Finding the right headset can be a challenge for any pilot. Do you need Active Noise Reduction (ANR)? Is Bluetooth audio a helpful feature or a gimmick? What's a LEMO plug? This seminar answers all these questions and more, with honest opinions from active general aviation pilots. Includes a discussion of key terms, how to choose a headset, what's on the market right now and what pilots are saying about Bose, Lightspeed, AKG and David Clark headsets. Watch the video recording here: http://youtu.be/1jzsiSwNWek

1. Aviation Headsets
How to choose the right one
John Zimmerman
Sporty’s Pilot Shop

2. John Zimmerman
• Active GA Pilot
Comm/Multi/Inst/Heli
• Vice President
Sporty’s Pilot Shop
Aviation Headsets

3. Poll: What headset are you
flying with right now?

4. Aviation Headsets
Presentation overview
1. Key terms
2. Buyer’s guide
3. The market
4. Editorial comments
5. Tips and Tricks

5. Aviation Headsets
Some caveats
• We can’t possibly cover every headset – we’ll hit the most
popular models
• We’re only talking about new headsets
• We’re only talking about aviation headsets – don’t mess
around with modified consumer
• Headsets are personal, so I will offer some opinions

6. Quick History
We didn’t always wear headsets?
1903-1970s Early 1980s Mid-
1980s Late 1980s
Nothing! First headsets Aviation-specific headsets First ANR
headsets
1990s Late 1990s
2000s 2010s
New entrants 2nd gen. ANR Bluetooth
3rd gen. ANR

7. Key Terms

8. Key Terms
What does it all mean?
• NRR
• ANR
• Bluetooth
• A2DP
• TSO
• LEMO/XLR
• Mono/Stereo
• Electret/Dynamic Mic

9. Key Terms
NRR: Noise Reduction Rating
• The measurement, in decibels, of how well a headset
reduces noise
• Total noise level – NRR = total noise exposure
• Not as useful as it sounds – what’s measured in a lab is
not the same as real world perception
• Many manufacturers don’t even publish it anymore
The NRR wars are over

10. Key Terms
ANR: Active Noise Reduction
• Microphones “listen” to the ambient noise
• Speakers emit a sound wave
with the same amplitude,
but inverted phase
• This effectively cancels the
unwanted sound
• Most effective at canceling
low frequency noise
(engine and prop)

11. Key Terms
Bluetooth
• Allows you to connect your headset to your cell phone
• Requires you to pair the two devices
• Pick up clearances on the ground
• Passengers can listen to music
• Music or phone or both? Important question

12. Key Terms
A2DP: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile
• Allows stereo audio to be transmitted to your headset
• Generally (although not always) requires Bluetooth 2.0
• Lightspeed Zulu, Sennheiser S1 and AKG have this
• S1 and AKG also have AVRCP, which allows the headset
control box to select next/previous track and pause/play

13. Key Terms
TSO: Technical Standard Order
• FAA’s minimum performance
standards
• TSO-C139 is the current TSO
• Does not matter for Part 91
(GA) flying
• Required for Part 121 (airline)
operations – sort of
So is a TSO’d headset better? Not necessarily.

14. Key Terms
LEMO/XLR
• Types of connectors
• LEMO is actually a brand name,
but is commonly used to refer
to a single, panel-powered,
6-pin plug
• XLR is another panel connector,
used on Airbus
• Both eliminate the need for a separate battery box

15. Key Terms
Stereo/Mono
• Most headsets have both
• Stereo allows the option to hear stereo audio in headset
• Requires a stereo intercom (most older ones are not)
• Does not matter for ATC
• Stereo intercom? Must have a stereo headset
• If not, stereo is probably worth the few extra $

16. Key Terms
Electret/Dynamic Mic
• Electret is a type of
condenser microphone
• It’s the standard and best
at noise canceling
• Watch out for low impedance
dynamic mics – these are for
military use only

17. Buyer’s Guide

18. Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right headset – for you!
Comfort
Quiet
Clarity
Audio/phone features
Durability
Manufacturer support
vs. Price
No one perfect headset – match it to your mission.

19. Comfort
The most important feature?
• Weight matters
• But also weight
distribution
(ear cups or headband?)
• Ear seal size/quality
• Headband cushion
• Side pressure – adjustable?

20. Quiet
Important, but don’t get caught up in it
• Noise really depends on
how you perceive it
• Depends on the frequency
too – could have great NRR
at one level but bad at
another
• Is it “quiet enough” and
does it work in your airplane?

