Best earplugs for concerts, festivals, sporting & other loud events

If you're searching for the best earplugs for loud events, I’ve got you covered.

As a professional music photographer, I work around loud music constantly and have tried everything from cheap foam earplugs to custom-molded ones costing hundreds.

This article breaks down my top earplug recommendations based on the level of noise protection, comfort, and ease of use.

How is sound measured?

Sound is measured with decibels, also written as “dB”. The decibel scale ranges from 0 dB to 300 dB. Zero represents absolute silence, whereas three hundred represents the loudest sound in the world.

Loudest sounds in the world

Some of the loudest sounds in the world include a AC/DC concert (135 dB), gunfire (155 dB), NHRA Dragsters (160 dB), Space Shuttle lunch (165-170 dB) a 1-ton TNT bomb (210 dB) and a 5.0 Earthquake (235 dB). The loudest sound ever recorded was the Tunguska Meteor at 300-315 dB.

Why wear hearing protection?

The threshold for physical pain from loud noises is 120 dB. Hearing loss can happen from extended exposure to nearly any noise, but anything over 100 dB can cause damage within minutes.

How loud is too loud?

The safe statutory limit for noise exposure is 80 decibels (dB). Regular exposure to noise above this level can lead to irreversible hearing damage. At concerts, noise levels can reach up to 120 dB, which is very harmful.

Signs of Hearing Loss

There are many signs that humans show when their hearing begins to deteriorate. These signs included ear pain, ear itching, muffled hearing, pus leaking from the ear, tinnitus, as well as having a difficult time hearing what people say.

The question is, which earplugs will work best for you as a concert photographer?

With so many options on the market, ranging from $5 to $500, it can be hard to choose the right pair. After testing various earplugs, here are my top recommendations - let’s dive into my top picks in more detail:

Eargasm - High Fidelity

The Eargasms are my top pick for advanced earplugs. They come in two sizes and are the only triple-flange silicone earplugs that fit every ear canal perfectly. With a noise reduction rating of -21 dB, they offer some of the best protection in this price range. Plus, they come with a sleek aluminum case to keep your earplugs safe.

Alpine - MusicSafe Pro

I’ve used the Alpine Music Pros for years, and they’ve been incredibly reliable. They're unique in offering three interchangeable filter sets for low, medium, and high protection, with the high-protection filter being my go-to. The double silicone flange provides a great fit and long-lasting comfort (for example on concert tournaments). Offering sound protection between -16 to -18 dB, they come in one size and include a handy plastic storage box. If you’re ready to invest in top-quality earplugs, the Alpine Music Safe Pros are a winner—they even won the Red Dot Award 2015.

Etymotic - ER20 ETY & ER20SX

For concerts that last around 1-3 hours, I recommend using “musician’s earplugs” such as the Earaser, Etymotic ER20XS, or Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs. These models are specifically designed to let you enjoy the music at safer levels, while maintaining sound clarity and avoiding the muffled distortion that comes with traditional hearing protection. They’re easy to insert and remove, which is perfect for taking them out between sets when chatting with friends, unlike foam options. Plus, they’re reusable, making them a great value for regular concert-goers.

Etymotic ER20 ETY

Etymotic ER20SX

Etymotic - ER125-MPE

The Etymotic Music Pro Elite Rechargeable Active Hearing Protection is a cutting-edge solution for musicians who want to hear naturally while protecting their hearing. It uses active technology to constantly evaluate incoming sound and offers two modes of operation. In Low Mode, it provides transparent audio for sounds under 90 dB, while offering 15 dB of attenuation when sound exceeds 90 dB, reducing only the loudest sounds without distorting the rest. In High Mode, it delivers a 6 dB audio boost for sounds below 90 dB and 9 dB of attenuation for louder sounds, ensuring precise protection. The earbuds offer an impressive 16-20 hours of use per charge, with the case providing 15+ additional charges.

The overall sound experience was superb and natural and the different filter tips which are delivered with the earplugs, will ensure you’ll find the right fit for you. The drawback of the Music Pro is the amount of work you have to go through to enjoy their benefits.

