Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
John ZimmermanSporty’s Pilot Shop
Aviation HeadsetsHow to choose the right one
John Zimmerman
• Active GA Pilot
Comm/Multi/Inst/Heli
• Vice President
Sporty’s Pilot Shop
Aviation Headsets
Poll: What headset are youflying with right now?
1. Key terms
2. Buyer’s guide
3. The market
4. Editorial comments
5. Tips and Tricks
Presentation overview
Aviation Headsets
• We can’t possibly cover every headset – we’ll hit the most
popular models
• We’re only talking about new headsets
• We’re only talking about aviation headsets – don’t mess
around with modified consumer
• Headsets are personal, so I will offer some opinions
Some caveats
Aviation Headsets
We didn’t always wear headsets?
Quick History
1903-1970s Early 1980s Mid-
1980s Late 1980s
1990s Late 1990s
2000s 2010s
Nothing! First headsets Aviation-specific headsets First ANR
headsets
New entrants 2nd gen. ANR Bluetooth
3rd gen. ANR
Key Terms
What does it all mean?
Key Terms
• NRR
• ANR
• Bluetooth
• A2DP
• TSO
• LEMO/XLR
• Mono/Stereo
• Electret/Dynamic Mic
NRR: Noise Reduction Rating
Key Terms
• The measurement, in decibels, of how well a headset
reduces noise
• Total noise level – NRR = total noise exposure
• Not as useful as it sounds – what’s measured in a lab is
not the same as real world perception
• Many manufacturers don’t even publish it anymore
The NRR wars are over
ANR: Active Noise Reduction
Key Terms
• Microphones “listen” to the ambient noise
• Speakers emit a sound wave
with the same amplitude,
but inverted phase
• This effectively cancels the
unwanted sound
• Most effective at canceling
low frequency noise
(engine and prop)
Bluetooth
Key Terms
• Allows you to connect your headset to your cell phone
• Requires you to pair the two devices
• Pick up clearances on the ground
• Passengers can listen to music
• Music or phone or both? Important question
A2DP: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile
Key Terms
• Allows stereo audio to be transmitted to your headset
• Generally (although not always) requires Bluetooth 2.0
• Lightspeed Zulu, Sennheiser S1 and AKG have this
• S1 and AKG also have AVRCP, which allows the headset
control box to select next/previous track and pause/play
TSO: Technical Standard Order
Key Terms
• FAA’s minimum performance
standards
• TSO-C139 is the current TSO
• Does not matter for Part 91
(GA) flying
• Required for Part 121 (airline)
operations – sort of
So is a TSO’d headset better? Not necessarily.
LEMO/XLR
Key Terms
• Types of connectors
• LEMO is actually a brand name,
but is commonly used to refer
to a single, panel-powered,
6-pin plug
• XLR is another panel connector,
used on Airbus
• Both eliminate the need for a separate battery box
Stereo/Mono
Key Terms
• Most headsets have both
• Stereo allows the option to hear stereo audio in headset
• Requires a stereo intercom (most older ones are not)
• Does not matter for ATC
• Stereo intercom? Must have a stereo headset
• If not, stereo is probably worth the few extra $
Electret/Dynamic Mic
Key Terms
• Electret is a type of
condenser microphone
• It’s the standard and best
at noise canceling
• Watch out for low impedance
dynamic mics – these are for
military use only
Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right headset – for you!
Buyer’s Guide
Comfort
Quiet
Clarity
Audio/phone features
Durability
Manufacturer support
Pricevs.
No one perfect headset – match it to your mission.
The most important feature?
Comfort
• Weight matters
• But also weight
distribution
(ear cups or headband?)
• Ear seal size/quality
• Headband cushion
• Side pressure – adjustable?
Important, but don’t get caught up in it
Quiet
• Noise really depends on
how you perceive it
• Depends on the frequency
too – could have great NRR
at one level but bad at
another
• Is it “quiet enough” and
does it work in your airplane?
Often overlooked, but essential
Clarity
• This is where cheap
headsets really fall short
• Quality of speakers
• Quality of microphone
• This has really improved
dramatically in the past 20 years
Do they matter to you?
