View Poll Results: What type of headset do you use in GA?
David Clark 13.4
574
40.39%
other David Clark
305
21.46%
Altronics
77
5.42%
all others
433
30.47%
Bose Aviation X
32
2.25%
Voters: 1421. This poll is closed
Headset types in GA
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Australia
Age: 35
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hey people, just got my Zulus and i havent triied them in an aircraft yet but i did at home with the stereo on, when i turned the ANR on i heard a hummin and i moved them around my ear it stopped, and sometimes when i move my head it continued. i dont know if these are meant to be like this or not, just wondered if any one knows..
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Perth
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Ljones
Try fresh batteries.
If you move the ear-cups on your head, squishing them in and out or shake your head violently you send out a pressure wave which the ANR pick up senses as and tries to match. Due to the extreme pressure wave the ANR works overtime and sends out a warbling tone trying to match it. If the batteries are low but not yet indicating low by the alternating green/red flashing LED and blue tooth is selected on it will kick the blue tooth off.
I just re-tried mine as this warbling sound was common when I moved the ear-cups unfortunately I couldn't replicate it, I did note that as I squished the ear-cups the green flashing LED went to green/red flashing indicated that it was drawing a size-able current draw trying to match the induced pressure changes.
Either way not a problem in flight unless you get into brawl with pax or #2 or #1 depending on your circumstance.
Tip: sound quality better through plug in lead than blue tooth and batteries last a bit longer. Enjoy the sound quality!
M
Try fresh batteries.
If you move the ear-cups on your head, squishing them in and out or shake your head violently you send out a pressure wave which the ANR pick up senses as and tries to match. Due to the extreme pressure wave the ANR works overtime and sends out a warbling tone trying to match it. If the batteries are low but not yet indicating low by the alternating green/red flashing LED and blue tooth is selected on it will kick the blue tooth off.
I just re-tried mine as this warbling sound was common when I moved the ear-cups unfortunately I couldn't replicate it, I did note that as I squished the ear-cups the green flashing LED went to green/red flashing indicated that it was drawing a size-able current draw trying to match the induced pressure changes.
Either way not a problem in flight unless you get into brawl with pax or #2 or #1 depending on your circumstance.
Tip: sound quality better through plug in lead than blue tooth and batteries last a bit longer. Enjoy the sound quality!
M
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Brisbane
Age: 42
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I tend to find the Zulus give out a low buzz if the fit isnt perfect. Experiment with moving the earcups until it goes away. I have the same problem occassionally with my left ear. Must be funny shaped or something 
Ozzi
Ozzi
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Europe
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My current headset is DC H20-10 XL(ANR) .I,m really happy with them in my noisy aircraft.
I will promote to a DASH 8, so I,m thinking in buy a bose x headset due to is lighter than DC or continue with my actual headset in dash aircraft.
Big dilemma!!
I will promote to a DASH 8, so I,m thinking in buy a bose x headset due to is lighter than DC or continue with my actual headset in dash aircraft.
Big dilemma!!
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: turn L @ Taupo, just past the Niagra Falls...
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Yeah Sprocket Check, I have a Mach 1. Not a bad headset (note: not ANR) which I have had customised with a pair of unique ear moulds made for me by the local hearing clinic. If you go Mach 1, it is a mod I highly recommend. There's no need to do so via the Lightspeed-supported method which you will doubtless have read about, and pay substantially more for -just get in touch with your local hearing clinic. The whole process took about 30 minutes and cost well under AUD$100
I've used them a couple of times in GA lighties -probably not the best environment for them in noise-retention terms, although they are adequate- but they work a treat in Gas Turbines, are light & comfortable. Only gripe I had was connecting a (Vodafone) GSM phone to them -there is a cyclic 'pulse' for wont of a better phrase, when the phone is active that is bloody annoying. A superb response with the iPod connected.
I've used them a couple of times in GA lighties -probably not the best environment for them in noise-retention terms, although they are adequate- but they work a treat in Gas Turbines, are light & comfortable. Only gripe I had was connecting a (Vodafone) GSM phone to them -there is a cyclic 'pulse' for wont of a better phrase, when the phone is active that is bloody annoying. A superb response with the iPod connected.
Last edited by RadioSaigon; 13th Jun 2008 at 04:20.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: turn L @ Taupo, just past the Niagra Falls...
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I did around 7 years in BN-2A, wearing nothing but (passive) DC-H10-60's. Absolutely no measurable loss of hearing either during or to date. Sure, they're noisy, but nowhere near as bad as some in here would like to make it seem. Damn fine wee aircraft IMO.
For any airframe, I'm of the opinion that the best protection for your hearing will only ever come from your own, personal headset, that only you have ever worn. My headset is to me a very personal item of kit, similar perhaps to a toothbrush. Only ever used by me, never ever loaned to another.
'Communal' headsets will provide some benefit, but the best will only ever come from your own.
For any airframe, I'm of the opinion that the best protection for your hearing will only ever come from your own, personal headset, that only you have ever worn. My headset is to me a very personal item of kit, similar perhaps to a toothbrush. Only ever used by me, never ever loaned to another.
'Communal' headsets will provide some benefit, but the best will only ever come from your own.
hehe
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Love the Mach-1, have used them 100+ hours in my Archer and R22/H300 blenders (also with the custom ear pieces), great piece of kit.
As I am spending quite some time in my own aeroplane and I wouldn't mind reducing the noise levels a bit more, I've been thinking about fitting her with an ANR box that I can just plug into the intercom, does anyone know if such a thing exists?
