Third Take

I recently purchased a pair of sound isolating earbuds for live use. At one of my guitar gigs, we have an in-ear monitor system and I wanted a nice pair of earbuds that would block out stage noise and let me hear the monitor system clearly. Then I had a brainstorm: why not use them when recording vocals in my home studio?

When I had my first experience with headphone “bleed” - where the microphone picks up the sound coming out of the headphones - I rushed out and bought a big pair of closed-back headphones. They’ve worked pretty well, as long as I kept my monitor mix at moderate levels and both cans on my ears. However, recording a vocalist who liked to sing with one ear off reacquainted me with the problem of bleed.

It was then that I had the idea to use the earbuds. Since they are inserted inside the ear, the volume of the sound coming from the bud is very low. In fact, you have to hold it very close to your ear to even hear it. Bleed should not be an issue.

In theory it sounded great, but would I be able to sing with plugs in my ears? I tested it out on a short backing vocal part.

It takes a little getting used to - at first it sounds like singing with your fingers in your ears. However, after a little practice and monitor mix adjustment, I was able to sing with no problems at all. I tried it first with one ear in, and then with both ears. The results were great.

I’ve found my new headphone solution for vocals. The earbuds I got were the Shure E2c Sound Isolating Earphones. They have more expensive models available, but this one is affordable and sounds good enough for my needs. There is a trick to using them, though - you have to put them in like earplugs. They are designed to block outside noise as much as deliver the signal to your ears. If you don’t get a proper seal, the bass response will be nonexistent. Fortunately, the earbuds come with several sizes and types of fittings.

I’ve never heard of anyone using these in the studio, though I see singers using them live all the time.