[tigermad]

Hi guys, I have just received my new shure e2c earphones. I have had plenty of fun trying the different pads to see which suit me better but I have one question.

Are the phones supposed to block out all background noise? My hubby has the xbox 360 playing and when the music stops I can still hear it.

Is it because I need to use different pads? I am using the foam tips at present.

[doctorjuggles]

No, they're not supposed to block out ALL background noise, they'll have a db rating. I can't remember the exact rating on the E2s, but it'll be around the 20-25db range, I think.

It's also more effective at cutting out certain frequencies than others, so you might find, for instance, that higher pitched sounds are more easy to discern than mid range sound, like voices etc.

tigermad / doctorjuggles, I've found a little info from the shure FAQ site that may answer your question.

Question
How much sound isolation does your E series earphones provide?

Answer
Shure earphones do not carry a NRR rating and are not meant to be used as a hearing protection device. AN NRR rating is measured on a different scale than the figures given below.

Our earphones will provide between 29 dB and 37 dB of isolation. Sound isolation is Dependent on the shape of the ear canal, the sleeve used, earphone model, and the fit. A good seal in the ear with the correct sleeve is vital for the most sound isolation.

E2C, E2G, E2C-N, I2C Earphones
Foam sleeves: 31dB (88% of ambient noise)
Clear sleeves: 29 dB (87% of ambient noise)

E3C, E4C, E5C, I3C, I4C, E3G, E4G Earphones
Gray Soft Flex: 30 dB (90% of ambient noise)
Foam Sleeves: 37 dB (93% of ambient noise)

All measurements taken from tests done at the Auditory Systems Lab at Virginia Tech University on isolation vs. noise canceling.
The following products were also tested:
Bose QC2: 20dB (77%)
Sennheiser PXC-250: 11dB (58%)
Sony MDR-NC20: 8 dB (40%)

Click Below for the press release about the study that compared the attenuation of Shure earphones and competitors earphones.
http://www.shure.com/news/pressrelea...dy_102504.html

From my personal experience of wearing hearing protection at work few things will give 100% isolation as sound / vibrations can travel to an extent through your head, (there are times when wearing my E2c's I can hear the old ticker going boom boom). As doctor juggles has said frequencies are the key.

Hope this doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the Shure's.