Technology & Innovation

Author: anonymDate: 2024-11-20 18:15:52

Assessment: Loop Switch 2

These adjustable earplugs let you fine-tune your noise reduction—within reason.

I dedicate considerable time to evaluating auditory aids for WIRED. However, situations frequently arise where sound reduction is paramount. I've long admired Loop Earplugs (Belgium), primarily due to their exceptional fit and secure, namesake loop design. Their aesthetic appeal is also noteworthy. Loop currently offers at least nine earplug variations, each calibrated for specific noise attenuation levels and applications—sleep, concerts, concentration, etc. Selecting the appropriate model can be complex, and differentiating multiple pairs for diverse settings proves challenging given their similar appearance. The initial Loop Switch resolved this difficulty; it integrated three earplugs, each offering a distinct decibel reduction. Loop's latest iteration, the Switch 2, boasts “significant enhancements in comfort, design, and performance,” according to the manufacturer. Similar to its predecessor, the Switch 2 utilizes a clever mechanism within the loop. Rotating the loop forward diminishes decibel (dB) reduction. Conversely, backward rotation activates internal noise-dampening components (membrane, mesh filter, acoustic channel), resulting in amplified sound blocking.

Three volume settings are available: Quiet mode (26-dB reduction), providing maximum noise cancellation; Experience mode (23-dB reduction), filtering noise while preserving auditory richness; and Engage mode (20-dB reduction), attenuating ambient sound while maintaining speech comprehension. All dB reduction levels surpass the original Switch (25, 21, and 17 dB, respectively).

To assess performance, I rigorously tested the Loop Switch 2 in various contexts, including the recent Austin City Limits Festival. (Full disclosure: Loop provided event tickets specifically for product evaluation.) The results were consistently exceptional. Initial testing compared the Switch 2 with my established Loop Experience 2 (17-dB reduction) earplugs. The difference between modes is evident, particularly at lower ambient noise levels. Conversation was readily intelligible in Engage mode, whereas the more pronounced Quiet mode significantly muted sound, hindering audibility and necessitating lip-reading.

In loud environments (e.g., concerts), the disparity between modes was less pronounced. However, near the stage, the greater attenuation was preferable. Audio remained immersive across all modes, with bass toned down and overall sound balanced. Harsh guitar tones were softened, improving lyric comprehension—a persistent challenge for me at live events. Yes, I’m of a certain age.

The Switch 2 is smaller than its predecessor, and the control dial is easily manipulated, even while wearing the earplugs. Four finishes are available, along with Loop's standard assortment of four sizes of silicone ear tips, facilitating optimal fit.

A compact plastic case is included, but I favored using the Loop Link cord ($25), a lanyard connecting the earbuds via a magnetic clasp. This greatly simplified insertion and removal, eliminating the need to search for the case—and preventing accidental drops in low-light conditions. The Link's convenience makes previous carrying methods seem cumbersome. Does the Loop Switch 2's adjustable decibel approach revolutionize earplugs? No. Prior to its introduction, my older Loop earplugs adequately served my needs at concerts and similar events. However, regular Switch 2 use reveals the value of its enhanced versatility, despite the relatively minor upgrade.