Hearing loss has a direct impact on how we are able to perform our passion, whether drumming is just a spare time hobby or a full-time job. Therefore, proper hearing protection is essential. So, what to choose, what to use?

Disposables versus custom-moulded plugs
Basically, there were two options until recently: disposable, slow-recovery foam earplugs with (the most affordable solution) or perfect fitting custom-moulded earplugs, often as part of an in-ear system (but also more expensive). The custom-fitted plugs have the advantage of being able to have a filter in them that makes everything sound the same as before, just quieter, whereas the cheap earplugs tend to affect different frequencies in different ways, often removing a lot of high end which is disconcerting for us musicians.

MusicSafe Pro: best of both
And that's where Alpine comes in with their MusicSafe Pro earplugs, which have been specifically developed for performers. MusicSafe Pro contains three different and exchangeable sets of music filters with outstanding sound characteristics with low, medium and high attenuation rates. Depending on the instrument you are playing, your position on the stage or the kind of music you are playing, you can always choose the protection that suits you most. MusicSafe Pro earplugs are produced from a very soft, flexible and durable thermoplastic material. Due to the warmth of the ear it adapts to the shape of the auditory duct. Therefore, MusicSafe Pro is very comfortable to wear. MusicSafe Pro earplugs with special music filters are an open system, so that one has no feeling of isolation.

Review set-up
This sounds almost to good to be true (no pun intended), so instead of having just one test editor reviewing Alpine's luxury model earbuds, we decided to bring in two more test editors and compare the three opinions for a better, more objective review.

Review 1
Let me start by saying I'm an avid drummer, but not a pro. I'm in a band that practices twice a week and gigs once a month. I never use hearing protection, although my ears are often ringing on the way home. Most of the time the ring is gone after a good night's sleep. I tried those yellow disposable noise stoppers once or twice, but hated what it did to the volume (it muted way too much) and the frequencies (the music sounded distorted). With this experience in mind, I was a bit resistant to use Alpine's MusicSafe Pro earplugs.

The first thing I noticed was the Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs come with three different filters in a handy box that reminded me of old school analogue audio tape cases. You can customize the box by putting in another paper, which I think is pretty cool. You just need to be careful that the plugs do not fall out when you open the box. This may become inconvenient, particularly when going out and partying hard. Luckily, the spare filters can not fall out of the box.

The packaging shows a table that indicates which frequencies are muted by what color filter, plus a table that describes which tones are filtered by various types of sound. However, I found both quite hard to understand. I would have preferred just a few simple recommendations such as: "Use filter set A if you want to be able to hear people talk while clubbing." or "Use filter set B when you're near a snare drum and cymbals." In addition, the amount of information was too large to remember at once. I intended to keep the table for future references but lost it somehow. It might be useful to put a printed overview with all basic information in the box.

As a drummer I like to lean against that huge wall of sound that both guitarists and bassist create. The huge volume helps me to literally get into the music. So I decided to start with the lowest level filters. Despite my initial reservations, I've got to admit the MusicSafe Pro plugs are easy to use, comfortable and very effective. No more ringing ears and, to my surprise, also less fatigue. Another plus is that I was still able to hear the conversations by my band mates in between the songs.

During the test period I went to a concert at a big venue with a capacity of nearly 6,000. The sound system was huge and the music was so loud that I decided to switch filters and use the ones with the heaviest level of attenuation. It was the only time I used those, but I was glad to have them nonetheless. After wearing them non-stop for hours, the MusicSafe Pro earbuds are still comfortable. In fact, after a while I tend to forget I'm wearing them.

I'm using the Alpine plugs for each rehearsal session and all gigs now. Since I'm using them so often, I've also learned the MusicSafe Pro earplugs can be easily cleaned using lukewarm water and a little soap. In fact, my fellow band members have noticed how happy I am with with these MusicSafe Pro plugs. They now consider to purchase them too, haha.

• Biggest con: the information about the filters and how they work isn't very clear.
  
• Biggest pro: the choice of interchangeable attenuation filters so you can choose whatever you need in specific situations.

Review 2
With 70 to 90 gigs a year with various bands, both as a drummer and percussionist, I consider myself a semi-pro musician. I've used all kinds of hearing protection throughout the years. I've come a long way: I started with crumpled toilet paper and ended up with custom-moulded earplugs, which I've been using with full satisfaction for the last couple of years. Honestly, I was a bit reluctant to use the Alpine MusicSafe Pro plugs.

The plugs and filter sets are offered with a handy plastic carry/storage case, although that might be more sturdy considering the hard life on the road. The low-profile stem design is less noticeable (and definitely looks better) than crumpled toilet paper in your ears. However, biggest question is: do they work? After using all three filter sets in various settings for a couple of weeks, I can wholeheartedly say the MusicSafe Pro ear plugs provide excellent hearing protection without loss of clarity.

When I'm playing percussion in an intimate setting, I choose the filters with the lowest attenuation. When I'm playing with a full salsa band, including an extended horn section, I use the highest protection level. Whatever the case, I can always hear everyone on stage in full detail, just not so damn loud. And I'm not isolated from the others, but I stay in touch with the rest of the orchestra. That's a good thing too.

To me, it never made sense anyway to use the same filters for different volumes; an acoustic show in a coffee bar is totally different from a full-blown stadium rock show. Apparently the folks at Alpine agree. They can also help you determine if your chosen filter protects your hearing well enough with the Alpine MusicSafeCheck app (for iOS and Android). Now that's what I call thinking along with customers.

• Biggest con: the earbuds don't stay very firmly in my ears when I'm singing.
  
• Biggest pro: to be able to protect my hearing and still hear music with all its details.

Review 3
As a professional drummer, I spent many hours a day in loud environments. When I'm recording in a studio I can work with an in-ear system and muffs, which isn't too demanding for my ears. Most of the times I'm also using in-ears when gigging. But I've learned the hard way that guitarists extensively soundchecking, opening bands with their own not-so-skilled sound engineer and the DJ in between bands and after are the real danger. I'm also working as a drum tutor. Now that's a whole different story. Many of my students like to whack the drums and cymbals as hard as they can, often not perfectly controlled.

As you can understand, I need hearing protection that I can wear for long periods and still will be comfortable. I also need some sort of balance across the frequency spectrum and I need to hear what my students or colleagues are saying.

Delivered in a silver-coloured container / small travel box, I got my hands on Alpine's MusicSafe Pro earplugs, designed with musicians in mind. Here's my opinion after using them for nearly a month.

Initially I found it a bit tricky to determine whether the plugs were positioned correctly in my ears. First because they weren't custom-moulded as I'm used to. Paradoxically some minutes later because the plugs adapted to the shape of my ears and became so comfortable I could hardly believe it.

The packaging explains which filters work on what levels. However, I'm afraid the number of dBs attenuated at certain frequencies means nothing to most people. I'm pretty sure none of my students has enough technical knowledge to translate this information to their instrument and situation. That said, it's quite easy to switch filters. After a couple of experiments you'll soon know what filters work best for you whatever situation you encounter.

Alpine claims their AlpineAcousticFilters with selective absorption guarantee optimal protection against harmful noise levels, while preserving excellent music quality. And I've got to admit they are right: the filters work really, really well. They're also comfy and simple to use. All things considered the MusicSafe Pro is probably the best solution you can get in this price range.

• Biggest con: the number of dBs attenuated at certain frequencies probably doesn't mean much to the avarage consumer.
  
• Biggest pro: filtering well with good balance across the frequency spectrum, so snugging you'll forget you're wearing them.

More info on the MusicSafe Pro range including pricing is available at alpine.eu/musicsafepro.