HEAROS - Ultimate Softness

If you want to truly enjoy the music at a concert or festival and are standing some distance from the big speakers, or only exposed to high volumes for a short period, I recommend the musician's earplugs mentioned above. They offer excellent sound clarity while protecting your ears from harmful noise levels.

But if you're spending really long periods of time near the stage, especially near the speakers, I'd recommend foam options like the Hearos Ultimate Softness Series. These have 32dB noise reduction and offer better long-term comfort compared to other options like the Eargasm High Fidelity, Alpine MusicSafe Pro and the Etymotic. The added protection makes a big difference, especially at multi-day festivals where loud music can be heard for extended periods of time.

Summary

Most people would benefit from a pair of Etymotic ER20 ETY & ER20SX for almost any occasion, or the Hearos Ultimate Softness Series earplugs when maximum noise protection is needed. If you're a musician or professional music photographer around loud music regularly, it's worth investing in Eargasm High Fidelity or Alpine MusicSafe Pro.

However, it's best to invest in custom earplugs, even at a price of $200 or more.

Shopping List of the products I’ve mentioned

• Eargasm High Fidelity

• Alpine MusicSafe Pro

• Etymotic ER20 ETY

• Etymotic ER20SX

• Etymotic ER125-MPE

• HEAROS Ultimate Softness

All available on Amazon. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use and believe in!

Do you have any recommendations or personal guidelines that you find helpful?

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on “Best earplugs for concerts, festivals, sporting & other loud events”.

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POWERSPEDAL “POWERSNABO - Nasty Bomb” (Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedal)

The “POWERSNABO - Nasty Bomb” - An absolute recommendation if fat, rocking riffs are your thing and if you love to having a great time with your guitar.

"POWERSNABO - Nasty Bomb", a guitar pedal effect (from the POWERSPEDAL series) meticulously crafted by Andrew B. Powers, is an overdrive that takes tonal excellence to the next level, which rather boldly claims to beat all the others! Sonically most overdrives can sound thin or lack a "certain something” - This is where the "POWERSNABO - Nasty Bomb" comes in. This allows you to hit the sound of an amplifier that is about to explode.

The sounds produced are not only inspiring, they are extremely addictive!

The heart of this awesome effect pedal is a special "engine" inside, cascading that tone filled gain from input to output and tuned to deliver maximum tonality for as wide a range of amps as possible.

With effective knob twiddling you will achieve overdrive tonal perfection, from subtle through to searing, think slightly hairy blues to hard rock.

The first three controls VOLUME, GAIN and TONE are self-explanatory. Meanwhile, a fourth control, CALIBER, sets the level of a secondary overdrive stage that cascades with the first drive section. With effective knob twiddling you will achieve tonal perfection.

Like a tube amp, the "POWERSNABO - Nasty Bomb" is responsive to your guitar’s controls and the sensational responsiveness of this effect pedal makes using the Volume and Tone knobs to add and remove distortion particularly rewarding.

Key Features:
- Controls: VOLUME, GAIN, TONE, CALIBER
- True-bypass switch
- Status LED
- Built to withstand the rigors of live performance
- Handcrafted
- Unique serial number

Specifications:
Power supply (not included): 9V DC
Input: 1/4" // 6.35mm TS (mono) jack
Output: 1/4" // 6.35mm TS (mono) jack
Dimensions (case): 4.75in x 2.61in x 1.42in // 121mm x 66mm x 36mm
Weight: 9.67oz // 274g

Box content:
- The “POWERSNABO - Nasty Bomb” guitar effect pedal

Designed and handwired with ❤️ in the California and England.

Order yours today and experience the difference it can make in your audio setup!

Check out this great guitar effect pedals too

• ➡️ POWERSPEDAL “POWERSVOLA - Voodoo Lady”

• ➡️ POWERSPEDAL “POWERSMIRA - Mighty Rats”

• ➡️ POWERSPEDAL “POWERSVICJ - Vicious Joker“

• ➡️ POWERSPEDAL "THE SUCKER!" - Dying Battery Simulator

If you have any questions, please drop me a message!

Metering & Exposure - Concert photography 101 - Part 2

In the first part of this series, I covered my basic four-step approach to determining exposure and also mentioned that I don't rely on in-camera light meters.

