cans. I would be using them while walking down the street, on the bus, in the library, etc. Are they terrible while walking? If so, I'll probably just bump down to some Portapros or PX100s (though opinions on sound would also help here). Thanks for the help!

 

[Natsuiro]

I can sometimes hear myself walking depending on the song I'm playing, but for the most part it's ok. I used three twist ties to reduce microphonics and wrap the cord around my ear and while it looks very ugly, it eliminates shirt noise.

 

[lee0539]

in general most people who move to high end etys and shures have used cheaper canalphones before. Unless you buy from a place that has good return policy.

some people can deal with it... others find it too distracting... its a really subjective question.

 

[Riordan]

my personal experience with ety4p: the footsteps disappear or are never there (depending on your shoes - i wouldn't recommend etys to high-heeled ladies)

the new braided cable is only distracting if it bumps into the collar of my coat - i sometimes have to fiddle around a bit before i can eliminate this. BUT this only takes some seconds to adjust, and as soon as i reach the traffic, i would never exchange inner-ear bliss for anything else: when walking at a brisk pace i might hear a low plonk from the cable hitting the collar once in a while - but all i hear from the traffic is an almost inaudible low end hum, the rest is music. with conventional earbuds all i would hear was cars rushing by ...

so at least for me, ety's isolation is far more important than the small irritation of cable noise. for walking down the street: high recommendation.

 

[Bunnyears]

Microphonics from the etys are a minor problem, the cables are long enough to be wrapped around the ear. Etymotic should modifiy their design so that the phones sit a little closer to the ear, and can be wrapped up around the ear and stay closer to the head. As much as I love the phones, they do tend to look a bit odd when they are wrapped.

Occlusion sounds are more of a problem, but this is a constant with any iem. You do, however get used to them. I suggest that you wear shoes with rubber or crepe soles to minimize that when walking, and never, ever eat nuts while wearing them.

 

[cosmopragma]

I personally can't stand it.
The Etys produce the most ugly cable microphonics effect I've ever experienced.
There is no need for it, the Shures are way better in this regard.
I'll sell them to a listener who is less sensitive.

 

[Hunter_Killer]

Let me give you the low down on the Etymotics: I own one, and my verdict is, if youre not using the shirt clip, you might as well give up.

When you are using the shirt clip, you CANNOT move your head or else itll piss you off to no end. This is from the supposedly "low" microphonics cable of the ER4P.

ER4P + zipped top = irritation, not enjoyment.

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter_Killer This is from the supposedly "low" microphonics cable of the ER4P.

I wonder how the microphonic effect of the original unbraided cable sounds.
I mean, a cable sounding worse than the braided cable is beyond my imagination.

 

[Hunter_Killer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmopragma I wonder how the microphonic effect of the original unbraided cable sounds. I mean, a cable sounding worse than the braided cable is beyond my imagination.

Yeah, when you think about it, braided cable makes microphonics even worse than normal cable because against your clothing's zipper, its uneven surface against uneven surface. I only listen to my ER4Ps when I have to (cos of outside noise) and when Im wearing a t shirt. Otherwise dont even bother.

 

[kunwar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natsuiro I can sometimes hear myself walking depending on the song I'm playing, but for the most part it's ok. I used three twist ties to reduce microphonics and wrap the cord around my ear and while it looks very ugly, it eliminates shirt noise.

Natsuiro, are you using the little mod I suggested elsewhere.
If you have a camera, then posting a few pics will resolve the funny part as they look quite cool infact. Have been asked twice about why i do it and what they sound like.
Microphonics can be a pain but I notice it with the HD25's as well so i went and solved my problem.