Trying to get a better shot of the action, I walked towards the large speaker at the corner of the stage at Kenny's.

I held my phone, which I was using to capture video, as steady as possible and put these in my ears with my other hand... (See picture)

Behind me I heard a man tell the woman he was with, “If it's too loud, you're too old.” and they both laughed.

They probably didn't realize these are not ear plugs, and they actually allow me to hear more clearly.

Volume below a certain level is more about personal preference and tolerance than anything else. I'll admit, my tolerance is probably lower than those who have spent a lot of time in music venues over the years. Still, one of the most common reasons I get from people giving me a reason for not wanting to go out to see live music is the volume.

For me, it's not always about preference. Sometimes it's about the fact that I am trying to get the best pictures and videos for Peoria Music Live.

I can't count the number of times already that I've finished a night at different venues with my ears ringing because I stood right next to the speakers at some point.

I always wear them when I record from the stage at Persie's Suds and Grub in Creve Coeur. I was thankful I had them so that I could record at this angle when This One's Pink was there. This one is "Time."

For me it is easy to ignore the volume to get just one more good photo of the band or to make sure I catch the guitar solo on video... but it's not always the best idea for my ears.

These help.

They even make conversation easier.

Out of habit, I will often pop them out when someone talks to me while a band is playing. Really though, I hear conversations over the music better with them in.

Buying these V-Moda Faders is one of the best decisions I've made. They have a few different names. I call them my Faders. I've also seen them referred to as Ear Armor and "tuned ear plugs."

They are amazing, lowering the volume level by 12db across the board. They work for concerts, band practices, noisy children when you are trying to write a blog post, and even auto races.

The church I attend has loud enough music that there are ear plug dispensers in the foyer, so I'm familiar with the foam plugs.

Faders are completely different from foam ear plugs.

They are like turning down the volume on the world... but none of the detail goes anywhere.

It's how I learn to listen to and even enjoy certain genres that aren't typically my style, like metal. I was able to enjoy this Battery Masters of MetallicA show because I had them. 

I know this might read a little like a commercial, but I did not get paid to write this post.

I just love these things and think more people could use them. I did however, find an affiliate link. So, if you click through one of the links on this page and order them from Amazon, Peoria Music Live does receive a small commission.