My four-step method is an excellent foundation for determining exposure in concert lighting. With practice, you can achieve accurate exposure even as light levels shift, without needing constant review and adjustment. Once you've mastered setting a baseline exposure, as explained in the previous article, you're ready to take your skills to the next level.

In this second installment, I'll share some other techniques that I use in addition to this feedback method.

These three approaches to metering and exposure for concert photography are designed to boost efficiency. With three-song limits becoming the norm, the more time you spend looking through the viewfinder rather than at the LCD, the better.

Please notice:

In addition, dealing with the least number of variables possible will help you with the next technique: memorization.

Facilitate

When I shoot, I strive to keep my exposure settings consistent across different lighting setups. More options don’t always lead to better decisions, and simplifying my approach allows me to focus on the shot itself rather than unnecessary adjustments. The fewer settings you need to adjust, the faster and more efficiently you can work.

By minimizing the amount of information you need to manage and narrowing your options, you achieve a level of simplicity while still retaining the flexibility of manual control.

Memorize

Just as music follows patterns, the design of concert lighting does as well. A lighting technician often revisits the same lighting scheme multiple times throughout a set, sometimes even several times within a single song.

One effective technique for improving your metering workflow in the stage pit is to develop the habit of memorizing the exposure settings.

As lighting settings repeat, having already memorized the exposure for a specific scheme will save you time and allow you to focus on capturing awesome photos rather than getting bogged down by a bunch camera settings.

Anticipate

Believe it or not, your eyes and brain can serve as highly capable and responsive judges of ambient light. Training them can significantly enhance your ability to achieve more accurate and consistent light metering.

In fact, the first step to internalizing light levels is something you’re likely already practicing in the stage pit and even before the show begins: Guessing!
The estimated of the lamount of light is already part of your feedback loop - so make it count and enhance your skills in making those estimations more and more accurate.

Final note

The goal of using these techniques is to reduce the steps between envisioning the shot and capturing it and allowing you to achieve optimal exposure with minimal effort - in a nutshell, this enables you to work as efficiently as possible. By combining all these tricks, you'll be able to adjust exposure on the fly and keeping the post-processing workload to a smal level.

Also check out

• ➡️ Metering & Exposure - Concert photography 101 - Part 1

Do you have any recommendations or personal guidelines that you find helpful?

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on “Metering & Exposure - Concert photography 101 - Part 2”.

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Metering & Exposure - Concert photography 101 - Part 1

Capturing the perfect exposure in concert photography is one of the biggest challenges, whether you're a novice or an experienced pro.

From the dim, moody lighting of intimate club gigs to the intense, blinding lights of arena shows - navigating these extremes requires skill and precision. However, finding the right exposure isn’t as difficult as it might seem.

Here’s my guide to determining the best exposure settings for concert photography

The following is my standard process for setting exposure, which I always perform in manual mode at the beginning of a set.

1.) Take a test shot

For this test frame, I'll estimate the exposure based on the venue's lighting conditions. Typically, I set the aperture around f/2.8 or f/3.2 and a shutter speed of 1/160, with ISO ranging between 1600 and 6400.

2.) Check histogram & image

That's right, chimp it up. In reviewing the above test frame, I'll look at both the histogram and overall rendition of the image. With the latter, it's important to use a camera with a fairly accurate LCD, otherwise one can be misled. I'll also review the areas of blown highlights to ensure that important details are intact in the subject.Of the four steps, this is both the most difficult and the most important. The good thing is, if you blow it, you've always got another shot.

3.) Refine & retry

Is the photo too bright or too dark? Return to step one and make adjustments as needed. Tweak the ISO, shutter speed, or aperture - whatever it takes. Once you've perfected it, move on to the final step.

4.) Set it up, relaxe

Once you've found the ideal exposure for the current lighting, use those settings as your reference and focus on capturing photos - there's no need to overthink the technical details anymore. From this point, it's best to adjust only one setting as needed. I primarily focus on adjusting the shutter speed, even during performances, unless the conditions have changed drastically.

If the lighting conditions change - they inevitably will - and you still feel uncertain about your settings, simply return to the first step and repeat the process from the beginning.

Please notice:

I didn't talk about the different in-camera exposure methods or any automatic mode for a reason.

