Lightspeed Mach 1 headset
For years, pilots of jet aircraft have used "in the ear" headsets with a single earplug, taking advantage of the relative quiet of most modern airliners and business jets to save weight and headaches from traditional muff-style headsets. Now Lightspeed Aviation offers the Mach 1, its version of the in-the-ear style of headset, modified to work in light piston aircraft as well as in jets.
The Mach 1 consists of an earplug and boom mic assembly made of magnesium alloy, with an adjustable piece to secure it over the outer ear. This assembly is wired to another earplug piece for the other ear, and to a control module that houses the battery and control switches for the headset. The set comes with replaceable foam earplugs; customers also can order alternate plugs, or custom-molded earplugs for a more precise fit. This is important, because the better the fit, the better the noise attenuation.
The Mach 1 provides passive noise reduction through the plugs, and high-fidelity stereo sound through the speakers, which attach directly to the plugs and pipe sound through them. As with other Lightspeed headsets, a cell-phone and MP3/CD-player interface also is included.
To obtain custom-molded plugs, I made an appointment with an audiologist who created molds for my ears (an uncomfortable but not painful process). The molds were then sent to a company called Sensaphonics, which specializes in hearing protection, much of it for the music industry. The audiologist received my custom plugs back in about four weeks, and we ensured the fit was accurate at a follow-up office visit. The cost of the audiologist's time was about $75 (an expense that can be covered by some health-care flexible spending accounts); the plugs cost about $50.
The custom plugs took time to adjust to — they reach pretty far down into the ear canal — and took some practice to insert. But the result is better attenuation than what is possible with the foam or rubber plugs. The plugs are made of silicone with a hollow canal through them, so they can't be used as traditional earplugs — unless you plug up the hole; it's amazing how much sound goes through that tiny canal.
I wore the Mach 1 in several airplanes, including a 2005 Cessna 172 and a 2005 Mooney Ovation2. I noticed that I ceased to notice the headset by the time I got into cruise flight. The sound quality was very good, and attenuation on the high end of the spectrum was as good as my top-of-the-line muff-style headset. However, the lack of active noise reduction was apparent in the low frequency range typical in piston aircraft — the Mach 1 is a passive headset, after all. But my comfort level was high once I grew accustomed to the plugs.
The wires attaching the plug assemblies to the rest of the headset take some manipulation to get just right, but once they are out of the way they're no more cumbersome than the wires plugging a traditional headset into the panel.
The Mach 1 comes with Lightspeed's excellent customer service, and a one-year warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Price: $525 list
Contact: 800/322-2421; www.lightspeedaviation.com
David Clark X11 headset
Fans of the rugged David Clark headset line now have a new option: the X11. The new model trades the significant weight of traditional "Dave Clarks" for a lightweight shell, and advanced features such as a cell-phone/auxiliary-music input.
Passive noise attenuation in conjunction with electronic noise cancellation results in 17 to 22 dB of noise reduction. The headset weighs in at 12 ounces, and frankly the reduced weight makes for a big improvement over previous headsets from this manufacturer. Quality, however, remains high, and it appears that the new design will withstand the same tests of time for which the line is famous. Two AA batteries power the X11, and a panel-powered version is in the works.
The headset features fabric-covered, contoured gel ear seals, a nicely styled, low-profile ventilated headband, and a newly designed headset bag for storage. As with all David Clark headsets, the X11 comes with a five-year warranty.
Price: $865 suggested retail
Contact: 800/298-6235; www.davidclark.com
Telex Stratus 30XT headset
Telex has introduced the latest version of its active noise reduction headset, the Stratus 30XT, with a dual-mode adapter that allows pilots to plug cellular telephones and MP3 and other audio players directly into the headset. This can come in handy if you would like to call a family member or friend just prior to takeoff — without having to shut down the engine to hear your call — or if you want to listen to music in flight (after you have your certificate, of course, and aren't in the midst of busy airspace). A switch allows you to cycle between modes.
The ComfortCam headband allows the pilot to fine tune the amount of tension in the headband so that you can avoid that clamping feeling. The 30XT offers 30 dB of active noise reduction and weighs 18 ounces.
The Stratus 30XT uses digital signal processing, which the company calls "Smart Sense," to sample, target, and cancel unwanted noise. It analyzes the actual shape of the pilot's ear to maximize noise canceling. The 30XT is available in black.
Price: $499 suggested retail
Contact: 877/863-4166; www.telex.com
Avcomm AC950 headset
Most of the Avcomm headset line, from the entry-level AC200 to the top-end AC900, uses both the company's PNR (passive noise reduction) technology and new lightweight (0.4 ounces apiece), more powerful neodymium speakers for richer sound, according to the manufacturer. This year, Avcomm debuted its ANR headset, the AC950.
Highlights of the AC950 include a battery pack plus a plug-in to the aircraft power supply. In fact, the battery pack must use rechargeable batteries because they recharge as long as the headset is plugged into the panel. Three sets of ear seals come with the AC950.
Avcomm also offers the AC747 dual-use headset for both fixed-wing and helicopter pilots (which have a jack that's different from those found in airplanes).
Price: from about $114 list price (AC200) to $236 (AC900) or $265 (AC747); the AC950 lists for $495
Contact: 800/845-7541; www.avcomm.com
MP3-player adapters for intercoms and headsets
The ubiquitous MP3 and iPod players have followed their CD-player brethren into airplanes everywhere — but they're not just for the kids in the backseat if you have the right cords. There are several adapters on the market that allow you to plug your player into your intercom or audio panel.
Among those available are the JB-33 CD-player adapter and JB-26 iPod or MP3-player adapter. There's also the combination Pilot PA-86A cell-phone/music adapter from Marv Golden Pilot Supplies, which includes an amplifier to boost the volume from your player or cell phone.
An important cautionary reminder: Pilots need to ensure that any portable electronic device doesn't interfere with any navigation systems, including GPS, VOR, and ILS signals, as well as the magnetic compass. For example, although most devices meet manufacturing criteria that limit interference in the primary GPS frequency band, frequency intermodulation (the amplification or change in frequency when emissions from multiple devices are combined) can cause significant interference and potentially disrupt GPS signals.
Price: about $30 for the JB-series adapters; about $110 for the PA-86A
Contact: most large aviation supply outlets, including www.aircraft-spruce.com; www.mypilotstore.com; and www.marvgolden.com
Unless otherwise stated, products listed herein have not been evaluated by AOPA Pilot editors. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors. However, members unable to get satisfaction regarding products listed should advise AOPA. To submit products for evaluation, contact: New Products Editor, AOPA Pilot , 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701; telephone 301/695-2350. Links to all Web sites referenced in this issue can be found on AOPA Online.