Audio/Phone Features
• Wired phone
• Wired audio
• Bluetooth phone
• Bluetooth audio
• Audio controls on
the headset?
Wired input
Bluetooth control
More than just music – audio alerts from iPad apps.
Where do you fly with your headset?
Durability
• In general, ANR headsets are not
as durable as passive
(external microphones)
• But this is only an issue for some
pilots (Alaska, Bahamas)
• David Clark has a reputation for indestructible
gear
• Any headset from a major brand is probably
fine unless you’re really abusing it
It’s generally excellent
Manufacturer Support
• What is the warranty?
• What is the reputation?
• Are accessories available?
• Do they support old headsets?
• How expensive are repairs?
Panel, battery or helicopter
Cable Variations
• LEMO/panel plug means no more batteries
• Does require installation
• Some airplanes have LEMO plugs built in
• Battery powered is totally portable
• Helicopter pilots – single plug
• Do you fly multiple airplanes?
• Bose sells LEMO-to-twin plug adapter
• AKG has both panel and twin plugs
Sometimes it makes a difference
Little Stuff
• Folding ear cups are nice for storage
• AKG has lights in ear cups (iPad?)
• Does it include a carrying case?
• Battery life of ANR/audio features?
The Market
Plenty of options, from $150 to $1100
The Market
• Passive
• Mid-range ANR
• Super high-end
• Niches: lightweight
and in-the-ear
Innovation at the high end
What’s New
• Multiple ANR microphones
• Digital ANR
• Adaptive ANR
• High end Bluetooth features
• Focus on comfort
• “Can you top this” service
Poll: What is your budget for the next headset you buy?
Great entry-level option
Passive Headsets
• Affordable
• Durable
• No batteries
• Heavier
• More squeeze
• Cell phone?
Pros: Cons:
Sigtronics S20 Telex Echelon 20 David Clark H10-13.4 Sennheiser 1 Passive
Lots of value and performance
Mid-range ANR
• Bang for the buck
• Good ANR
• Improved comfort
• No digital ANR
• Fewer audio features
• Heavier than Bose, Zulu
Pros: Cons:
Sigtronics S-AR Lightspeed Sierra Telex Stratus 50D Sennheiser S1 Noisegard
The best of the best
Super High-end
• Best noise reduction
• Best overall comfort
• High end audio
• Expensive
• Expensive
• Expensive
Pros: Cons:
Lightspeed Zulu PFX Bose A20 Sennheiser S1 Digital AKG AV100
Mostly for jets
Lightweight Headsets
• Very light weight
• Battery-free ANR for
some (mic bias)
• Less ANR
• ANR tuned to wind
noise, not prop noise
Pros: Cons:
Telex Airman 750 Telex Airman 850 Sennheiser HMEC 26 David Clark Pro-X
A different approach
In-the-ear Headsets
• Extremely light
• No side pressure
• Very quiet
• Can be uncomfortable
• Ear tips need replacing
• Not inexpensive ($500+)
Pros: Cons:
Clarity Aloft
The Big Four
Top-selling headset
Bose A20 Aviation Headset
• Bose’s best noise reduction ever
• 1/3rd less clamping force
• Bluetooth phone interface
• Wired audio interface
• Priority switching for audio
• Made in USA, TSO’d
• $1095
Newest headset on the market
Lightspeed Zulu PFX
• New approach to ANR – adjusts
to each environment
• Great audio quality for music
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Firmware upgradeable
• Cable is strong and flexible
• $1100
Still a great headset
Lightspeed Zulu.2
• Not PFX, but still very
good ANR
• Stainless steel headband
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Auto-mute audio
• $850
Free app for iPad/iPhone
FlightLink App
• Adjust settings – especially good
on the PFX
• Record/play back audio
• Copy clearances
• Free app for iPhone/iPad
Making a push into general aviation
Sennheiser S1 Digital
• Smart adapt digital ANR –
resamples noise
• Adjustable headband tension
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Built-in audio controls on box
• Stainless steel headband
• Made in Germany, TSO’d
• $995
New player in aviation headsets
AKG AV100
• Harman is the parent company –
long history in audio
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Built-in audio controls on box
• LEDs on ear cups
• Includes LEMO and twin plugs
• $1099
Comments and reviews
Totally biased
Editorial Comments
• Avoid the $99 special on passive headsets. You get
what you pay for.