Any experienced photographer will tell you that light meters can be unreliable; they are rarely 100% accurate for any scene or situation. Because the camera can never truly know which part of the composition is most important or where the exposure needs to be prioritized. This is especially true for concert photography, where lighting can be particularly difficult.

Final note

This four-step system offers a strong foundation for finding the correct exposure settings, even in challenging conditions like intense strobes, powerful spotlights and rapid shifts in the overall lighting design. In these cases, it's crucial to adjust the shutter speed very quickly to stay in sync with the changing light. However, with enough practice and experience, this will become second nature and shouldn’t be an issue.

In the next installment of this two-part series, I will delve deeper into the additional techniques that I use alongside this routine to ensure optimal exposure while photographing a concert.

Also check out

➡️ Metering & Exposure - Concert photography 101 - Part 2

Do you have any recommendations or personal guidelines that you find helpful?

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on “Metering & Exposure - Concert photography 101 - Part 1”.

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If you like my work or the free stuff and want to say thank you, please use this opportunity now and

THANK YOU, very much! 🙏🏻

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POWERSSUMO - MIDI Sustain & Modulation Pedal

This pedal is designed to work with any MIDI keyboards, that don't have a dedicated 6.3 jack.

If you're a keyboard player, you know how important sustain and modulation pedals can be to create the right sound and expression in your playing. However, not all MIDI keyboards come with a 6.3 jack to connect one. That's where the POWERSSUMO - MIDI Sustain & Modulation Pedal comes in.

This pedal is designed to work with almost any keyboards. It connects to your keyboard through the MIDI port and provides sustain or modulation capabilities.

Introducing this versatile and dynamic MIDI sustain and modulation pedal - a game-changer for any keyboardist. Because this pedal provides two effects in one. When one of its modes is switched on and active, the built-in LED indicates this with a short flashing sequence of 5 times. With the switch in the "S" position, the pedal provides a realistic and precise sustain effect that allows you to control the length of your notes with ease. And with the switch in the "M" position, the pedal provides a dynamic modulation effect that adds depth and expression to your playing. With the built-in LED that turns on when the foot switch is pushed, you'll always know when the effect is engaged.

The original Hammond enclosure has the great typical ANDREW B. POWERS design and is made from high-quality diecast aluminum with a metallic finish. Therefore that can withstand the rigors of regular use. Rubber feet guarantee a stable and secure standing position. The design is very sleek and compact, making it easy to transport and use in a variety of settings. It’s the smallest pedal available on the market.

In summary, the POWERSSUMO - MIDI Sustain & Modulation Pedal is a must-have accessory for any keyboardist looking to add greater control, expression, and versatility to their playing.

Specifications:
Output: MIDI-USB-B-Buchse, MIDI DIN (5V)
Power supply: 9V Battery
Current consumption: 8mA
Quiescent current: 2mA
Dimensions (case): 3.65in x 1.52in x 1.22in // 93mm x 39mm x 31mm
Weight: 5.75oz // 163g

Box content:
- The famous POWERSSUMO - MIDI Sustain & Modulation Pedal

Designed and handwired with ❤️ in the California and England.

Order yours today and experience the difference it can make in your audio setup!

If you have any questions, please drop me a message!

POWERSRECCAB - Design Record Cabinet

The POWERSRACK is beautiful uniquely handmade design cabinet for vinyl records, Hi-Fi equipment and books

Indulge your passion for music with the POWERSRECCAB. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exceptional record cabinet offers a stylish and practical solution for storing your beloved vinyl collection.

The sturdiness of solid multiplex beech panels ensure that each of the four compartments has been ingeniously crafted to accommodate approximately 52-64 records (album, 33 rpm) along with their covers. This means that records with a total weight of up to 204 lbs. (92.4kg) can be loaded.

Except for the wood of the top, everything was stained was staining with a mid walnut color and coated with five layers of the finest shellac. So the surfaces look fantastic.

What truly sets this record cabinet apart is the table top, which have been artfully repurposed from reclaimed wood boards and beams. These reclaimed wood have lived lifetimes as part of industrial businesses, construction companies and old houses, including wood washed up on shores. After extensive cleaning and sanding, several coats of Danish Oil were applied to seal and finish the beautiful wood surface of the table top. As a result, a satin matte finish is created that is hard, durable and incredibly attractive. Please note: Table top plate which can be seen in these photos is made of wood from a burnt down house.

