Description

StageBug SB-7 Earmuff by Radial Engineering is a passive device that manages headphone monitoring. It features a stereo input with level control, and an amplified output, where standard ¼" or 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones can be connected. A Mono switch sums the stereo track to mono for listening, while the "OFF" button deactivates the left headphone cup, leaving the right unaffected. Radial SB-7 is completely passive, does not alter signal quality, and does not require power.

Key Features

    
• Deactivates one side of the headphones
    
• Choice of source to listen to: playback or instrument
    
• Sets the ideal Volume level for the artist
    
• Completely passive, no power required

When performing an overdub in an orchestral context, the musician usually listens to a prerecorded track while performing their part. To better hear the intonation and timbre of the instrument, the performer sometimes removes one side of the headphones away from an ear. In this way, the headphone level is increased, and as a consequence, the sound from the open headphone is picked up by the recording microphone, contaminating the mix. This is a fairly common problem when recording violins, flutes, and other orchestral instruments. The Radial StageBug SB-7 Earmuff is a compact device that solves this problem by allowing the artist to turn off one of the headphone cups.

SB-7 Applications

Using the SB-7 with one ear

In the studio, many vocalists and instrumentalists prefer to take one side of their headphones off their ear to hear the natural sound of their instrument or other artists present. The earmuff provides attenuation for this side, preventing bleed into surrounding microphones.

Using the SB-7 as a Stereo/Mono Summer

When listening to only one side of the headphones, half of the mix is lost! The Earmuff offers a mono sum button to ensure everything is heard.

Using the SB-7 as a local volume control

Larger recording studios generally employ a stereo power amplifier to drive multiple sets of headphones simultaneously. Using the Earmuff as a simple volume control allows each musician to set the level to achieve a comfortable listening level that best suits their instrument and performance style.