My Audio World
Chris Kimsey
Products Mentioned
As a long-time user of Flare’s earphone and IEM ranges, producer and engineer Chris Kimsey had never felt the need to try our Calmer range. Chris recently got in touch however, to tell us how an unexpected exposure to loud sound led him to discover a use for Calmer that has made a huge difference for him.
Over to you Chris…!
“The role of an engineer is very much a facilitator - aiding the artist to fulfil their potential; this may be using the studio equipment, suggesting arrangements, or knowing other artists who could embellish the sound. Hearing is a vital aspect to the job.
Seven weeks ago, I was invited to a Q&A followed by a live performance at a small venue in Soho, to promote an album that I had recorded and produced. The venue was absolutely packed; small and intimate with about 100 people, and sat at the front I had no way to escape. I enjoy these events - it’s great to talk about the journey of making an album with an artist, but when the music started and the band began to play, it was so loud it was absolutely shocking - and a horrible sound too. The engineer had no idea what he was doing… it was all bass drum and voice.
I reached in my pocket to discover I’d forgotten my ear protectors. Now I’m trapped 6 feet away from the PA speaker which was tearing my head off. I couldn’t even see or get to the engineer to address the sound or get him to turn it down. After the event the hearing in my left ear was affected; a continued loud ringing noise, loud and painful. The journey home was a nightmare with continuous ringing in my ear, something I’d never experienced before. My ears are my livelihood and I protect them working in my studio. I do not monitor the loud. I respect my hearing, but I’m always shocked when I go to some venues and the sound is too loud - not just for me but for everyone in attendance.
A few days after the event my hearing was back, but I noticed that my tinnitus levels had soared. Like most musicians, producers and engineers in older age, tinnitus arrives. Mine has been very low level and doesn’t distract me. I’ve learnt to understand it, what triggers it and what calms it. But the trauma from attending this event changed that. I noticed it much louder when I was sleeping, or trying to sleep!
I have been an ambassador for Flare Audio for many years, working with Flare to install the loud speakers into cinemas including Olympic Studios, Selfridges Cinema and Art Cinemas in Battersea Power Station. The journey the company has been on is unique and I have so much respect for the founders, Davies and Naomi - the heart and soul of Flare.
I remembered that a few years ago they’d sent me one of their new products, called Calmer. At that time, I didn’t feel I needed them. But now I needed something - I really needed help. I couldn’t believe the transition that happened.
After one day of wearing Calmer my tinnitus levels dropped back down to where they were before the trauma event, my tinnitus levels in sleeping were back to a normal level; it’s as if someone had hypnotised my tinnitus and told it to turn it down.
It truly is quite amazing what these little things can do.
I know they weren’t designed for tinnitus, but I cannot speak more highly of what Calmer have done for me. Not only with my hearing, but in reducing the stress and anxiety of my experience. The Flare motto is Long Live Ears, and they truly do understand how to protect and enhance our hearing experience.
Thank you Flare. Outstanding"
A Note
We were blown away by Chris' experience and are so glad Calmer have helped him. It’s important to note that Calmer weren’t designed to help with tinnitus, but have repeatedly been praised for helping with noise sensitivity conditions, such as misophonia and hyperacusis.
When customers currently ask us if Calmer is suitable to help with tinnitus, we advise they weren't designed for this purpose. Whilst we wouldn't recommend buying them solely for this, people’s experiences vary. Calmer are however widely known to help with a range of noise sensitivity conditions.
Products Mentioned
Calmer® is an ear plug alternative that reduces stress from noise without lowering volume. Unlike regular earplugs that reduce volume and muffle sound, Calmer are hollow and sim...
Don't be caught out with out hearing protection like Chris!
Isolate earplugs are precision-made from aerospace-grade aluminium or titanium and include four pairs of super-soft, replaceable memory foam tips for a comfortable, premium fit.
Andy treacy, Drummer of Faithless [left], Chris Kimsey [right]
There is nothing Chris enjoys more than recording a band in a studio setting as if in a live environment. With his unique tenure at the top of the studio game, Chris has an impressive CV. If you were to add up the millions of records Chris has helped to sell, these would include Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive, the great Paris trilogy by The Rolling Stones of Some Girls, Emotional Rescue and Tattoo You and ELP's Brain Salad Surgery. Just those albums alove would account for over 45 million copies.