To protect the covers of the records when removing and loading into the cabinet, the bottoms of the compartments are lined with soft but durable felt.

Designed with both style and functionality in mind, the classic hairpin legs lend a modern flair to the cabinet, beautifully complementing any décor. The steel legs are sealed with a special rust preventing coat, few natural rust spots may appears, this gives a great and more aged industrial feel.

Included in the scope of delivery are rubber tips for the ends of the hairpin legs. The rubber tips help keep the furniture from shifting or gliding on bare floors while offering protection from scratches to the floor.

Record sideboards are designed with enough space to store Hi-Fi and power cables on the back. As a result, the POWERSRECCAB can be placed very close to any wall.

Whether it graces your living room, music corner, entertainment area, music studio or record store, this cabinet becomes the centerpiece that sparks conversations and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

The POWERSRECCAB are 55.11in/140.0cm wide, 15.75”/40.0cm deep (depth of compartments 13.19in/33.5cm) and 29.5in/75.0cm high (length of the legs 14.17in/36.0cm). Available in color of walnut (“WEST HOLLYWOOD”). This studio rack is available in UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Designed and manufactured with ❤️ in the California and England.

Order yours today and experience the difference it can make in your audio setup!

If you have any questions, please drop me a message!

What are LUTs? - In simple words!

You would like to use LUT? Here is what you need to know.

First things first, what are LUTs?

The abbreviation LUT is an acronym that stands for “LookUp Table”. Very basically, LUTs can be seen as “video filters”, like (photo) Presets for Adobe Lightroom.

LUTs are used in many different scenarios from creative looks, calibrating monitors or even log conversion LUTs. They are universal compatible in most video editing software which makes them very easy to transfer color profiles between all your software and devices.

Technical explanation

A LUT file is only a simple table of numerical values used to adjust an image’s visual properties.

You can open a LUT file in TextEdit or Notepad and read it.

Just plain text readable numbers, in a specific order. But this simplicity, makes the tool so powerful. Because you can use LUTs in almost every Video editing software like Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve, Adobe’s Premiere Pro, Apple’s Final Cut Pro X or any other program that supports 3D .cube files.

Every LUT file spells out what those numbers mean. So each number in the table refers to a specific color value in your footage and the numbers in the table tell the video editing software how to change it. Make it brighter or darker, more contrasty, more saturated, redder, greener, bluer or whatever combination is specified.

1D and 3D LUTs

There are 1D and 3D LUTs. The difference between them is that a a 1D LUT only applies to a single color channel (like the curves control in Photoshop) whereas a 3D LUT is a cube like matrix covering transforms for all three color channels across any and all combinations. Whenever “LUTs” has been mentioned so far, it has always meant “3D LUTs”.

Color Space and Picture Profiles

Many of the latest mirrorless cameras come equipped with advanced video features, such as the ability to shoot in a flat picture profile like LOG, Cinestyle or HLG. However, when you view the resulting footage without any further color grading, it may appear unimpressive, lacking depth, and looking rather "washed out."

The reason behind this is that these profiles are designed to capture as much dynamic range as possible. The internal data of the camera, such as saturation, shadows, mid-tones and highlights, needs to be as neutral as possible to avoid losing color information or overexposing highlights, resulting in blown-out areas.

This neutral starting point is critical when color grading in post-production, as it gives us the freedom to manipulate the footage's color and contrast as desired without compromising the image's quality. Therefore, while the footage may look dull initially, it provides a solid foundation for creating a stunning final product.

How to use a LUT?

You can use LUTs in almost every Video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X or DaVinci Resolve or any other program that supports 3D .cube files. In most programs you can do so by adding a LUT Effect to your clip and then add the .cube LUT to your footage.

What are the benefits of LUTs?

A few reasons why Lookup Tables (LUTs) have become an essential tool in modern digital media production. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, from adding creative looks to videos, to calibrating monitors, and even converting log footage.

Easy to use
LUTs are incredibly user-friendly and easy to work with. These compact files, typically around 1MB in size, can be used with all major editing software without any issues. Each LUT contains a specific color value, making it an indispensable tool for a variety of purposes, such as presets, monitor calibration and more.

