David Clark headsets

[747 jock]

Do many aircrew still use DC headsets or due to hearing issues, have the majority now moved over to noise cancelling units such as Bose?

My reason for asking is that I have recently been asked to sell a DC H10-66 headset for someone (It's new and unused and still in the original box) and I was thinking that if there's not much of a market for these, I will decline the offer and suggest that the owner tries to get rid of it themselves.
This isn't a sneaky advert for flogging it as if people think it worthwhile trying, I won't try selling it via this site but will advertise on eBay or maybe Amazon marketplace.

[BigMike]

I bought a DC noise cancelling headset about 3 years ago, https://store.davidclark.com/aviation-headsets-1/dc-one-xh-43102g-06
Had flown with the company supplied Bose A20, and could not hear any real difference.
DC headset seems a little more durable. Both work great, and like the Bluetooth for calls or music.
I still own a working DC H10-60 I puchased 30 years ago...

[kneedwondean]

I’ve been flying professionally for 16 years now, and my preference is to have a passive noise reduction headset. I use the David Clark H10-66 everyday, I moved away from noise cancelling types. I’ve previously used both light speed and Bose, but couldn’t be doing with continually replacing batteries and ear muffs. I do seem to be in the minority at my company though. -27db is pretty damn good if you ask me though. For me personally, passive noise reduction every time, so I highly rate the H10-66.

[aa777888]

There is certainly value in any DC headset. eBay does a lively business in them. I have bought and sold DC passive headsets on eBay myself. Indeed, my ship is equipped with three of the venerable H10-13H for pax, all bought used off of eBay.

My headset is a DC ONE-XP. I love it. Just a tick behind the Z3 and A20 in terms of ultimate noise reduction, but only a tick behind and a worthy trade-off to get that DC ruggedness, reliability and service. The dual swivel on the earcups makes them more comfortable, too. Plus the XP version, with a couple of adapters, will fly in any civil aircraft and will automatically select battery power if needed (the A20 can do that, too, but not the Z3). If you are not flying a helmet with CEPs I can highly recommend the DC ONE-XP.

[Robbiee]

The DC H10-66 was the first headset I bought after getting my ppl. I wore it for about seven years before switching to a Zulu,...and although I love my Zulu, I still wear my old DC whenever I go up with a CFI. Its still a great heatset,...just wear earplugs underneath.

I have no plans to ever sell mine.

[timprice]

I find different headsets work better in different helicopters, plus you need a multitude of adaptors.
Depends if your in a turbine or a piston too, generally piston the passive one's seem better especially if they were a good ear defender first,
Turbine the noise cancelling seem to work better, as there is more high speed whine, but sometimes they block out the low rrpm horn etc
Don't forget the mike's too some pick up alot more ambient noise than others!
Personally it all comes down to personal taste, but a good headset definitely makes all the difference.:ok:

[casper64]

What do you mean “headset”? Headsets are for callcenter operators.... Wear a helmet! 👍

[[email protected]]

casper64 - rofl

[Hot and Hi]

I find different headsets work better in different helicopters, plus you need a multitude of adaptors.
Depends if your in a turbine or a piston too, generally piston the passive one's seem better especially if they were a good ear defender first,
Turbine the noise cancelling seem to work better, as there is more high speed whine, but sometimes they block out the low rrpm horn etc
Don't forget the mike's too some pick up alot more ambient noise than others!
Personally it all comes down to personal taste, but a good headset definitely makes all the difference.:ok:

Most people would see it the opposite way :). Because the passive attenuation of the ear muff doesn't work that well in the low-to-mid range, and because ANR works particularly well in the low-to-mid range, ANR headsets are deemed to be specifically useful in piston aircraft. Where they effectively block out the engine drone.

While an ANR headset would also work in a turbine, in some turbine aircraft least the high-pitched engine or gearbox noise is so loud and concentrated on a constant frequency, that turbine pilots are often advised to further passively block they ear with earplugs (or well sealing helmets, or with in-ear communication systems, which practically are earplugs, first and foremost) to protect their hearing in the long run.

Lastly, the view that ANR makes it more difficult to notice the low RPM warning horn I consider an urban myth. Paul Cantrell and other authorities have commented on these pages on this question.

[aa777888]

While an ANR headset would also work in a turbine, in some turbine aircraft least the high-pitched engine or gearbox noise is so loud and concentrated on a constant frequency, that turbine pilots are often advised to further passively block they ear with earplugs (or well sealing helmets, or with in-ear communication systems, which practically are earplugs, first and foremost) to protect their hearing in the long run.FWIW, that has been my experience in mil aircraft, but not civil. I took my civilian DC ONE X with me on a trip last year and I'm glad I did. The headsets they supplied us were horrific torture devices (we did not have helmets) and my head is already pointy enough :}. I had a high to low impedance adapter widget and it worked great along with the DC ONE X, but the whine from the UH-60 gearbox was still very noticeable and quite fatiguing. Particularly since it is right over the crew compartment. Extra ear plugs helped. Overall it was still a better solution than that provided. But it doesn't seem to be a big problem in civil aircraft.

Lastly, the view that ANR makes it more difficult to notice the low RPM warning horn I consider an urban myth. Paul Cantrell and other authorities have commented on these pages on this question.Never had a problem.

There is also the myth that ANR anti-noise somehow creates a higher SPL at the eardrum than passive. That's tough to explain to people who are not technically inclined and don't want to be.

[Blesshuey]

You get what you pay for. DC headsets are at best mediocre, but nothing touches the Bose A20 hence the associated price tag.
All these comments referring to how the Bose may not work for the high pitched whine of a turbine is complete BS.
the theory of wearing earplugs with Bose headsets stems from the old boys who fly the noisy American trucks (92) and the supposed hearing problems they have accrued, but it has never been medically proven. Probably just an attempt for a bit of compo at the end of your career - nice try.
The battery life on a Bose isn’t all that bad either as some make out....I have to replace the AA batteries every month and I fly on a daily basis.
Get over it and go to Costco and buy a big multipack of Duracell. Job done.
In summary, don’t be a skate - buy Bose.

[Gustaf2]

I use Zulu’s and I definitely love them

[BigMike]

Nothing wrong with the DC-one. As I said, tried the A20 for 6 months before buying the DC. They were the same price almost. Couldn't hear any real difference in performance.
Use rechargeable batteries so no great ongoing cost.