21. Clarity
Often overlooked, but essential
• This is where cheap
headsets really fall short
• Quality of speakers
• Quality of microphone
• This has really improved
dramatically in the past 20 years

22. Audio/Phone Features
Do they matter to you?
• Wired phone
• Wired audio
• Bluetooth phone
• Bluetooth audio
• Audio controls on
the headset?
Wired input
Bluetooth control
More than just music – audio alerts from iPad apps.

23. Durability
Where do you fly with your headset?
• In general, ANR headsets are not
as durable as passive
(external microphones)
• But this is only an issue for some
pilots (Alaska, Bahamas)
• David Clark has a reputation for indestructible
gear
• Any headset from a major brand is probably
fine unless you’re really abusing it

24. Manufacturer Support
It’s generally excellent
• What is the warranty?
• What is the reputation?
• Are accessories available?
• Do they support old headsets?
• How expensive are repairs?

25. Cable Variations
Panel, battery or helicopter
• LEMO/panel plug means no more batteries
• Does require installation
• Some airplanes have LEMO plugs built in
• Battery powered is totally portable
• Helicopter pilots – single plug
• Do you fly multiple airplanes?
• Bose sells LEMO-to-twin plug adapter
• AKG has both panel and twin plugs

26. Little Stuff
Sometimes it makes a difference
• Folding ear cups are nice for storage
• AKG has lights in ear cups (iPad?)
• Does it include a carrying case?
• Battery life of ANR/audio features?

27. The Market

28. The Market
Plenty of options, from $150 to $1100
• Passive
• Mid-range ANR
• Super high-end
• Niches: lightweight
and in-the-ear

29. What’s New
Innovation at the high end
• Multiple ANR microphones
• Digital ANR
• Adaptive ANR
• High end Bluetooth features
• Focus on comfort
• “Can you top this” service

30. Poll: What is your budget for
the next headset you buy?

31. Passive Headsets
Great entry-level option
Pros: Cons:
• Affordable
• Durable
• No batteries
• Heavier
• More squeeze
• Cell phone?
Sigtronics S20 Telex Echelon 20 David Clark H10-13.4 Sennheiser 1 Passive

32. Mid-range ANR
Lots of value and performance
Pros: Cons:
• Bang for the buck
• Good ANR
• Improved comfort
• No digital ANR
• Fewer audio features
• Heavier than Bose, Zulu
Sigtronics S-AR Lightspeed Sierra Telex Stratus 50D Sennheiser S1 Noisegard

33. Super High-end
The best of the best
Pros: Cons:
• Best noise reduction
• Best overall comfort
• High end audio
• Expensive
• Expensive
• Expensive
Lightspeed Zulu PFX Bose A20 Sennheiser S1 Digital AKG AV100

34. Lightweight Headsets
Mostly for jets
Pros: Cons:
• Very light weight
• Battery-free ANR for
some (mic bias)
• Less ANR
• ANR tuned to wind
noise, not prop noise
Telex Airman 750 Telex Airman 850 Sennheiser HMEC 26 David Clark Pro-X

35. In-the-ear Headsets
A different approach
Pros: Cons:
• Extremely light
• No side pressure
• Very quiet
• Can be uncomfortable
• Ear tips need replacing
• Not inexpensive ($500+)
Clarity Aloft

36. The Big Four

37. Bose A20 Aviation Headset
Top-selling headset
• Bose’s best noise reduction ever
• 1/3rd less clamping force
• Bluetooth phone interface
• Wired audio interface
• Priority switching for audio
• Made in USA, TSO’d
• $1095

38. Lightspeed Zulu PFX
Newest headset on the market
• New approach to ANR – adjusts
to each environment
• Great audio quality for music
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Firmware upgradeable
• Cable is strong and flexible
• $1100

39. Lightspeed Zulu.2
Still a great headset
• Not PFX, but still very
good ANR
• Stainless steel headband
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Auto-mute audio
• $850

40. FlightLink App
Free app for iPad/iPhone
• Adjust settings – especially good
on the PFX
• Record/play back audio
• Copy clearances
• Free app for iPhone/iPad

41. Sennheiser S1 Digital
Making a push into general aviation
• Smart adapt digital ANR –
resamples noise
• Adjustable headband tension
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Built-in audio controls on box
• Stainless steel headband
• Made in Germany, TSO’d
• $995

42. AKG AV100
New player in aviation headsets
• Harman is the parent company –
long history in audio
• Bluetooth phone and music
• Built-in audio controls on box
• LEDs on ear cups
• Includes LEMO and twin plugs
• $1099

43. Comments and reviews

44. Editorial Comments
Totally biased
• Avoid the $99 special on passive headsets. You get
what you pay for.
• ANR is expensive, but generally worth it.
• Nothing wrong with starting with a passive headset.
You can always make it a passenger headset.