Compatibility
LUTs are universally compatible, making them the standard for seamless integration between hardware and software. Regardless of the editing software or hardware you're using, LUTs will work smoothly and efficiently.

Software
LUTs are compatible with almost all editing software. If you find that your software doesn't support LUTs, it's highly recommended to switch to a more modern and up-to-date editing software that is compatible with LUTs. There are numerous video editing software options on the market today, and choosing the right one for your needs can be a daunting task.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced editor, finding the right editing software with LUT support will enhance your workflow and enable you to produce high-quality video projects. With LUTs, you can easily achieve stunning color grades and transform your videos into masterpieces that will capture the attention of your audience.

Hardware
This is where LUTs are used in more technical environments. They are widely used for calibrating computer monitors and camera monitors to ensure accurate color representation.

Lookup Tables (LUTs) are highly used to give a specific look on your monitor while filming in the camera world. By implementing LUTs, you can obtain a preview of the final footage and have a better understanding of its overall visual aesthetic. Especially when you shooting in Log color space, it can be challenging to envision the final appearance of your footage after color correction. The Log color space tends to appear dull, with a lack of vibrant colors. To tackle this issue and ensure a more enjoyable filming experience, camera operators rely on LUTs.

Color calibration
Color calibration is a well-known term that has been in use for many years. Monitors adhere to a defined set of color rules to provide a specific color space on the screen. LUTs play a crucial role in this process. They serve as a preset that holds the colors for the monitor to read, enabling more accurate and consistent color representation. This technique is also widely used in the film industry for on-set monitoring too.

Color correcting and Color Grading
LUTs play a significant role in video editing and are particularly valuable for those who may not have the necessary artistic skills or interest in the color grading process. LUTs can provide a convenient and powerful solution to enhance the creative process of video editing.

One area where LUTs are especially useful is correcting Log footage to achieve a natural look. Without LUTs, editors would spend a significant amount of time attempting to accomplish this manually. To streamline this process, I have developed a series of LUTs designed to save time and ensure optimal results.

What is the best camera for video and LUTs?

Almost every camera nowadays can be a powerful tool to record professional video. My first camera when I started with professional videos was a full frame Canon 5D MKII. Later I got myself small and bigger mirrorless camera that let me shoot beautiful up to 8K videos.

Over the years I tried several other camera brands like Blackmagic Design, Sony, Nikon and Panasonic while searching for my personal perfect setup. In the end for me, I don't care about brands. I prioritize using equipment that meets my needs and is available.

It's really not about the specs! But it’s about knowing how to get the most out of your camera and storytelling that touch.

So let me tell you this - All of the cameras out there can turn an idea into a masterpiece.

Any downsides?

There aren't many downsides to Lookup Tables (LUTs).

You can of course add edits on top of the LUTs, but you cannot edit the core value of the LUTs. Another downside is that LUTs don't carry all color grading information. You cannot change the exposure or any luma settings. and you cannot isolate specific colors to individually change them.

If you really wanted to color grade to the top-level, you would be using Blackmagic's DaVinci Resolve to color your own footage.

Why should you use LUTs?

Lookup Tables are an invaluable tool for video editors of all levels, from beginners to Hollywood professionals. Essentially, LUTs are pre-configured color presets that can be used to apply specific looks and styles to video footage, and are compatible with all major editing software.

One of the most common uses for LUTs is for color grading. By applying a LUT, you can instantly achieve a particular color grade or look, which can then be refined further to create a unique and striking visual style for your video project.

LUTs can also be used to bring Log footage back to life, by adding contrast and saturation to otherwise flat-looking footage. This can be achieved by applying a specific LUT that converts the Log footage into a Rec709 color space.

LUTs are not only limited to post-production; they can also be loaded into camera monitors or desktop monitors. By using LUTs to calibrate your monitor, you can achieve accurate and true-to-life colors, which is especially important when color grading footage. For on-set monitoring, LUTs can be used to give an idea of what the finished look of the film might be or even to preview a natural look when using Log profiles.

With their versatility and ease of use, LUTs are an essential tool for any video editor looking to achieve stunning and professional-looking results.

