Comparison Earmor M33 vs Earmor M20T

— Invoices are active. Hearing protection for the shooter in the form of over-ear headphones with a headband or a helmet mount (depending on the specific implementation). Active models are equipped with microphones, amplifiers and speakers - all these electronic components together allow you to transmit speech and environmental sounds that do not exceed a preset volume level. Thus, the shooter hears what is happening around him, and the sound pressure from the shots is reduced. Active tactical headphones are preferable in situations where the ability to hear surrounding sounds and communications is important - hunting, open shooting ranges, when participating in combat operations, etc.

— Passive overhead. Passive over-ear headphones do not use electronic components, but provide hearing protection only due to the physical properties of the materials from which they are made. The ear pads of these headphones are made of sound-absorbing foam, plastic or rubber. It is suggested to use passive headphones when shooting at a shooting range.

— Active earplugs. Hearing protection devices, the name of which comes from the phrase “take care of your ears.” Earplugs are plugs that are inserted directly into the canal of each ear and reduce the volume of gunfire heard. Compared to headphones, earplugs are much more compact, and they...are also compatible with almost any other protective equipment (for example, a full-face mask). Specifically, active earplugs work in the same way as similar shooting headphones - to minimize the sound pressure from shots and ensure the permeability of surrounding sounds, they use special electronic components (microphones, signal amplifiers and speakers).

— Passive earplugs. Passive earplugs are ordinary earplugs that provide noise absorption of all incoming sounds (including noise from gunshots) due to the physical properties of the materials used. Note that to achieve the maximum degree of noise insulation, passive earplugs can be used in conjunction with shooting headphones.

An indicator of how much decibel certain headphones reduce the level of external noise. Acoustic efficiency SNR (Single Number Rating) is the sound absorption characteristics according to the requirements of the European quality standard. A similar standard in the American style is called NRR (about it, see below).

The specified SNR value allows you to determine how much peak noise the headphones absorb. So, if this parameter is 27 dB, then the noise level that enters the user's ear is 27 dB lower than the sound level in the environment. The higher the SNR value, the more effective the hearing protection.

An indicator of how much volume in decibels tactical headphones cut during operation. Acoustic efficiency NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is the sound absorption characteristics according to the requirements of the American quality standard. A similar standard in the European style is called SRR (about it, see above).

NRR is an assessment of how effectively a hearing protection device can reduce ambient noise levels. If headphones are marked with the “NRR 30 dB” mark, then they can reduce the level of external sounds by 30 dB. The higher the NRR value, the more effective the tactical headphones are at protecting the hearing aid.

Connector for connecting external audio sources to headphones. As a rule, the role of audio input is performed by a 3.5 mm mini-Jack. Tactical headphones with an incoming audio connector provide the ability to combine sounds - both from the environment through built-in microphones, and transmitted information from external sources (for example, a walkie-talkie), which can be useful in tactical operations.

The presence of a microphone in the design of tactical headphones actually turns them into a headset and allows them to be used for voice communication - for example, to confirm received commands over a walkie-talkie, talk on a paired mobile phone, etc. Also, built-in microphones often allow fighters to communicate with each other without the need to use radios and other external means.

Tactical headphones are protected from dust and moisture. This paragraph also clarifies the level of such protection in accordance with the IP standard.

The degree of protection is usually denoted by two numbers according to the IP standard. The first number corresponds to dust protection. As a rule, tactical headphones indicate their maximum ratings of “5” and “6” (dust resistance without complete closure and complete dust resistance, respectively). The second digit indicates the degree of protection against water. For moisture-resistant models with splash protection, markings up to the number “6” are used. Full water resistance corresponds to levels 7 (possibility of immersion under water to a depth of 1 m for half an hour) or 8 (possibility of prolonged operation under water at a depth of more than 1 m). Thus, the maximum degree of protection according to this standard is IP68, completely sealed. There are also IPX8 markings, where the first digit is not indicated - this means that the headphones have not undergone official certification for dust resistance. However, water resistance level 8 automatically entails a sealed case that is also impenetrable to dust.

This paragraph specifies the method of using headphones in conjunction with a tactical helmet or helmet (if such a possibility is provided in principle). Thus, many models can be worn under a helmet - under-helmet earcups usually have a more compact design, a flat headband and a low profile to fit comfortably under tactical head gear. Models of the helmet-mount type are fixed to the helmet using special guides for the rails of the OPS-CORE FAST, TOR-D, etc. systems.

Low-profile cups in the design of tactical earmuffs have a flatter, more compact, and thinner profile compared to traditional models. They are designed to minimize protrusions and bulk for comfortable earmuffs wear with a helmet or protective headgear (see above).

The ability to compactly fold tactical headphones for easy storage and carrying during non-working hours. Folded headphones take up minimal space, and the likelihood of damage is minimized.