85% Vol Reduction
From 115dB down to 85dB — that's 8× quieter to the human ear. Practice at conversation level.
Volume reduction system for trumpet and flugelhorn
The problem
You want to practice at home — but your family, neighbors, and even your pets disagree with your schedule. Traditional practice mutes seem like a solution, until you realize they fundamentally compromise your playing.
Excessive back pressure damages embouchure development and creates bad habits.
Altered intonation means you're training your ear to accept wrong pitches.
The solution
SoundCatcher isn't a mute — it's a precision-engineered sound reduction system that captures and absorbs sound energy without restricting airflow. Your horn plays exactly as it should.
From 115dB down to 85dB — that's 8× quieter to the human ear. Practice at conversation level.
Zero back pressure added to your horn. Your embouchure develops naturally, exactly as it would playing open.
No pitch alteration whatsoever. What you hear is what you'd hear in a concert hall — just quieter.
The science
Perceived loudness doubles with every 10dB increase. A 30dB reduction doesn't mean “a little quieter” — it means the sound energy reaching your neighbors is reduced to roughly one-eighth of what it was.
Built-in capabilities
Hypercardioid condenser captures your sound with studio clarity. Hear yourself at the perfect volume through headphones.
Play along with backing tracks, recordings, or any analog or Bluetooth audio source.
Connect to your computer via USB to record tracks, use with DAWs, or join virtual rehearsals and lessons.
Fits any trumpet or flugelhorn with a bell up to 6.5 inches.
Technical specifications
Packages
Every package includes the SoundCatcher and adjustable stand. Pick the bundle that matches your ideal practice or recording setup.
Compare packages
| Feature | LITE | PLUS | PRO | STUDIO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoundCatcher unit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adjustable stand | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condenser microphone | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone cable | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inspirate MX4-DSP Professional Mixing Board | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Inspirate SH50N Studio Headphones | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power supply + USB | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth input | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Monitor & Record via USB | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Focusrite Scarlett Solo | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Price | $295 | $340 | $385 | $605 |
The story
SoundCatcher was created by Justin Smith — a lifelong professional trumpeter based in Austin, Texas. After decades of navigating the tension between dedicated practice and apartment living, he decided to engineer a real solution.
The catalyst came when a close friend couldn't practice as much as he needed due to noise restrictions. Months of prototyping and testing followed, with countless iterations refining the acoustics until the result was undeniable: massive volume reduction with absolutely no compromise to the playing experience.
“I truly hope SoundCatcher lets you practice more and helps you on your musical journey, wherever that takes you.”Justin Smith
What players are saying
It really WORKS as advertised! Very practice mute-like in terms of volume, without the back pressure!— Tony C., Reno NV
I have lived in a Townhome for 8 years and my neighbors are going to be so stoked.— Justin P., Denver CO
Dude, soundcatcher is saving my chops. Seriously. I've been able to play long tones at 11:00 at night with no rebuke.— Rick W., Austin TX
Frequently asked questions
In tests with a decibel meter, it reduced the volume of the trumpet to just 15% of the original volume. That's 115dB down to 85dB. Because loudness doubles with every 10dB increase, 115dB is eight times as loud as 85dB. The SoundCatcher makes a massive difference.
The SoundCatcher is just under 12" wide × 12" deep × 12" high. It fits comfortably on the included adjustable stand.
Setup takes just a few minutes: assemble the stand, mount the SoundCatcher, connect the microphone to the mixer's channel 1, plug in your headphones, connect power, and start playing. A QuickStart guide is included in every box.
SoundCatcher is in stock and ships the business day after you place your order. You'll receive an order confirmation immediately, and a shipping confirmation email with tracking information as soon as your label has been printed.
Yes! Any XLR microphone can be plugged into the SoundCatcher. The included mixing board also supplies +48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
Yes! Just reach out via the contact form and we can do nearly any color for you.
In stock and shipping next business day. Custom colors available on request.
Get in touch
Drop us a message and Justin will get back to you personally.