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If you like my work or the free stuff and want to say thank you, please use this opportunity now and

THANK YOU, very much! 🙏🏻

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BIG security risk - Photo passes on social media

Social media has an undeniable impact on our world and of course that includes the music industry, including the niche of concert photographies. As photographers in this field, we deal with visual media that ranges from showcasing our work to providing insights into our lives.

For emerging music photographers and individuals involved in live events may be excited to receive credentials. Whether it's a coveted photo pass, a tour laminate, or a festival credential, the inclination to share images of these achievements on social media is entirely natural. However, here's why you shouldn't.

Security measure

Passes serve as a vital security measure, designed to guarantee that only authorized individuals gain access to restricted areas. These include not only sensitive locations such as backstage areas, dressing rooms, rest areas, technical areas, parking for nightliners and trucks or the catering, but the events as a whole as well.

The passes are primarily important for the organizers of the event and the security. Because they are a fundamental part of ensuring the safety of the event staff and visitors.

Forged passes

The critical reason for refraining from posting photos of photo passes, tour laminates, and other event credentials is the ongoing issue of people attempting to counterfeit these items in order to gain unauthorized access to events.

A noteworthy incident from 2021 involved a TikToker who garnered attention for fabricating a pass for a Kanye Donda event. On camera, he boasted about securing a better view of the show than even Kanye's own family. This individual had discovered a social media post displaying the passes. He built a rough facsimile and made his way through the security easily.

There are special forums on Reddit communities dedicated only to the art of pass forgery and admission tickets. Additionally, there is a group of wannabe influencers who engage in pass counterfeiting as a means to attend concerts and other events -only to get attention in the social media.

More complications

Nearly every photographer has encountered situations where they received one set of instructions from an authority figure of the event organizer only for security to have conflicting interpretations. Then, despite previously clearly communicated and established rules, misunderstandings can arise. Access restrictions, limited time quotas and more are then the result.

Counterfeiting passes adds an additional layer of complexity and challenge for everyone involved. Whenever there is a perceived security risk, security measures are intensified, leading to increased scrutiny of all individuals. Publicly sharing images of photo passes on social media compounds this problem by amplifying the need for heightened security measures.

Security

Credentials play a vital role in facilitating access to secure areas, and it's imperative that only authorized individuals occupy these spaces. I'd rather not get into the most extreme possible consequences of publishing credentials on the Internet.

I implore you, let's prioritize the safety. Let's ensure the well-being of our peers, the fans, and the artists.

Therefore, please refrain from sharing photos of your event credentials online. This includes not just your photo passes but also your tour laminates, festival badges and also your ID.

Timing

When is it appropriate to share photos of passes? The safest timing would be once the tour has concluded. Credentials are routinely changed from one tour year to the next, precisely to enhance safety. After one tour concludes, the subsequent tour featuring the same artist will introduce entirely new sets of credentials with distinct appearances.

If you still decide to post a pass online, I strongly advise waiting until the tour or festival has wrapped up.

How to

If you wish to share images from your work while using a photo pass, it's advisable not to show it. Ideally, remove it and stow it in your pocket or somewhere discreet. Always make sure that the pass isn't easily recognizable.

For BTS photos, you can get creative by adding GIFs, stickers, or emojis over the photo pass to mask it. Basically, any method of hiding the pass is better than showing.

Conclusion

• Passes serve as a security measure

• There are individuals actively attempting to counterfeit passes

• Counterfeit passes pose a substantial security risk

• Fake passes and unauthorized entry attempts create difficulties for everyone

• Don't show your pass around swankily, when you're out in public

• If you do decide to post passes, then never during an ongoing tour or event

• Conceal passes within photos or cover them before posting

If you are new to music photography, welcome. Please share your photos - just not your photo passes!

Do you have any recommendations or personal guidelines that you find helpful?

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on “BIG security risk - Photo passes on social media”.

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THANK YOU, very much! 🙏🏻

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POWERSYAP - Headphone Amplifier

The POWERSYAP is the perfect solution for your audio problems.

The POWERSYAP is a pretty awesome headphone amp. Whether you're performing live, recording in the studio or want to practice your guitar playing without disturbing others or need a compact solution while traveling. This headphone amp is the perfect tool for any musician.