45. Editorial Comments
Coke or Pepsi question?
• All 4 top end headsets are really great.
Mostly a matter of personal preference.
• Bose is tops for comfort
• Lightspeed tops for quiet
• AKG and Sennheiser good on audio

46. Customer Reviews
Don’t take my word for it
• Over 30,000 reviews on sportys.com
• All verified buyers – no review spam
• We give you the pilot rating so you can judge
• We publish them all: good, bad and ugly
“This headset is worth its weight in gold.”
VS.
“Buy this product only if you are starved
and have no income.”

47. Customer Reviews
Bose A20
• “Very comfortable, even for 8+ hour days.”
• “Battery life is outstanding, even with the extra functions.”
• “In the end I felt that it was worth spending the money…
which is a lot coming from a CFI who is by no means rich.”

48. Customer Reviews
Lightspeed Zulu.2
• “Great sounding headphones. XM never sounded so good.”
• “The Bluetooth setup for cell phone and music is seamless.”
• “Stylish, modern… The best bang for the buck.”

49. Customer Reviews
Sennheiser S1 Digital
• “Very comfortable with adjustable clamping force.”
• “Very high quality construction.”
• “The fidelity is amazing.”

50. Customer Reviews
Lightspeed Zulu.PFX
• Brand new, so no customer reviews yet.
• Our product tester comments:
• “Very quiet – probably quieter than a Bose A20.”
• “Comfortable ear seals, but not as light as a Bose.”
• “Fantastic audio quality and Bluetooth features.”
• “Love the cable design – really convenient in the cockpit.”
• “A little complicated to operate at first – lots of options.”

51. Customer Reviews
AKG AV100
• Brand new, so no customer reviews yet.
• Our product tester comments:
• “Really comfortable ear seals and head band.”
• “Microphone and audio quality was superb.”
• “Very high tech look, quality components.”
• “ANR was good, but not exceptional.”
• “A little heavier than expected.”

52. Customer Reviews
Lightspeed Sierra
• “As a student pilot I had been using standard cheap headsets
and now I have a Sierra I have no idea why it took so long to
make the change.”
• “Good value for the money.”
• “We use the Sierra for passengers.”

53. Customer Reviews
David Clark Pro-X
• “These are great noise canceling headsets, even in a
Bonanza F-33A.”
• “Very comfortable on long flights. The ear pads are soft.”
• “It can take some time to figure out a good position.”

54. Customer Reviews
David Clark H10-13.4
• “David Clark’s most popular model for a reason!”
• “22 years later the headset is still working great.”
• “Excellent value.”

55. Customer Reviews
Sigtronics S20
• “Nice headset for the money. Built very well.”
• “Surprisingly light.”
• “Great for those on a budget.”

56. Tips to remember

57. Owner Tips
For better performance
• Most ANR headsets are one-sided
• Ear cups are not symmetrical (L/R)
• Can switch mic position for co-pilot
• Know how to set stereo/mono
and auto shut-off
• If you hear audio out of one ear, switch to mono
• Could be switches in the battery box
• A good ear seal is critical – take your time

58. Owner Tips
For better performance
• Replace your ear seals every 18 months
• Keep track of your volumes
• Intercom – volume of your co-pilot
• Radio – volume of ATC
• Headset – master volume for all (sync with co-pilot)
• Aux audio/phone – external volume (music, phone)
• Protect your investment with
a headset bag
• Turn off Bluetooth when not in use

59. Owner Tips
For better performance
• Carry extra batteries – always!
• Cable management – a little
Velcro goes a long way
• The lighter the headset,
the more a clothing clip matters
• Don’t leave your headset on
the glare shield in the sun
Battery Caddy 5676A $7.95
Velcro Wraps 2409A $3.75

60. Why buy from Sporty’s?
#1 aviation headset retailer
• We only sell quality headsets
• Same day shipping
• Two day delivery is standard
• Free shipping on Bose, Zulu,
Sennheiser
• Guaranteed lowest prices
• Dedicated after-sale support
Sportys.com/Headsets

61. Aviation Headsets
How to choose the right one
John Zimmerman
zimmerman@sportys.com