• ANR is expensive, but generally worth it.
• Nothing wrong with starting with a passive headset.
You can always make it a passenger headset.
Coke or Pepsi question?
Editorial Comments
• All 4 top end headsets are really great.
Mostly a matter of personal preference.
• Bose is tops for comfort
• Lightspeed tops for quiet
• AKG and Sennheiser good on audio
Don’t take my word for it
Customer Reviews
• Over 30,000 reviews on sportys.com
• All verified buyers – no review spam
• We give you the pilot rating so you can judge
• We publish them all: good, bad and ugly
“This headset is worth its weight in gold.”
VS.
“Buy this product only if you are starved
and have no income.”
Bose A20
Customer Reviews
• “Very comfortable, even for 8+ hour days.”
• “Battery life is outstanding, even with the extra functions.”
• “In the end I felt that it was worth spending the money…
which is a lot coming from a CFI who is by no means rich.”
Lightspeed Zulu.2
Customer Reviews
• “Great sounding headphones. XM never sounded so good.”
• “The Bluetooth setup for cell phone and music is seamless.”
• “Stylish, modern… The best bang for the buck.”
Sennheiser S1 Digital
Customer Reviews
• “Very comfortable with adjustable clamping force.”
• “Very high quality construction.”
• “The fidelity is amazing.”
Lightspeed Zulu.PFX
Customer Reviews
• Brand new, so no customer reviews yet.
• Our product tester comments:
• “Very quiet – probably quieter than a Bose A20.”
• “Comfortable ear seals, but not as light as a Bose.”
• “Fantastic audio quality and Bluetooth features.”
• “Love the cable design – really convenient in the cockpit.”
• “A little complicated to operate at first – lots of options.”
AKG AV100
Customer Reviews
• Brand new, so no customer reviews yet.
• Our product tester comments:
• “Really comfortable ear seals and head band.”
• “Microphone and audio quality was superb.”
• “Very high tech look, quality components.”
• “ANR was good, but not exceptional.”
• “A little heavier than expected.”
Lightspeed Sierra
Customer Reviews
• “As a student pilot I had been using standard cheap headsets
and now I have a Sierra I have no idea why it took so long to
make the change.”
• “Good value for the money.”
• “We use the Sierra for passengers.”
David Clark Pro-X
Customer Reviews
• “These are great noise canceling headsets, even in a
Bonanza F-33A.”
• “Very comfortable on long flights. The ear pads are soft.”
• “It can take some time to figure out a good position.”
David Clark H10-13.4
Customer Reviews
• “David Clark’s most popular model for a reason!”
• “22 years later the headset is still working great.”
• “Excellent value.”
Sigtronics S20
Customer Reviews
• “Nice headset for the money. Built very well.”
• “Surprisingly light.”
• “Great for those on a budget.”
Tips to remember
For better performance
Owner Tips
• Most ANR headsets are one-sided
• Ear cups are not symmetrical (L/R)
• Can switch mic position for co-pilot
• Know how to set stereo/mono
and auto shut-off
• If you hear audio out of one ear, switch to mono
• Could be switches in the battery box
• A good ear seal is critical – take your time
For better performance
Owner Tips
• Replace your ear seals every 18 months
• Keep track of your volumes
• Intercom – volume of your co-pilot
• Radio – volume of ATC
• Headset – master volume for all (sync with co-pilot)
• Aux audio/phone – external volume (music, phone)
• Protect your investment with
a headset bag
• Turn off Bluetooth when not in use
For better performance
Owner Tips
• Carry extra batteries – always!
• Cable management – a little
Velcro goes a long way
• The lighter the headset,
the more a clothing clip matters
• Don’t leave your headset on
the glare shield in the sun
Battery Caddy 5676A $7.95
Velcro Wraps 2409A $3.75
#1 aviation headset retailerWhy buy from Sporty’s?
Sportys.com/Headsets
• We only sell quality headsets
• Same day shipping
• Two day delivery is standard
• Free shipping on Bose, Zulu,
Sennheiser
• Guaranteed lowest prices
• Dedicated after-sale support