This headphone amp is versatile and can be used with a line-level mono output, like the monitor output from any mixing console, to power your headphones or in-ear monitors. It can also be used in the studio from a headphone output to give your artists volume control. Additionally, you can plug the headphone amp into those unused line outputs on the back of your interface to provide more headphone mixes for everyone in the studio.

If you own high-end headphones, this amplifier can also be a good investment to improve your listening experience. Because this kind of headphones have a High-impedance and require more power to drive to a reasonable volume. Using the POWERSYAP headphone amp with high-end headphones can result in improved sound quality, including better dynamics, clarity and detail in the audio.

You can plug in either a stereo TRS or a mono TS quarter inch cable to the YAP amp, and you can easily toggle between a mono or stereo input with the M/OFF/S switch on the back side. The LED indicates the active mode and whether the input signal is being processed as a incoming mono or stereo signal. The headphone amp is built with high-quality and reliable jack connectors from Neutrik. The original Hammond enclosure has the great typical ANDREW B. POWERS design and is made from high-quality diecast aluminum with a powder-coated smooth green finish.

The POWERSYAP is powered by an external 9-volt BOSS-style DC power supply, but it can also be powered by a 9-volt battery (battery clip included). This makes it perfect for situations where an external power supply is not available.

In summary, the POWERYAP headphone amplifier is a reliable and versatile device that will help you solve your audio problems and improve your guitar playing experience.

Specifications:
Input: 1/4" // 6.35mm TS/TRS (switchable mono/stereo) jack
Output: 1/4" // 6.35mm TRS stereo jack
Power supply: DC 9V
Quiescent current: 6mA
Recommended headphone impedance: 80-200Ohms
Dimensions (case): 4.43in x 2.38in x 1.22in // 113mm x 60mm x 31mm
Weight: 8.2oz // 233g

Box content:
- The famous POWERSYAP headphone amplifier
- 9-volt battery clip
- Adaptor for headphones (1/4 to 1/8 Inch)

Designed and handwired with ❤️ in the California and England.

Order yours today and experience the difference it can make in your audio setup!

If you have any questions, please drop me a message!

How to get the latest version of Python on your Mac - The right way!

How to install the latest version of Python on Mac OS (Big Sur)? A walk through for you!

If you run into this error…

WARNING: pip is being invoked by an old script wrapper. This will fail in a future version of pip. Please see https://github.com/pypa/pip/issues/5599 for advice on fixing the underlying issue. To avoid this problem you can invoke Python with '-m pip' instead of running pip directly.

…you have a problem with your Python installation!

Why you get this error message?

Python on a Macintosh running Mac OS is in principle very similar to Python on any other Unix platform. By default Mac OS comes with a Python 2.7 pre-installed by Apple, because several parts of the Mac OS rely on Python 2.x scripts, that Apple haven't updated yet. So the “for legacy purposes” is as much for Apple as any third-party scripts. Unfortunately it's either somewhat or very out of date, especially if you need Python 3.x.

How to fix it and overriding the old default pre-installed version?

I used Homebrew to (re)install Python and it’s really easy. Here is how to do this…

Open the terminal and enter this line to update Homebrew:

> brew update

To (re)install Python, run this command:

> brew install python

To see which version of Python your Mac is recognizing, enter this:

> python --version

It is still recognized only Python 2.7.17, you have to run the following command:

> brew info python

It told you the path to the newly installed Python 3.x.x. and this is what the command returned to you in terminal:

Now you have to change the path to Python in order for your Mac to recognize the just installed current version. So you have to add the following line at the bottom of the .zshrc file, to update the path to the new (re)installed version of Python 3.x.x via Homebrew:

> export PATH=/usr/local/opt/python/libexec/bin:$PATH

Then you make sure to quit the terminal window and go back in, so that the path would actually be updated in a new terminal window instance. Now check what version of Python was recognized, with:

> python --version

And this is what executed command returned:

Python 3.x.x

Yeah, success! That was quit simple, right!?
Happy coding!

Do you have any recommendations or personal guidelines that you find helpful?

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on “How to get the latest version of Python on your Mac - The right way!”.

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If you like my work or the free stuff and want to say thank you, please use this opportunity now and

THANK YOU, very much! 🙏🏻

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