I am looking for an earpiece type headset
 

I just started flying a Gulfstream GIV and the cockpit is actually very quiet. I guess it is time to retire the David Clark headset and "downsize".

If anyone has a preference or suggestion of a good earbud type headset I would certainly appreciate the information.

Thanks

Headset
 

I have used the Sennheiser HMEC 45 KA for the past eight years or so and have been very satisfied.

It has the noise cancellation technology that drops the background noise by a few decibles. I wear it with the outboard ear covered. When I encounter loud airnoise, like at at low altidues and high IAS, or just a weak controller radio, I slip the second earpiece onto the ear.

This model has flat fabric covered "pads" that go on each ear.

Before settling on this model, I test-used the more cup-like version from Sennheiser. It made my ears sweat and I was not able to hear my partner when the second cup was over the inboard ear.

The Sennheiser HMEC 45 KA was great for me on the B737, A320, and A330. However, I am now flying a B757 & B767 that generates an increasingly annoying hum when I lean forward. I suspect the windshield heat or the old technology CRTs.

I am shopping for a new headset that does not have this hum issue.

I worked closley with the Sennheiser sales rep eight years ago. He made a summary statement that headsets had a lot of personal preference involved.

Good luck on finding a good choice. If anyone has suggestions for B767 use, I am eager to find a good headset, my ears are ringing after a pair of 3-4 hour flights!

R

The Clarity Aloft headset is a light weight headset that uses the foam type ear pieces, I have used this headset for one year and although it doesn't use ANR, it keeps most noise out and has high quality sound and good microphone, also the headset frame goes around the back of your head instead of over the top and can be worn all day long without any problems, on the down side, it uses the squishy foam ear pieces instead of ear buds like on an MP3 player, it can irritate a bit and they are hard to clean.

Another option if you are after a one earpiece headset is the Plantronics light weight headset.

I was in a test panel for new headsets when we bought the incredibly noisy 737NG and tried many different kinds. I also tried one type with in-ear pieces like the one under cover cops use.

I most strongly suggest to stay away from the ones that have something that goes into the ear canal. It can often give you eczema in the ear canal which is very painful, believe me,

Or as my ear doctor said: "You can put anything you like into your ear as long as it goes no further than how far in you can put your own elbow"

try plantronics
 

have used a plantronics ear bud type head set for years . is very good and i suspect what u wanted. chee:Ors

low frequencies--
 

i would suspect that much of the low frequency noise actually doesn't need the ear canal. i find the type that covers the ear appears to block some of the ambient noise that even comes through with the ears blocked with my fingers or earplugs.

Have a look at www.pilotstuff.com, the plantroix MS50-T30 is worth a try.

Any results on people using the Uflymike with the Bose headset. Starting soon on the A330 for EK and thought I'd give that one a try.

2 cents
 

I had one and was disappointed, the Bose noise reduction does not match the performance of the Sony products, add to that, when the battery goes flat you hear nothing, add to that the poor mic gain (they said they could make a modification to fix).

The QC2 is very comfortable for short periods, if you want something that is extremely comfortable for long periods and with high quality sound to monitor communications, I can recommend one of the Sony MP-3 ear bud type ANR headsets fitted with an adapter for the aircraft, I use the MDR-NC36NX, no microphone, just for monitoring and using the aircraft hand microphone, when the battery goes down it's still working too.

It uses passive and active noise reduction and works quite well without even turning the unit on, turn on the switch and it sounds like the avionics fans were just switched off, far superior noise cancellation than the Bose headset without the sore head.

The QC2/UFlyMike combo is, in most professional pilots opinions, the most comfortable headset available. The mic gain was only an issue on an earlier version. The latest has adjustable mic gain.

In-the-ear or on-the-ear style headsets are not comfortable for extended wear for most folks. On-the-ear are notorious for not staying inplace, also.

Mike

Plantronics MS200, love it.fly with it on a 320, its spot on. weighs nothing and is real comfy

Plantronics MS200, love it.fly with it on a 319, its spot on. weighs nothing and is real comfy. Sorry for the plagiarism, but Ditto is too short a post.

quiettechnologies.com. Small company in the US; I've had good results with them. Very comfortable, even after 5 leg days.

Headset hum
 

"The Sennheiser HMEC 45 KA was great for me on the B737, A320, and A330. However, I am now flying a B757 & B767 that generates an increasingly annoying hum when I lean forward. I suspect the windshield heat or the old technology CRTs.

I am shopping for a new headset that does not have this hum issue."


Check with your engineers. The headset needs to be "impedance matched"
for your system. Also check shielding ground.

Avery Sound - www.pilotstuff.com
 

Just ordered my Plantronics SMS 1066 for the A320 Cockpit from Avery Sound. I'm getting custom earpieces with the dual side option. Will write a review once I've got it all set up and used it for a month or so.

Always been a fan of that Plantronics headset with the pink
boob nipply earpiece. Extremely light and very comfortable.

Good for cleaning out your ear at the same time too.

You don't really need the dual side option unless you're
flogging a F27-200 or something.

Dual side
 

It's good to have in case you don't feel like talking to the other guy. Lol

Love it, but its not very practical if you are flying in the right seat if the other person isn't wearing a headset, as the boom mike isnt long enough to have it on the right side of your face.

What did you fly before? I find the cockpit noisy and love wearing ANR headsets, it's amazing how much better you feel after a long flight.

Mutt