FAQ
ADJUSTABLE EARPLUGS FOR MUSIC
Although there are examples of other types of adjustable earplugs, a key benefit of Minuendo is the membrane, which others do not have. The membrane can be seen as a "second eardrum" and is critical to achieve a flat frequency response. A flat frequency response is perceived as natural or transparent. Custom molded musicians’ earplugs have fixed membrane filters, and this is one of the reasons these, like Minuendo, sound good.
Most other universal fit earplugs use ports/vents which is basically the same as putting your fingers in your ears and varying the seal. This simple approach of venting is the same as a low pass filter - coloring the sound, removing high frequencies and naturalness, decreasing speech intelligibility. The low-pass characteristic of vented earplugs is perceived as wooly or bass-heavy, without brightness or life. This is why it is incorrect to label these as HiFi or musicians’ earplugs. Unfortunately, there is no standardization of these terms, so anyone can claim high fidelity without being held accountable.
Part of Minuendo’s patented innovation lies in the unique ability to adjust and steplessly tension the membrane. This provides a large range of varying attenuation. However, a variably tensioned membrane does not by itself provide a good frequency response across the adjustable range. A secondary part of the acoustic filter must be adjusted in a synchronized manner to compensate and adjust for the varying resonance of the membrane. The Minuendo earplug lever simultaneously controls a combination of slit thickness, volumes and membrane tensioning to achieve natural sound across the adjustable range. The intricate interaction between membrane structure, tensioning, meshes and varying acoustic canal is calculated by using the Finite Element Method and equivalent electrical circuit analysis of the acousto-mechanical system.
The membrane itself is corrugated (describing a series of parallel ridges and furrows) in a very specific pattern to make it loose enough in the un-tensioned state while reducing clicking (phenomenon some people experience when moving jaw). The corrugation pattern also allows for a wide attenuating range and protects the membrane from unwanted stress and permanent plastic deformation in its tensioned state.
Minuendo
+ More affordable
+ Practical leash and magnetic snap for easy availability
+ Do not need time consuming and potentially painful/uncomfortable custom molding process
+ Steplessly adjustable attenuation in ear
+ More open than the lowest attenuating filters for custom mold
+ Award winning design
+ Better for children that are growing
Custom mold
+ Better fit for those with abnormal ear canal anatomies.
+ Can be dual purpose and used with In-ear-monitor (IEM) inserts
+ Can be made more discreet
+ 25dB filter is slightly flatter
- Extra filter sets are very costly
- Singing, chewing or any movement of the jaw often introduces leaks and thereby audible and annoying changes of the sound (foam is better here)
- Even newly molded earplugs can have bass leaks, decreasing the protection and perceived flatness
- Ear canal anatomy changes with age and is quite sensitive to weight fluctuations, thereby compromising fit/leaks/sound quality
- For many people they are more uncomfortable to wear over long periods compared to foam tips due to sweat and material hardness
- They are manufactured slightly larger than your ear canal to try to avoid leaks, but this pressure is uncomfortable over time
In our user research, we interviewed and tested prototypes with dozens of Norway’s most prominent professional musicians. We also performed sound level measurements of a violin player, and were surprised to learn that levels can reach up to 110 dB in the closest ear. Also, it can be hard to avoid sitting next to very loud instruments like drums or trumpets. The need to finely adjust the attenuation of each ear became apparent. There were also musicians in the orchestras that had multiple sets of custom molds with different attenuation that they used dynamically throughout pieces (although very impractical and expensive). The user research supported that there was a definite need for transparent and steplessly adjustable earplugs.
Even musicians in amplified music genres that are used to IEM’s when performing concerts, have a need for better earplugs in practice settings and smaller gigs where in-ear monitors are impractical. And they probably attend concerts once in a while too?
It almost feels like your wearing nothing, since the sound is so natural. You can hear everything, just slighly quieter. In our user research, it became obvious that many were struggling to find earplugs that were open and transparent enough. The most open (least attenuating) filters for custom molded earplugs are rated at 9 dB attenuation, but when we measure them in our lab they are closer to 15dB. The difference to Minuendo earplugs in the same measurement setup (7dB) is significant. For reference, 10dB attenuation is perceived as half as loud.
We coined and love the term lossless earplugs, since it refers to:
Lossless sound quality – transparent, open, natural, flat frequency response
Lossless, as you won’t loose your hearing
Lossless, as with the magnet and leash, they are hard to loose compared to other earplugs
Where does the name Minuendo come from?
Minuendo comes from the music term diminuendo meaning “gradually reducing in force or loudness”.
Please store product in the open position in the included carry case between uses. Stay away from direct sunlight over time to avoid discoloration of the outer surfaces. Avoid temperatures over 40 °C for best long-term performance.
Wipe off the earplugs with a clean cloth, or use the brush to clean off any excess ear wax or debris. When needed, disinfect the outside by applying a thin layer of alcohol and lightly rubbing off excess. Soaking and/or heavy rubbing might cause marks and deterioration of the materials. Do NOT use any chemicals, detergents, or soak the earplugs in water as this may harm the function of the earplugs. This product may be adversely affected by certain chemical substances. For further information contact Minuendo.
The silicone tips can be dismantled and cleaned in warm water for about 5 min. Give them a good wipe and leave to dry on a paper towel. The foam tips can NOT be washed in water, as these are not water-proof. Replace foam tips upon signs of deterioration.
The earplugs should be worn all times in noisy surroundings/areas without interruption. To ensure the earplugs fit correctly and provide hearing protection, please carefully read the fitting instructions. As Minuendo® earplugs has an adjustable amount of hearing protection, it is the user’s full responsibility to be sufficiently protected in varying sound levels. Even when you use and fit Minuendo® correctly, it is still possible to suffer temporary or permanent hearing loss if the combined sound levels and exposure time are above safe levels. Generally, it is safe to be exposed to 85dB for 8 hours per day without protection. If the level is increased by 3dB, the safe exposure time is halved. Minuendo® in the open position (-7dB) increases the safe level to 92dB for 8 hours. Minuendo® does not accept any liability for hearing loss or any damage you might get while using (or not using) our products. Minuendo® should be regularly inspected for damage and should not be used if it is suspected that service or repair is needed.
No, they are completely passive.
No, they are completely passive.
Yes! The earplugs are quite petite, so will fit under for most people. This is useful when:
in a studio setting when playing with a loud click or general monitoring
under headphones when DJ’ing
in construction, where there might be a need for double protection or taking one earmuff off for communication.
Yes, depending on what setting the lever is in and the context/sound environment. In the open and middle positions, the quality of communication is great. In the closed position, it will be harder, as the attenuation is quite high.
The Minuendo membrane is 6 microns thin, only a 10th of a human hair. Still, it is robust and well-protected by acoustic meshes that are placed on the inlets and outlets. We are proud to say that Minuendo is designed and manufactured in Norway. Even the plastics are molded locally, and assembly is done at a location deep in the forests north of Oslo. The ultra-fine accuracy needed in the plastic molding and assembly is pushing the limits of what is possible to do in volume production, and this is one of the reasons Minuendo is producing so close to home. Every single earplug is measured at the factory at 8 various stages of adjustment to make sure they pass our strict quality standards.