As I am spending quite some time in my own aeroplane and I wouldn't mind reducing the noise levels a bit more, I've been thinking about fitting her with an ANR box that I can just plug into the intercom, does anyone know if such a thing exists?
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Brisbane
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Rep,
The following is advice a mate of mine from the ATO gave me recently:
My self-assessment of the useful life of my headset was 10 years. I'm sure it will last longer though.
Hopefully this helps.
Ando
The following is advice a mate of mine from the ATO gave me recently:
A couple of weeks back when I was around your place you mentioned a question about decline in value on something you purchased for work. I'm not sure how much you already know about claiming the deduction but the attached link provides the basics for how you would calculate a deduction.
http://www.ato.gov.au/print.asp?doc=/content/35040.htm
Calculating decline in value involves identifying the effective life of the asset. The Commissioner has determined the effective life of some assets which are set out in the Ruling referred to on the page above. However, I'm not sure if the asset you are using is included. If not, you can self-assess how long it is likely to last. Relevant factors to consider are also included in the Ruling.
http://www.ato.gov.au/print.asp?doc=/content/35040.htm
Calculating decline in value involves identifying the effective life of the asset. The Commissioner has determined the effective life of some assets which are set out in the Ruling referred to on the page above. However, I'm not sure if the asset you are using is included. If not, you can self-assess how long it is likely to last. Relevant factors to consider are also included in the Ruling.
Hopefully this helps.
Ando
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sydney
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Bose, Mach1 and ANR
PlankBlender:
I am currently constructing an ANR system for use with various headsets. I have a set of Bose Xs with both a/c and battery power as well as a couple of standard passive types. Once the prototype is done on the passives I want to get a Mach1 set and do the same.
The Bose ANR is interesting...it is a well designed system, however...in typically Bose fashion, the processing is VERY strong. It actually removes a certain amount of sonic information from the low midrange to the high midrange. In the audio world, this is called 'hyping' - the addition of bottom end and the top end to give the system the impression of good sound. The principle is based on the Fletcher-Munsen curve, originally intended to be applied when listening to low level full range sound-to compensate for the ear's lower sensitivity at the extremes of the audible spectrum at low level.
This can make the iPod sound great in certain environments: read in the cockpit.
It doesn't do much to enhance intelligibility of speech...
The MAJOR downside with the Bose is that it attenuates the SPEECH range of the audio spectrum (not so good for listening to ATC). This is IMO due to the fact that Bose like to show amazing specs; ie on paper the NR numbers are great. I practice it is a marketing ploy.
It is possible to retrofit ANR to M1s, which conceptually I like. The thing one shouldn't expect an ANR system to do is remove all external noise. The Bose tries to do that a little too much.
sc
I am currently constructing an ANR system for use with various headsets. I have a set of Bose Xs with both a/c and battery power as well as a couple of standard passive types. Once the prototype is done on the passives I want to get a Mach1 set and do the same.
The Bose ANR is interesting...it is a well designed system, however...in typically Bose fashion, the processing is VERY strong. It actually removes a certain amount of sonic information from the low midrange to the high midrange. In the audio world, this is called 'hyping' - the addition of bottom end and the top end to give the system the impression of good sound. The principle is based on the Fletcher-Munsen curve, originally intended to be applied when listening to low level full range sound-to compensate for the ear's lower sensitivity at the extremes of the audible spectrum at low level.
This can make the iPod sound great in certain environments: read in the cockpit.
It doesn't do much to enhance intelligibility of speech...
The MAJOR downside with the Bose is that it attenuates the SPEECH range of the audio spectrum (not so good for listening to ATC). This is IMO due to the fact that Bose like to show amazing specs; ie on paper the NR numbers are great. I practice it is a marketing ploy.
It is possible to retrofit ANR to M1s, which conceptually I like. The thing one shouldn't expect an ANR system to do is remove all external noise. The Bose tries to do that a little too much.
sc
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sydney
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In what way do you not find them robust? Just interested to know, as they seem to be well made. The potential problems in terms of lack of robustness are few.
Is there something that keeps breaking on you?
sc
Is there something that keeps breaking on you?
sc
Join Date: Jul 2007
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just had a look at the lightspeed zulu ANR as I read it is as good as the BOSE, and the added bonus of bluetooth...etc
The price went up massively.. from under a grand to 1300 in most places...
Looks like I won't be buying for awhile...
The price went up massively.. from under a grand to 1300 in most places...
Looks like I won't be buying for awhile...
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Australia
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i've tested both the Bose X and Lightspeed Zulu, and must say that there is no noticeable difference in ANR performance. in terms of comfort, both are very light, with the Bose probably a tick lighter. clamping pressure is comfortable on both models. bluetooth is a nice added bonus, but to be honest, not really a necessity unless you think you need to use your phone whilst on the ground....once airborne, you'll be in and out of service anyway. I eventually went with the Zulu, and have not looked back since. you pretty much get equal value at a lower price. the warranty and service is top notch...had an issue with the cabling on mine a few months after I'd bought it, called up lightspeed aviation in the US, sent it overseas, received it back two weeks later, and was reimbursed for all shipping costs.
either way, both headsets are awesome. lightspeed zulu comes with bluetooth and at a lower price, which persuaded me to go with their flagship model. haven't regretted this choice thus far.
happy shopping!
either way, both headsets are awesome. lightspeed zulu comes with bluetooth and at a lower price, which persuaded me to go with their flagship model. haven't regretted this choice thus far.
happy shopping!
Price not so good now!