Sennheiser S1 passive headset ?

[bingoboy]

Looking for a new headset (with mp3 input) and whilst it is at the top of budget has anyone any experience of this headset or any other recommendations?

[tecman]

I can't give a direct recommendation except to say that I have an S1 ANR version (same headset with additional electronics) and notice that the passive attenuation (no ANR turned on) is very good. Once or twice I've been airborne a few minutes before I realize I haven't turned on the ANR and, while those extra dB are great, the headset is certainly no slouch in its passive state. I find it as good acoustically and more comfortable than my old David Clark. My only comment would be that headsets are a very personal thing and it's always a good idea to try before buying if you can. By the way, the Bluetooth and external audio works well on my S1 but I have to be honest and say I never use them in flight. Good luck!

[Steve6443]

When I was looking to upgrade my headset, I also was looking at the S1 Passive. The performance was ok in terms of value for money but it sat really weirdly on my head. Bearing in mind that the way it fits will determine the comfort of your flight, I would seriously recommend you trial all headsets before making a choice and select the one which feels most comfortable.

After all, what's the point of saving €100 only to regret it after an hour's flying? I tested DCs, Sennheiser, Bose and low cost brands before finding that the Lightspeed Zulu fitted my head best and ended up with a set of these, 4 hour trips with them are not an issue.....

[Auster Fan]

I've got one and find it very comfortable. The only issue I have is that for some reason the mic doesn't always seem to pick up my voice when talking to passengers but works perfectly when I'm talking to ATC on transmit. Very odd and maybe something to do with the mic sensitivity setting? Like others have said though, try before you buy.

[tecman]

AF..could just be your intercom squelch setting, I guess. That said, I found the ANR S1 mic level to be on the high side as it came from the box. I had to reduce the mic gain of my IC A210 transceiver (easy software setting) to optimize the S1 mic performance (it's a conventional noise-cancelling mic, I believe). You don't want to be running any more mic gain than necessary.

It's quite interesting that the cockpit noise cancellation in the headset is so effective that there's more cockpit noise on the mic sidetone when transmitting than when flying along with no radio activity. I also like the 'recompute' facility on the S1 ANR as it optimizes the headset cancellation under e.g. different engine power settings. It's great even if you don't re-compute but touching the button on the left earcup gives few welcome dB attenuation relative to the other big name ANR headsets.

[caperwin]

I have a very nice Sennheiser S1 digital headset which, most unfortunately, is being returned for the 3rd time due another fault.
Is it just me?

[tellerto]

I have a very nice Sennheiser S1 digital headset which, most unfortunately, is being returned for the 3rd time due another fault.
Is it just me?

No, unfortunately. My expensive S1 ANR headset is back with Sennheiser for repairs again, second time in 6 months - can hear but not transmit. It's out of warranty now but I'm hoping they're decent enough to waive the re-repair charges (David Clark would, I'm sure).
It's a shame, the S1 is great when it works. Maybe the reliability issue is why they discontinued them last year?

[Littlest Hobo]

I've been using the S1 passive for just over a year and have had no problems so far. It's a bit bulkier (size, not weight) than some others I tried but it's super comfortable.

[Capt Kremmen]

Endorse all 'tecman's' remarks. Lightweight and effective noise reduction even without ANR.


Had mine coming up to two years with no repair problems to date !